Explore nearby Towns

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everybody, and welcome back to Jacksonville, Florida jacks Jax
as they like to call it. We have been going
over all things Jacksonville, particularly from a visitors perspective. We
have gone over weather. We've gone over transportation to Jacksonville

(00:22):
as well as transportation while you are in Jacksonville just
navigating the city itself. We've talked about the climate. We've
talked about the best time to visit. We've talked about
peak season, off season, in the shoulder seasons, which are
generally the best times to visit. We got into last time.

(00:43):
We talked about very upscale accommodations, which is my favorite.
I love talking about upscale commodations and when it comes
to accommodations, but we're going to talk about today it's
my second favorite, and that is a boutique hotels and
charming ends like bed and breakfast things like that. So

(01:03):
I just like things that are either like over the
top or different. I don't like doing the same old thing,
the same old holiday. And then there's nothing wrong with
that because I do them all the time. But when
I have a choice, you know it's going to be
upscale or at the top or it's going to be
like a boutique hotel or a bed and breakfast or

(01:25):
something with some charm too. Right, So beyond the gleaming
towers of luxury resorts and the familiar facades of chain hotels,
Jacksonville reveals a hidden treasure of it just incredible different

(01:47):
kinds of accommodations. And I'm talking about boutique hotels and
charming bed and breakfast. These establishments offer a unique alternative
to the standard hotel experience, adding a personalized touch and
a deeper immersion into the city's character.

Speaker 2 (02:06):
They cater to travel or.

Speaker 1 (02:07):
Seeking not just a place to sleep, but an authentic experience,
a stay that reflects the spirit of Jacksonville itself. Many
of these hotels are housed and beautifully restores historic buildings,
the architecture widespread and whispering tales of Jacksonville's rich past.

(02:32):
Imagine walking up and waking up in a room adorned
with antique furnishings, the echoes of bygone eras just lingering
in the air. Kind of sounds like my grandparents' house.
The William the Willard Hotel, for example, is a prime
example of this type of accommodation. It's elegantly preserved spaces,

(02:57):
offering a glimpse into Jacksonville's golden age. The staff often
possesses like an encyclopedic knowledge of local history, ready to
share anecdotes and insights that bring the city to life.
Their dedication to preserving the building's heritage extends beyond beer aesthetics.

(03:21):
They actively strive to maintain the integrity of the original
architecture and design features, providing a truly authentic experience for guests.
A stay at such an establishment is not just a vacation,
it's a step back in time, a journey into Jacksonville's
fascinating past. Alternatively, some boutique hotels have embraced a modern,

(03:46):
minimalist aesthetic, offering sleek, contemporary designs and state of the
art amenities. These hotels often boast of rooftop bars with
breathtaking city views, providing a setting to enjoy cocktails there
you go at sunset, or simply unwind after a day

(04:07):
of exploration. They might feature curated art collections, showcasing local
artists and adding the unique atmosphere of the hotel. In
contrast to the historic charm of some locations, these modern
boutique hotels offer a vibrant, energetic setting reflecting on the
contemporary spirit of Jacksonville. The modern approach doesn't necessarily mean

(04:32):
a lack of character. Instead, carefully considered design, use of
local materials, and the integration of art make these establishments
stand out from the cookie cutter hotels. And listen, both
of these are really cool, all right. There's nothing like
staying in a historic building or house or hotel that's

(04:57):
done right. I mean, it just reflects everything about the
particular city you're in in his history. It's also really
really cool to stay in some of these just a
modern style hotels or even bed and breakfast that have
been done this way. It's I mean when they say minimalists,

(05:17):
I've been in some there are absolute I think that
the shower and bathroom seem to be like pretty much
out out in the middle of the of the bedroom,
which was almost a little odd for me, but still,
I mean, it kind of depends on your mood. So
if you can plan your mood ahead of time, then
you know which one to book, right, I never can tell.

(05:40):
I'm just glad to get out of town sometimes and
go somewhere and have some fun. With my wife or
my friends from my family. The level of service in
these smaller establishments is often exceptional the staff to guest,
the ratio is typically a lot lower, meaning more personalized
attention and genuine feeling of warmth and hospitality. The hotel

(06:01):
managers often take a hands on approach, interacting directly with
guests to ensure their needs are met and they stay
in The stay exceeds expectations. This commitment to personal service
results in a memorable experience tailored to the individual preferences
of each visitors. From recommendations onto local restaurants and attractions

(06:28):
to arranging transportation or making reservations, the staff at these
hotels act as a personalized concierge service, ensuring a seamless
and enjoyable stay. Small thoughtful gestures like a complementary bottle
of local wine and I hope it is.

Speaker 2 (06:46):
Good wherever it is, I hope is good, or.

Speaker 1 (06:49):
A handwritten welcome note create a feeling of being truly
valued and cared for. Absolutely, right, I mean talking about
managers getting in with a guess at some.

Speaker 2 (07:02):
Of these smaller hotels. Absolutely. I know.

Speaker 1 (07:05):
We've gone to some of the bigger hotels and they
have like a manager's reception or something similar to that,
and you see the manager for that fifteen minutes because
you get a free cocktail. You never see him again.
No matter which situation, you don't see him again. Not
that that's a big deal, but that's not the way
it happens. With these smaller boutique hotels. They're actually involved

(07:27):
in your entire stay, which I think is pretty neat.
Lets you know, they really do care about you being
there and they care about.

Speaker 2 (07:33):
Your well being.

Speaker 1 (07:35):
Location is a key factor to consider when choosing a
boutique hotel. Some of some are situated in the heart
of downtown, provided easy access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
Others offer a quieter retreat nestled in residential areas or
near beautiful parks. Still, others may be located near the coast,

(07:59):
allowing for easy access to the city beaches. Researching the
hotel proximity to your desired activities is crucial for maximizing
your enjoyment of Jacksonville. Consider whether you prioritize easy access
or of attractions or a more peaceful, secluded environment. A
hotel location is directly impacts the overall experience and shapes

(08:22):
the kind of exploration that you'll engage in during your stay.
It's kind of like this. You can stay in the
best hotel, the one that fits your needs in everything
about it, but yet it's a forty minute drive to
all the things that you want to do on a
daily basis, the things that you want to check off
your list, you know, and then you add traffic to that.

(08:43):
So at certain times, I mean, you look at an
opp that's not cool, you know. I mean you kind
of want to stay in the heart of where you're
going to be doing your stuff. So think about that location, location, location.
Beyond boutique hotels, Jacksonville bows a collection of charming bed
and breakfast, each with its own unique personality and style.

(09:06):
These intimate establishments often feel more like home than a hotel,
kind of like Grandma's right, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere
and a personal touch that is hard to find in
larger accommodations. Many bed and breakfasts are located in beautiful,
restored Victorian homes or quaint cottages. My wife loves the

(09:30):
whole cottage thing, showcasing the city's architectural heritage. The hosts
are often deeply invested in the local community and passionate
about sharing their knowledge and insight with guests. A state
of bed and breakfast can be an opportunity to contact
with the local culture on a more personal level, engaging

(09:51):
in conversation with the hosts and learning about the hidden
gems of Jacksonville. So if you are a state of
bed and breakfast, don't be shy about going up to
the owner or the whoever's running running the B and
B and ask them questions. People love to talk about
what they do and talk about themselves. That's what that's

(10:12):
what they're there for, and you can learn a lot
and you'll probably make a new friend too. Breakfast, of course,
is a cornerstone of the bed and breakfast. I mean
it's half the title. So rather than a generic continental breakfast,
many bed and breakfast in Jacksonville offer delicious home cooked
meals featuring fresh, local ingredients. This can range from a simple,

(10:36):
simple but satisfying breakfast of fresh fruits, patry pastries, more
elaborate spread of eggs, bacon, pancakes, local specials. The quality
of the breakfast is often a highlight of this day
and I hope they have biscuits, providing a delightful start
to each day.

Speaker 2 (10:55):
Moreover, the you know, gravy and.

Speaker 1 (10:57):
Biscuits, sausage, gravy and biscuits. Who doesn't love that? If
you don't like that, there's something wrong with you anyway. Moreover,
the communal dining experience can be a fantastic way to
meet fellow travelers and exchange stories about their Jacksonville adventures.
Ending Finding the right boutique hotel or bed and breakfast

(11:22):
in Jacksonville requires a little bit of careful consideration, and
of course, you know, it's all about your priorities. Do
you prefer the vibrant energy downtown or the tranquil seclusion
of a coastal setting. Do you value historical charm, contemporary
design or a blend of both. What level of service

(11:43):
are you seeking. Once you've identified your preferences, you can
begin your search.

Speaker 2 (11:49):
Online.

Speaker 1 (11:50):
Travel agencies are a good starting point, but also take
time to explore the website of individual hotels and bed
and breakfast to get a sense of their unique atmosphere
and offerings. Reading reviews from previous guests can also provide
valuable insights into the quality of the accommodation and service
in this particular area. Reading the reviews and reading more

(12:15):
than the first two or three is paramount. I mean
you need to do that. You need to look for
the outline one stars or two stars, and then you
need to see if those are consistent with each other.
So if there's a recurring problem, you need to know
what it is. Maybe it's a game changer, maybe it's not.

(12:35):
There's always these people that complain about everything, and you
know that's why when they go on vacation, you know what,
they need to go to Complainer's Island and they just
need to stay there. I don't need you in my
life if you're a dagum complainer instead of complaining about it,
find a way to fix it and make it better,
save me from having to listen to it. And you
a whole lot of energy from talking about it and

(12:56):
letting it just eat you alive.

Speaker 2 (13:00):
Anyway.

Speaker 1 (13:01):
Remember, the availability can vary depending on the season, so
booking in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons, is always recommended.
Contact the hotels or bed and breakfast directly to inquire
about your availability special offers. They may offer packages that
include breakfast, transportation, and or other amenities potentially providing cost

(13:24):
savings and enhancing your experience. By taking the time to
carefully research and select your accommodations, you can ensure that
your stay in Jacksonville reflects your personal style and preferences,
creating a truly memorable and authentic experience. Don't overlook the
opportunity to ask locals for recommendations. Many residents have strong

(13:46):
opinions about their favorite hotels and bed and breakfasts, and
their insights can provide valuable insight beyond the scope of
online reviews. Finally, keep in mind the details. Check for
amenities such as Wi Fi parking and pet policies. Consider
accessibility needs if applicable. By paying attention to these small

(14:09):
but important details, you can ensure your stay is comfortable
and enjoy Jacksonville. Selecting your right accommodation is a key
element and a successful trip. It's a very, very important element,
so don't hesitate to take your time and select an
option that resonates with you and your travel style and

(14:31):
budgetary constraints. I hope you don't have any budgetary constraints.
That would be nice, wouldn't it. The careful consideration of
these elements will ensure a perfect stay in Jacksonville. Whether
you choose the elegance of a historical boutique hotel or
the cozy charm of a local bed and breakfast, each
option offers a unique opportunity to dive into the heart

(14:52):
of Jacksonville's vibrant spirit and create lasting memories. Your journey
to discover the perfect Jacksonville come coommodation is filled with
numerous options, and the possibilities are a diverse and captivating
as the city itself. So when you go to Jacksonville,
now you know the best places to stay. Because we've

(15:13):
covered all the fun ones. We can get into the
mid range hotels a little bit later on. I definitely
want to talk some culinary delights and restaurants and nightlife
in Jacksonville. You know, I almost forgot that. There's a
couple other things that I really wanted to discuss, and
one of those is the surrounding areas of Jacksonville. There's
some great places with some great restaurants and some great

(15:36):
hotels and short drive from Jacksonville.

Speaker 2 (15:41):
One of those is Saint Augustine.

Speaker 1 (15:42):
Is the oldest city in the East Coast as far
as I know, maybe one of the oldest cities in
the country. I need to brush up on my history
on that one a little bit, but it has as
a little marina right there. They bring some big yachts
and stuff in there. There's waterfront dining and also some

(16:04):
really cool historic hotels. There's just a lot of fun
to stay in. And also just you know, just to
the north of Jacksonville you have Amelia Island and Jacky Island,
which I think is actually Georgia, but it's just it's just.

Speaker 2 (16:19):
North and there's also great dining.

Speaker 1 (16:21):
Amelia Island has two amazing hotels on it, uh, the
Omni and the Ritz, both with very dynamic restaurants, and
they're right on the beach. So you know, you really
can't beat you know, where Jacksonville is. But even though
Jacksonville is a huge, huge city as far as acreage

(16:44):
and mileage square miles, but just to get out of
the city a little bit, there's some other great places
to go. So keep that in mind and listen, we'll
we got a lot more to talk about with Jacksonville.
You know, it's it's the end of mark ento February
right now, so it's getting warmer now. It's a great

(17:04):
time to be heading down to Jacksonville. You know, you
get those shoulder seasons, uh, spring coming up. Great, great,
great time. Go ahead and make those reservations and get
get that vacation started. Maybe I'll see you down there. Anyway,
y'all have a great day, God bless see you next time.