Full of Surprises

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, y'all, and welcome to All Things Jacksonville, a visitor's
guide to your front row seat to exploring Florida's largest
city by land area and one of its most underrated gems.
From sprawling beaches and scenic riverwalks to craft breweries, seafood chacks,
and a thriving art scene, Jacksonville is full of surprises

(00:22):
waiting to be discovered. We'll take you beyond the guidebooks,
diving into the best neighborhoods to explore local each to
saber and can't miss events that give the city its
unique charm. Whether you're in town for sun sports or
something spontaneous, We've got your Jacksonville adventure covered. Let's go.
We got into last time, we talked about very upscale accommodations,

(00:49):
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 I just like things that are
either like over the top or different. I don't like

(01:10):
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 something with some charm too. Right.
So beyond the gleaming towers of luxury resorts and the

(01:32):
familiar facades of chain hotels, Jacksonville reveals a hidden treasure
of it just incredible different kinds of accommodations. And I'm
talking about boutique hotels and charming bed and breakfast. These

(01:54):
establishments offer a unique alternative to the standard hotel experience,
adding a personalized touch and a deeper immersion into the
city's character. They cater to travel or seeking not just
a place to sleep, but an authentic experience, a stay
that reflects the spirit of Jacksonville itself. Many of these

(02:18):
hotels are housed and beautifully restores historic buildings, the architecture
widespread and whispering tales of Jacksonville's rich past. Imagine walking
up and waking up in a room adorned with antique furnishings,

(02:40):
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, offering a glimpse
into Jacksonville's golden age. The staff often possesses like an

(03:03):
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. They actively
strive to maintain the integrity of the original architecture and

(03:27):
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,
minimalist aesthetic, offering sleek, contemporary designs and state of the

(03:51):
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
of exploration. They might feature curated art collections showcasing local

(04:13):
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
a lack of character. Instead, carefully considered design, use of

(04:37):
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
done right. I mean, it just reflects everything about the

(05:01):
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,
I've been in some there are absolute I think that
the shower and bathroom seem to be like pretty much

(05:22):
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.
I'm just glad to get out of town sometimes and
go somewhere and have some fun with my wife or

(05:45):
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
managers often take a hands on approach, interacting directly with

(06:07):
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 to

(06:28):
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 good wherever it is,
I hope is good, or a handwritten welcome note create

(06:52):
a feeling of being truly valued and cared for. Absolutely right,
I mean talking about managers getting in with a guess.
At some of these smaller hotels. Absolutely, I know we've
gone to some of the bigger hotels and they have
like a manager's reception or something similar to that, and

(07:14):
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 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 your well being. Location is a key factor

(07:36):
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, allowing for easy

(08:00):
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 the kind of exploration

(08:23):
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. So at certain times,

(08:44):
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. These intimate

(09:07):
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 whole cottage thing,

(09:31):
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 in conversation with

(09:52):
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 what they're there for,

(10:13):
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, simple but

(10:37):
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. Moreover,
the you know, gravy and biscuits, sausage, gravy and biscuits.

(11:01):
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 in Jacksonville requires a

(11:24):
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 are you seeking. Once

(11:45):
you've identified your preferences, you can begin your search online.
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

(12:05):
valuable insights into the quality of the accommodation and service
in this particular area. Reading the reviews and reading more
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.

(12:29):
So if there's a recurring problem, you need to know
what it is. Maybe it's a game changer, maybe it's not.
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,

(12:49):
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
letting it just eat you alive. Anyway. Remember, the availability
can vary depending on the season, so booking in advance,
particularly during peak tourist seasons, is always recommended. Contact the

(13:11):
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 savings and enhancing
your experience. By taking the time to carefully research and
select your accommodations, you can ensure that your stay in

(13:32):
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 opinions about their
favorite hotels and bed and breakfasts, and their insights can
provide valuable insight beyond the scope of online reviews. Finally,

(13:56):
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 but important details, you
can ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoy Jacksonville. Selecting

(14:16):
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 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

(14:40):
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 of Jacksonville's vibrant spirit
and create lasting memories. Your journey to discover the perfect
Jacksonville come commodation is filled with numerous options, and the

(15:03):
possibilities are a diverse and captivating as the city itself.
So when you go to Jacksonville now you know the
best place is to stay. Because we've 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. We're

(15:24):
going to hit that up next. And speaking of bed
and breakfast, just so everybody knows that today is my
twentieth year wedding anniversary and doing these podcasts about bed
and breakfast just made me think, you know what, it's
time to book it. I'm going to get a last minute,
last second booking, and we're going to go to a
cool little bed and breakfast, not in Jacksonville, but in Charleston,

(15:47):
South Carolina, because we'll have a little staycation a night
and have a good time. So anyway, twenty years in
the books, how about that. It's absolutely amazing. So anyway,
I will talk little Jacksonville with you next time, and
I'll let you know how how our bed and breakfast
and Charleston went till then God bless