A perfect week of quiet and relaxation!
I just arrived home from the Staybridge Suites in Jacksonville, and I am already missing my room! It's a four-year old property that offers a ton of amenities. Each suite has a nice-sized living room, a full kitchen with a stove, microwave, fridge and a breakfast bar, plus a large bedroom. In terms of space, it's fantastic. There is lots of room to spread out and work, or relax on the sofa and watch tv. The hotel is extremely quiet, which is wonderful. I worked from the suite every day for over a week, and the whole time I was there, I never heard a sound. I never heard anything at night either, which made for an extremely restful sleep. I found the bed to be very comfortable as well. In the morning, they have a full hot breakfast with anything you could want, including delicious, fresh made Belgian waffles. 24 hour coffee is available in the lobby, which is just heavenly if you're a late riser like me. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, they offer a fantastic complimentary happy hour, complete with wine, beer, and the fixings to make a light dinner (chili, salad, and on one night, a bar-b-que).The pool and whirlpool are on the small side, but were not at all crowded, and I enjoyed swimming several times while gazing up at the pine trees. There are many positives to discuss, but I think the absolute best feature of the hotel is, by far, the staff. Obviously, they are well-trained in customer service, because they were exceptionally friendly and accommodating. I am a very late sleeper, and don't wake up until noon on some days as I make my own work schedule and am generally up very late. Every day, around 2:00 p.m., I would go down and ask to have housekeeping sent up, and like clockwork, the housekeeping staff would come in and make the room look like new. Everyone who works at the hotel was always wearing a smile, and it was easy to see that they truly understand the idea of "hospitality." Another wonderful aspect of staying there was the fact that it is directly across the street from a shopping center. Since my friend would take the rental car during the day (she was there on business), I was without a car, so I could easily walk right across the street and have lunch or get a manicure/pedicure at the exceptionally clean salon there. The location is also very convenient to many places of interest, such as the beach, the "town center" and the Riverside/Avondale neighborhood. It's also a short 45 minute drive to the spectacular St. Augustine. We had so much fun each evening and on the weekend, exploring the various areas. Even though it's good to be home, I have to say I miss the comfy chair, blackout curtains and personal touch of the staff (including complimentary popcorn in the room!) If you want a spacious, clean hotel with a super friendly staff and lots of extras, this is the place for you!