Hampton Inn / Grand Hotel story

This past June, downtown Fernandina welcomed a newcomer to its century-old tradition of grand hotels with the opening of the new Hampton Inn and Suites - Amelia Island at 19 South Second Street, directly across Front Street from the Fernandina Harbour Marina.
The addition of a large hotel to the Victorian atmosphere of Fernandina's downtown historic district may well evoke memories of the late 1800s and early 1900s, when grand hotels like the Egmont, Strathmore and Keystone enabled visitors to Fernandina to relax in style and comfort during their stay.

     The driving force behind the Hampton Inn and Suites is Miriam Taylor and Co., Inc. This award-winning hotelier has constructed unique, creative hotels for 15 years. One of Ms. Taylor's recent projects in Mooresville, North Carolina, was named the #1 Hampton Inn in the nation.
    The exterior of the Amelia Island Hampton Inn & Suites is constructed in an array of architectural styles and facades. The idea is to make the hotel appear to be several different buildings on one streetfront, similar to the buildings along Centre Street. Most of the colors represented on the
exterior of the new hotel were taken from other historic buildings within the downtown area.
    As you enter the Hampton Inn and Suites, the lobby area is highlighted by an atrium that features an artist's rendering of four scenes that are prominent in Amelia's past - the railroad, the lighthouse, shrimpboats and Centre Street. Also found on the ceiling of

The atrium features a ceiling mural depicting scenes from Amelia Island's history.
_________________________

the atrium are significant dates from the island's four centuries of history beginning with 1562, when Frenchman Jean Ribualt became Amelia Island's first recorded European visitor.
The hardwood floor in the lobby has its own bit of history. It was originally installed in a Jacksonville church in the 1880s. Some of this wood was also used in the exercise room, which features the latest in fitness machines, four televisions, and a view of Fernandina Harbour Marina.
Across the lobby from the front desk and atrium is a cozy reception area, complete with fireplace, sofa and bookshelves.

The cozy lobby area comes complete
with a fireplace.
_______________________

     The Hampton Inn & Suites features 122 units - 61 suites and 61 standard rooms. About one-half of the rooms come with fireplaces and jacuzzis.
    The suites are equipped with stove, microwave, and refrigerator.
    The new hotel may take its decorative cues from the 19th century, but in terms of facilities and technology it is very business-friendly. The Hampton Inn and Suites has meeting and banquet space that seats up to 125 people. The large room comes complete with a nautical decor on the walls and a projection

screen that is "power point" ready. A small board room seats up to 10 and is also "power-point" ready.
For those guests who aren't part of a conference, the on-site business office is available and features a complete computer setup with internet access. All rooms at the Hampton Inn & Suites are equipped with a data port which is separate from the phone line.

The cozy Breakfast area overlooks the pool deck in the foreground and the Amelia River in the background. Every morning, the breakfast buffet features over 50 items including waffles, pancakes, biscuits, sausage gravy, hash browns, bagels, muffins, doughnuts, cereal and more. In the evening, guests can come to this room and enjoy wine, beer and a large selection of hors d'houvres.
For more information on the Hampton Inn and Suites - Amelia Island, call (904) 491-4911, or visit www.hamptoninn-suites.com

The elevated pool area has a beautiful view overlooking the Amelia River and Fernandina Harbor Marina.
___________________________