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We are planning a stop in Jacksonville on the southbound Florida train and will stay in the Downtown/St Johns area. Between the Hilton, Radisson, and Omni, is there much difference? (The Hilton seems the best pricewise and pointswise) Also, how far is the Jacksonville station from that Downtown/St Johns area? Would the best way to get Downtown be a taxi? On leaving, is there a problem with arriving at the station and hanging out there if the train is late? Thanks!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I believe all of the hotels are pretty close to eachother. The station is way far out of town, the only real way to get downtown is by taxi. It's a good six or more miles out of town. Hope you have a good time! Be sure to walk on the riverwalk along the St. Johns and if your a railfan then be sure to check out the old Union Station, now known as the Prime Osborn Convention Center, it's right by downtown and you can take the people mover right there. Also, there is a lot of train action around town and it is always fun to watch trains cross the draw bridge downtown.
Posts: 82 | Registered: Aug 2004
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Thanks very much, NARR! If anyone else has any Jacksonville advice, it's most welcome. We will not have a car--is there a way to use trains or other public transport to get to the beaches or Amelia Island? Do then have some interesting public transport, or is it all buses?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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There used to be a public bus that took you downtown from the station - stops right outside. Doesn't take much longer than the taxi, and a lot cheaper.
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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I'm from Jacksonville and our public transportation is not of the best. "You can't get there from here". Your best bet would be a rental car and then you are free of any restrictions. And the station is in the boondocks, don't expect any amenities. A few snack machines is about all.
Posts: 19 | From: jax, fl, usa | Registered: Mar 2004
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I don't know about the Hilton or Omni. I would not stay at the Radisson. We were there a year ago and the first room we were offered had mold all over one wall, a filthy bathroom and worn carpet, bedding, etc. We asked for another room and got one that had recently been redone but it still had a musty smell to it and a cracked and leaking toilet. The rest of the hotel was a bit shabby and service in the restaurant where we spent two hours while waiting for the second room was very, very, very slow. You almost got the feeling that they had to send out for the food. Should a club sandwich take an hour to make and serve?
Best,
Frank in cloudy SBA.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I'd suggest either the Hilton or the Omni. I've heard the Hilton is nice, and new. The Omni is a VERY nice hotel with a roof-top swimming pool. I used to stay at the Omni when I had business with CSX. The Omni is only a block from Jacksonville Landing, which has several nice restaurants right on the St. Johns River.
Jacksonville Brewing Co., on the south side of the St. Johns, is a good place to eat. You can reach it by taking the peoplemover across the Acosta Bridge from the Omni. In fact, do ride the peoplemover. As noted above, it will take you to the Osborne Convention Center (former Jacksonville Union Station) as well as a lot of other places.
If you're just going to be there overnight, I wouldn't bother with a rental car unless you want to check out lots of trainwatching sites. I always did without a car when I visited Jax; there's lots of stuff within walking distance of the Omni.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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In regards to returning to the Jacksonville station and just waiting around there if your train is late; This should not be a problem. The station is reasonably pleasant and there are generally enough people around to keep it from being unsafe. It's not a bad place to watch trains and there is a covered outdoor patio on the trackside of the station where you can while away some time.
HOWEVER, if your unexpected wait happens to fall over a meal time then you've got an issue. There is a McDonald's about a three quarter mile hike (you can see the big sign from the front door of the Clifford Lane Station) and across a pretty busy 4 lane road from the Amtrak station. Shoulders of the road are wide and sandy....no sidewalks.
------------------ David Pressley
[This message has been edited by notelvis (edited 09-15-2004).]
Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Thanks for the info, everyone. I will be sure to bring some food with me when I go to Jacksonville Station!!!!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Jacksonville is one of my most frequented cities and train stations. There are no rental cars at the station and the closest pickup location is at the airport, about a $20+ cab ride. Hertz does allow you to return cars to the station. The bus or taxi would be the better choice for a short visit. Amelia Island is a long drive and would cost a fortune by taxi. It is a nice area but not really worth the effort. As for hotels, I have stayed at the Omni and the Adams Mark, both downtown, and both are top notch hotels in convenient locations. On the south side of the river there is a Hampton Inn next to a peoplemover stop which would be my third choice. The peoplemover is an interesting ride and you should check out the old Jax Terminal Station which is adjacent to one end of the line. And, yes, the station is fine for waiting on a train...very safe, lots of rail action right outside, and they usually have a TV turned on. McDonalds is the only nearby eatery and I'd not recommend the walk. Pick up food at the Jacksonvilel Landing...right near CSX HQ.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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Thanks for all the info! Not sure if the Jacksonville trip is quite as doable with the new schedule, but still considering it.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Thanks for all the info! The Hampton Inn is sold out on the days I'm interested in, some convention, I suppose. But the Hilton has a pretty good rate. Not sure if the Jacksonville trip is quite as doable with the new schedule, but we're still considering it.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I hope your trip works out! What problem has come up with the train schedule? I haven't stayed at the Hilton ince it was rebuilt or remodeled but the view has to be beautiful since it is on the riverfront. It is still easily accessible to the peoplemover.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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I also meant to ask, is there a good side (left, right?) or part of the train (front? back? sleeper car?) to book a sleeper on (a) Train 97 from NYC to South Florida (taking a sleeper) (b) Train 98 from South Florida to JAX (traveling coach) (c) Train 98 from JAX to NYC (traveling coach) As I mentioned in the other post, I generally prefer to sleep on the right side facing front, but I would be willing to do something else if the views are nicer, certain parts of the train are a lot quieter or more comfortable, etc etc. Thanks for the info!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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JAX is a nice place and a public bus route stops a half-block from the station which is essentially safe and full of people most of the time and a great place to watch trains. Go there! The hotels are good--nothoing wrong with them. Be sure to walk on the river walk and watch the traffic on the St. Johns River. A nice city of more than 1 million population. The beach is 17 miles to the east, though but it's possible to go there by public bus cheap. The ride is nice. DO IT! (I live 50 miles south of JAX.)
Posts: 287 | From: Palatka, FL, USA | Registered: Feb 2004
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