Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Sitting right on the beach, this charming boutique hotel wouldn't be amiss in Nantucket, except for the palm trees that flank it. The large three-story home with 1890s-style shingle architecture features a lovely wraparound porch and patios ideal for lingering in on one of the rocking chairs and taking in the beachy view.Interiors are quaint and homey, with a subtle seaside touch courtesy of details like model boats, shells, blue-green glass bottles, and oceanic prints on the walls. The cozy living room-like lobby has comfy couches and starfish-patterned armchairs around a stone fireplace; its mantel festooned with a model ship. Color schemes are neutral, paired with wooden floors and furniture. The charming dining room, lined with windows offering lovely beach views, has light teal walls paired with white window trimming. The wooden tables and chairs are topped with blue place settings and tiny vases of flowers. The inviting lobby is peppered with thoughtful touches like dispensers of iced water, fresh fruit, and cookies on hand for guests to enjoy. These kind of considerate details can be seen throughout the lodge, from free beach chairs and umbrellas to the free morning breakfasts and evening hors d’oeuvres that invite camaraderie among guests and promote a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, it's a quaint property that's big on charm, which is what has guests (families and couples) coming back for repeat visits.

The hotel is situated on the beach and surrounded by homes, condos, and a couple of other small hotels. It's in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, a barrier island north of Jacksonville. The property is located right by Fort Clinch State Park, the main entrance of which is a five-minute walk away. Beach walkers have miles of sandy shore to traverse, but there's not much else within walking distance. Fernandina Beach's town center, with restaurants, cafes, and bars, is about a five-minute drive away. There are a handful of cultural attractions around there, like the Amelia Island Museum of History, the Welcome Center and Shrimp Museum, and several art galleries. Jacksonville International Airport is around a 45-minute drive away.

Rooms are clean and feature tasteful contemporary decor with subtle beachy hints. Some rooms have colored walls, such as pale ochre or beige, that are paired with wooden floors and furnishings, while white-trimmed shutter windows complement the beige rugs festooned with white geometric patterns. Beds are topped with plush white bedding and neutral-hued accent pillows and bed runners. Seaside-themed framed prints adorn the walls and armchairs provide seating. Many rooms have lovely beach views, though some face the street or parking lot.Amenities are a bit spare, limited to flat-screen TVs, alarm clocks, phones, and free Wi-Fi. There are no tea/coffee facilities or mini-fridges/minibars.Bathrooms are as charming as the bedrooms, also with framed prints dotting the walls and some with white shuttered windows. Most have shower/tub combos, though fixtures are a bit dated; some of the rooms have whirlpool tubs or rainfall showers. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are provided, as are waffle-comb robes.Beyond rooms in the main building, there are four rooms located in the adjacent Ocean House. These are larger and all have whirlpool tubs, plus two have a lovely balcony/patio. Families, groups, or those wishing for more privacy might want to opt for the two-bedroom cottage, which has a kitchen, living room, and dining room, as well as a beach view deck with rocking chairs.

Features add value to a beach vacation. Free breakfast is served daily in the hotel's charming restaurant that's lined with windows overlooking the beach, plus alfresco seating is available on the patio. Breakfast includes a buffet of yogurts, cereals, oatmeal, and fruit, as well as made-to-order dishes like stuffed French toast, veggie frittatas, pancakes, and southern biscuits with sausage gravy. Another highlight are the free evening hors d’oeuvres that are accompanied by wine and beer. Other than these freebies, the restaurant is also open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, as well as providing 24-hour room service.The lobby area has a small library corner with books that guests can borrow. Ice water along with free fruit and cookies are available here as well. The reception area has shelves stocked with souvenirs for sale, including hats, robes, mugs, wine, and jams. There are many outdoor areas to relax in too, including a wraparound porch with rocking chairs and a patio lined with Adirondack chairs.The hotel has direct access to the beach and supplies beach chairs and umbrellas. Other amenities offered include free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a meeting room available for various functions. Parking is free.