I'm a big fan of the Holiday Inn Express brand - so much value for the money... theoretically. The payoff is in the execution, however, and I found it somewhat lacking at this HIE location.

The primary rationale for this location's existence is to function as a one-night, pre-cruise crash pad and transportation service to the JAXPORT. Cruisers stay here for that transit service - if this HIE can't absolutely nail that function, then one might well consider staying elsewhere.

Don't get me wrong - the three person shuttle team worked like the proverbial one-legging man in a butt kicking contest to get everyone to and from the port in a timely fashion - Edward, Sheila and the shuttle coordinator hustled all the way. I just don't think that management has given them the resources needed to do the job right.

A better ride registration system (perhaps using an iPad?) is needed, along with a better method of notifying guests when their ride is ready to go (using the hotel TV channel?). We almost missed our ride because we were left off of a handwritten list. The service might also benefit from giving the shuttle drivers two-way radios so that they can report their location to the shuttle coordinator.

I also think a third shuttle van is needed on days when the Carnival Fasciation both arrives and then later leaves on the same day (as was the case when I returned from my cruise). There are simply too many bodies to move to and from the ship (some even being transported directly to the airport, a rather lengthly trip) for the process to run to anyone's satisfaction. My group stayed over one night after the cruise and so we spent a bit of time in the hotel's lobby (waiting for a rental car to arrive), and listening to the grumbling and complaining of those waiting for their ride to JAXPORT told a tale of near failure. I'm sure all those folks made it to the port on time, but not many of them seemed particularly happy.

I also thought the breakfast buffet was subpar by HIE standards. The pancake maker didn't work on either of the mornings I ate there - might as well put it in the closet (I suspect there wasn't any batter on hand). The biscuits were rock hard (a sheet of foil over the warming pan would have kept them moist). Worst of all - no cinnamon rolls. I was told that the cruisers really cleaned them out - curious, but shouldn't such demand be planned for, given the primary purpose of this location? Was the influx of cruisers a surprise? How do you run out of the signature breakfast buffet item?

Bottom line: I get the feeling that management doesn't embrace their cruise-centric role as fully as they should - they're doing a passing job but hardly up to expected HIE standards. Maybe this location is great for regular guests, but my impression is that cruisers are being shortchanged.

Plusses: the outdoor heated jacuzzi was the bomb and the outdoor pool was also heated (for real), making it usable in mid-January. The reception desk was staffed by very friendly and helpful folks.

Need to Know: The only food available for those without transportation is the next door Wendy's. There are some delivery options, however.

The staff at this hotel are very courtious, obliging and friendly. The bed was very comfortable. The hotel is very clean and well maintained. The breakfast was excellent and coffee,tea and cookies were available 24 hrs/day.

After reading the reviews for this hotel I was expecting more, it's just a Holiday Inn Express in the end. It's a nice hotel, especially for the price, but if this is the #1 hotel in Jacksonville, I'd hate to see the middle of the road options.

Asked for a "King Suite".... ended up with a room that seemed pretty standard to me, but I guess it was the suite because it had a chair and table?? I don't know, but it didn't meet my definition of suite.

Everything was clean, and in good shape. The hotel has been built/redone in the style of the newer HIE hotels, the beds are very comfortable and the fixtures and bathroom setup is nice. I wish they'd put the shower heads higher up on the wall, but that's a personal preference. Flatscreen TV, but no HD. Couldn't get wireless internet to work, had to use an ethernet cable, which was no problem in the end just slightly annoying.

Service was very friendly and attentive. Breakfast was well stocked and attended, but lacked variety. Seemed like mostly the same things every day.

Easy to find right off the highway, but the location is not good for anything other than a cruise the next day. Only thing in walking distance was a Wendy's and a gas station. 10 minute drive to any shopping, restaurants, etc.

Fitness center consisted of 4 cardio machines. Business center was a computer on a desk in the lobby. Pool/hot tub/patio area was nice, other than backing up to the highway, a little cold during my stay to use it though.

Also, another thing that I found lacking....... none of the external doors locked. Normally you would use a key to come in any door at night, but none of them locked, ever. Wide open to anyone looking to come in, good thing there was nothing around so no reason for people to be there.

Overall pretty average, if you're looking for value this is good. If you're going on a cruise, perfect. Anything else, maybe keep looking.

It's to see an HI Express being the top-rated hotel in a city as large as Jacksonville. Anyway, this was a very good one-night pre-cruise stop for us, located only about one mile to the cruise terminal. The property appears to be fairly new. It's certainly clean and orderly, with nice rooms (very good shower and mattress) and helpful, courteous staff.
We didn't eat the continental breakfast but it looked consistent with what you'd find at any chain hotel in this price range.