Hampton Inn Jacksonville-I-295 East/Baymeadows

This hotel is primarily noted for its convenient location, offering easy access to key areas, making it a practical choice for various travelers. Its signature feature is its excellent proximity to the Mayo Clinic and St. John's Town Center, positioning it well for medical visitors, shoppers, and business travelers seeking convenience. While many guests appreciate the complimentary breakfast, recurring themes in reviews highlight significant inconsistencies in room cleanliness and maintenance, as well as issues with hot water availability. For pet owners, the hotel is accommodating, though some aspects of the pet policy could be improved. To ensure a smoother stay, it is advisable to confirm the hotel's specific local resident policy if you are from the area, and to verify hot water functionality upon check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
Feedback on the hotel's facilities is mixed, with several areas needing attention. The swimming pool is frequently reported as being closed or out of service, which disappoints guests, especially families hoping to use it. While a fitness center is available and generally described as functional, some guests noted it was occasionally closed or lacked certain equipment. Issues with elevators are common, with reports of them being dirty, slow, or out of order, impacting guest convenience. Similarly, ice machines on various floors are often found to be broken. Some guests experienced problems with Wi-Fi connectivity and the digital key system, requiring reliance on physical key cards. A convenience shop is available in the lobby, but some found vending options limited or expensive.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most significant and recurring concern among guests pertains to cleanliness and room comfort. Many reviews describe rooms as dirty, with stained carpets, unkempt bathrooms, and visible hair. A pervasive musty or moldy smell is frequently reported, often accompanied by dampness and wet carpets, suggesting humidity and maintenance issues. Guests have also encountered roaches in their rooms, which is a major detractor. Room condition is often described as dated or worn, with various broken fixtures such as AC units, TVs, phones, blinds, and bathroom doors. While some guests found the beds comfortable, others reported them as lumpy, uncomfortable, or noisy. Hot water availability is a widespread issue, with many experiencing only lukewarm or no hot water in the showers, coupled with low water pressure and leaking showers.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast generally receives positive feedback from guests. Many describe it as great, awesome, and offering a good variety of options, including hot items like eggs and waffles. The food is often praised for being fresh and tasty, with some guests noting it surpasses typical hotel breakfast quality. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies, such as cold coffee or a lack of certain items like cream cheese or specific breakfast meats due to supply issues. Despite these minor drawbacks, the breakfast is largely considered a highlight of the stay. Additionally, guests appreciate the convenience of having several restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, providing diverse dining choices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. Guests find it very convenient, offering easy access to major highways, including I-95 and I-295. Its proximity to the Mayo Clinic is a significant draw for medical visitors, while its closeness to St. John's Town Center makes it ideal for shoppers and those seeking entertainment. Many restaurants and shopping options are within walking distance or a short drive, enhancing the overall convenience. For those traveling further, the hotel provides good access to the cruise port and is about 25 minutes from the beaches. Parking is available, though some guests have noted it can be limited, and there have been specific issues regarding trailer parking.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, courteous, and attentive, particularly during check-in or when addressing specific requests. Some individuals are singled out for providing excellent service. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as rude, unprofessional, or unresponsive, with instances of perceived indifference or lack of customer service skills. Housekeeping is a frequent point of contention, with many guests reporting rooms not being cleaned daily, or at all, during their stay, and some finding rooms only superficially cleaned. Issues with digital keys and credit card processing during check-in have also been reported, causing frustration for some arrivals.

Additional Information
A highly contentious and frequently mentioned issue is the hotel's policy of not allowing local Jacksonville residents to stay, which has led to canceled reservations and significant inconvenience for many. The pet policy requires an additional fee, and the designated pet relief area is often described as inadequate, with reports of dirt, mud, and broken glass. Some guests who stayed during hurricane evacuations felt the hotel lacked empathy and engaged in questionable pricing practices. There are recurring complaints about payment issues, including credit card processing problems and alleged double charges. The hotel's overall age and condition are often noted, with many areas appearing dated or in need of significant renovation. Guests have also reported various TV issues, such as non-functional sets or blocked channels. Furthermore, multiple instances of fire alarms going off unexpectedly have been reported, disrupting guests' sleep.