What a great way to start 2025||I have traveled less in the last few years due to increased pricing and my opinion on value. I decided only to visit places close enough to drive for short stays at affordable rates. It is hard to justify checking in after 3 p.m., departing by 11 a.m., and spending $300 for less than 24 hours if you are doing an overnight trip. My go-to was always Jacksonville Beach, just a couple of hours away. I could enjoy long walks on the beach and easy access to multiple dining options. However, two days and nights with meals & gas is nearly $1000. Now, I have a new preferred destination: Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast. It is a much more affordable destination closer to home with a great culinary scene and many fabulous venues featuring live music; all wrapped up in a package your wallet will appreciate.|As a member of the hospitality industry, I find it challenging to stomach the lack of commitment to the guest experience and customer satisfaction, in addition to the inflated rates that have become prevalent since COVID-19. I hate feeling like a number and the decline of standard amenities that have disappeared. My first choice for short trips will always be coastal towns. I love being close to the ocean and intercoastal waterways, especially during the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. Apalachicola and its southern charm and hospitality far exceed all of my expectations. The guest experience and commitment to service throughout the community have spread to all four corners. The townspeople have created a culture that warms the heart and leaves you wanting more. |As a “SINC” single with no children, the holidays are always an opportunity to escape. I have to say, over the four decades I have been in the industry three as an entrepreneur, I can count the number of NYEs I have been on the sidelines on one hand. Being free from service obligations this year, I decided on a last-minute getaway instead of staying home. I spontaneously jumped in the car and headed for the Forgotten Coastal town of Apalachicola. It had been way too long since my last visit. I’m a massive fan of the proximity to all the restaurants and the downtown vibe. The oysters never disappoint, and it’s a very cocktail-friendly environment. The charm of Apalachicola is second to none. The drive from the surrounding areas is therapeutic and calming. The coastal highways leading to Apalachicola are picturesque. You can feel your heart rate reducing and the chill factor increasing exponentially as each mile brings you closer to crossing the last bridge before entering the historic fishing village. |To my delight, I searched for lodging options and stumbled on The Majestic Jewel on Avenue E & 6th, just a few blocks from the excitement of downtown. I spoke with the owners before booking and was very impressed with their friendliness and ability to answer my questions and inquiries about access to the amenities. The weather was glorious. Exploring the streets and seeing all the fantastic homes and marina didn’t disappoint. My Bike mode of transportation was perfect for my local tour of the museums, galleries, and restaurants. I checked into their largest room, the Vintage Rose Suite, on the first floor. It was charming, embracing everything reminiscent of Southern Grandeur infused with modern amenities and immaculately maintained. It was affordable and one of the best lodging values in Apalachicola—pure southern hospitality with a vintage ambiance in the middle of the historic district. My trip to the once-private home of the Flatauer Family was a home run from minute one. |I brought the owners a couple of bottles of my favorite bubbles and some hand-crafted Egg Nog that packed a serious punch. Happy Hour on NYE became an impromptu gathering of guests and some of Greg & June's neighbors. We sipped champagne, nibbled on some delicious hors d’ oeuvres, and listened to stories of the town and The Majestic Jewel's history. Later, I joined them in their golf cart and hit up a couple of places with great live music and bustling patrons. The Yacht Club was the highlight of our bar crawl; the band was very entertaining, and the adult beverages flowed effortlessly. |Greg and June quickly became good friends. Their hospitality and beautiful home are, without a doubt, The Jewel of Apalachicola. I plan to be a regular customer in the future. Consider a visit to this fantastic property and its delightful hosts. The Majestic Jewel feels like a home away from home, with its rich heritage, vintage décor, and commitment to excellence, which is the heartbeat of Apalachicola. Congrats, Greg & June, for creating something extraordinary and restoring your property to its historic splendor of...
Read moreSpent 4 days in the 1908 Historic Majestic's Studio apt. that is attached to this grand ole home that also rents out suites decorated in historical period of that era. The apt. has full sz. appliances, well stocked kitchen with cozy cafe table for two, Americana decor throughout. Separate Bedroom/ Sitting area with tv, and a tub/shower combo bathroom with a door. The bed was the most comfortable we have found in renting, with high end linens provided. In fact, no detail has been overlooked by the owner, June, even Epson salts to soak in after a long ride there or shopping all day. Within walking distance of everything, old cemetery, historical church, museums, restaurants, shopping, and a short distance by car to neighboring towns and the beach. The apt. has everything at your fingertips. The side street parking has a sturdy ramp too, which we used to go right into the building and straight back to the Studio on the main floor. We were told when we called to find out more about if the Studio apt. would be right for us, that we were welcome to use all of the main houses' amenities, which was nice. I called 1 850 288 1000 and the owner answered all of my questions and was so nice and helpful. We hope to return as this is one of our top B&B's we have visited. The house also has a self-guided tour of history and pictures of the house. The suites have full access, use, to the kitchen of the main house which is a unique plus if you should want to cook or on a restricted diet. There is a laundry area for all of the guests which is a bonus. The house has been lovingly& historically restored and is immaculate as is the Studio apt.! We would give it more than 5 stars...
Read moreWe actually booked through Airbnb, but you can book directly with them. We stayed in the Ebony Rouge room and the place was beautiful. This is a restored historical home and has the character that comes with it. The furnishings and decorations are luxurious and I felt spoiled staying here. Our suite had a large, stand-alone tub with a an attached handheld shower head. Shampoo, bath gel, and bath salts provided. The bedroom also has a unique and beautiful, roomy shower compartment with a rain shower head. Both ways to bathe felt luxurious. One of us could soak and use restroom while the other could shower. Coffee was provided either regular brewed or k-cup methods with a variety of sweeteners and creams. They also provided bananas, oatmeal, granola bars, water, soda, and the like. We drank coffee and ate several meals on the wraparound porch. The porch is shared, but has multiple areas set up so you can enjoy without be in someone else’s space. We walked to shopping and restaurants a couple times a day because this is located close to the central area of shopping. We were very pleased...
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