Sea Cottages of Amelia — Hotel in Fernandina Beach

How often can you stay in an enchanting, private space nestled under towering oak trees in which-- if you choose Cottage 3 and a few others--you can lie in bed, open your window, and enjoy a soft breeze washing over your pillow as you gaze at a squirrel scurrying up his tree just so close?! Another bonus is the apartment-sized refrigerator ( but only a microwave--no stove), and a nice, heavy blanket for the winter months. I mention this because so often hotels fail to provide this necessity. The grounds and buildings are well kept, and they've thought of everything for comfort: outdoor shower for your sandy little ones, or your weary, beach combing feet, wagons for hauling on the longish walk to your cottage, and outdoor seating for lovely, quiet times. They even provide a little "book house" where you can take one / give one. If you're an avid reader, bring some of those books accumulating on your shelf to trade. And finally-- the boardwalk. Somehow winding your way under majestic trees while you saunter above ground is just magical... As you walk, take note of the variety of plants, all personally chosen by someone with heart, and a love for nature. One seldom sees all these in one place except at nurseries-- but even they don't have some of the unique specimens. Also, since this is an excellent example of how to design natural landscaping with plants that do well in our sub tropic climate, I wish the plants were labeled so that guests could take that knowledge back with them to enhance their own living spaces. Only one huge caution: the cleaning chemicals are strong and harshly smelly. For the safety and protection of children, pets, and people with allergies this may be a deal breaker. You can call ahead and ask them to clean only with vinegar. Prior to our visit, my friend did request this ( her 3rd time staying there). However, for me, the chemicals were still so strong I sadly had to depart early. Unfortunately, much as I would love to return, it's a no win until they change chemicals, or set aside some cottages which are cleaned solely with safe alternatives: vinegar, Bon Ami (scouring powder without bleach) substitute for Comet, and hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting. The rooms are great, but if you can't stay in them...the reason for...

My family and I stayed at the Sea Cottages for five nights and absolutely loved it. We were within walking distance to the beach and they even provided wagons to tote beach stuff which was first come, first serve. It was exactly what we needed. We stayed in the one bedroom and kids slept on the pull out couch (no complaints from them on sleeping conditions and trust me we would have known!). Our bed was comfortable, a little on the harder side than mine at home but nothing too bad. They supplied dishes and silverware as well as had a microwave, an induction cooker with pots and pans (limited) and a full size coffee pot with a few coffee packets and sugar/creamers. Seating is limited to a table with two chairs and of course the couch when not using as a bed. Do wish there could be another chair of some sort but it worked for our family of two adults, a 16-year-old, and a 7-year-old. So glad we could bring our fur baby and it was nice to see all the other friendly dogs as well. If you have to take the dog out for the bathroom, the further you are down the boardwalk you have to walk the whole length to find a potty spot which is limited…you can’t just walk right down from your porch because it is closed off. It didn’t bother me and I actually enjoyed the little stroll but just letting others know. The parking lot is right there so it’s not far from unpacking and packing back up. Staff was nice and always working on keeping up with the grounds or cleaning rooms as people were leaving. Loved the boardwalk and being able to be “in the woods” but at the beach at the same time. Super close to a lot of different things to do from beaches, restaurants, shops, hiking, parks, and so much more. I would highly recommend this for a small family (or rent out a couple of cottages) or even a couple wanting to have a nice, quiet, and relaxing getaway. I hope we will be able to come back here again and again. ||Recommendations: |-bike riding (rental from the beach store & more)|-sliders seaside grill (outdoor seating and live music)|-Egan’s Creek Greenway (walk or bike) beautiful area with lots of wildlife|-Fort Clinch State Park|-Boneyard Beach|-Island Time (downtown- ice cream) |-Ships Lantern ( downtown- cute shop) |-Amelia Surf Co. (clothes, surf gear,...

My family and I stayed at the Sea Cottages for five nights and absolutely loved it. We were within walking distance to the beach and they even provided wagons to tote beach stuff which was first come, first serve. It was exactly what we needed. We stayed in the one bedroom and kids slept on the pull out couch (no complaints from them on sleeping conditions and trust me we would have known!). Our bed was comfortable, a little on the harder side than mine at home but nothing too bad. They supplied dishes and silverware as well as had a microwave, an induction cooker with pots and pans (limited) and a full size coffee pot with a few coffee packets and sugar/creamers. Seating is limited to a table with two chairs and of course the couch when not using as a bed. Do wish there could be another chair of some sort but it worked for our family of two adults, a 16-year-old, and a 7-year-old. So glad we could bring our fur baby and it was nice to see all the other friendly dogs as well. If you have to take the dog out for the bathroom, the further you are down the boardwalk you have to walk the whole length to find a potty spot which is limited…you can’t just walk right down from your porch because it is closed off. It didn’t bother me and I actually enjoyed the little stroll but just letting others know. The parking lot is right there so it’s not far from unpacking and packing back up. Staff was nice and always working on keeping up with the grounds or cleaning rooms as people were leaving. Loved the boardwalk and being able to be “in the woods” but at the beach at the same time. Super close to a lot of different things to do from beaches, restaurants, shops, hiking, parks, and so much more. I would highly recommend this for a small family (or rent out a couple of cottages) or even a couple wanting to have a nice, quiet, and relaxing getaway. I hope we will be able to come back here...