We stopped at this hotel which was near the Jacksonville Cruise Port. They also offer a cruise package at a reasonable rate which includes parking you car at the hotel while on your cruise, shuttle transport right up to the luggage area at the port. They unload your luggage and take it to the luggage area. The return shuttle was there waiting when we got off the ship.
The day of boarding for our cruise, the ship was delayed. We were due to board at 1pm. Due to problems with boarding, we were not able to leave for the port until 11:30 pm. The reservation assistant at the desk graciously allowed us to keep our room until we left. There were about 50 other cruise guests at the hotel and all were allowed the same courtesy. Snacks and coffee were provided all day long. All the staff that were on duty when we checked in the day before stayed until each and every one of the guests had been transported to the ship. They were gracious, patient and bent over backwards to give us what limited information was given to them by the cruise line. They never lost their smiles. I would definitely stay at this hotel again if cruising out of Jacksonville. You know ahead of time that you will be taken care of!!!! The rooms were very beautiful, clean and had a coffee pot, microwave and refrigerator in the room. Breakfast was a full breakfast and hot.Very Tasty!!! Internet was available and many people were accessing it. Bring snacks with you the only place to eat within walking distance is Wendy's. One of the port guys told us about a good mexican resturant about 3 miles down the road facing the hotel, we were not able to eat there due to the constant changing of our boarding time, but did drive by it was easy to find. It was in a little strip mall and looked like a nice place.

A ray of sunshine flies around the dining area spreading cheer to all and staying on top of her duties. Her name is Lorraine.

Six of us are ready for a fun trip on the Fun Ship to the Bahamas. This motel is very close to the terminal with a Wendy's next door. Very pleased with our stay!!!

Our stay started with Luke checking us in. He was very professional, helpful and very friendly. Our room was a standard room, clean with plenty of towels. Breakfast Thanksgiving morning was wonderful. Lorraine is the reason why. She makes you feel like family. We stayed at breakfast for 3 hours talking to Lorraine who was busy taking care of not only us but any other guest who came in. We are from the Jersey shore and are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Lorraine knowing we were away from home brought us a wonderful Thanksgiving meal on Friday. We have stayed at HIE quite often, none have had the quality staff that this hotel has. Thank You.

My family recently returned from a Carnival cruise in Jacksonville. This was my second time staying at the hotel. I chose it the first time because of its convenience to the cruise port. The second time I chose it was because of the friendly staff, proximity to the cruise port of course, the continental breakfast, and the overall value for my money. We were not disappointed! Luke assisted us late on our evening of arrival after a 12 hour drive. His bubbly personality, friendliness, and chipper disposition made for a great welcome. My family loved him because he joked right along with us and we could tell if we needed anything he was going to make sure to take care of it. It was definitely a great start to the trip. People in his positions who have such a great attitude need to be commended. He was the first face we seen and definitely represented his hotel with pride. I can't say enough good things about him!!! The hotel itself I feel could possibly use a little updating and repair. The bathroom tub seemed to be worn and the room was a little musty. Honestly, other than that I can't find anything negative to say! Oh...they do need a few more luggage carts! The staff at breakfast goes out of their way to accommodate you and make you feel at home. This hotel should be very proud to hire such energetic friendly people. It is like no other hotel I've stayed at. When we cruise out of Jacksonville again we will definitely stay at this hotel. I will recommend it to everyone I know!