We were staying for a mini-getaway here in Jax while going to the Rascal Flatts concert this week. I looked at the Hyatt, the Omni, and the new Hilton Garden location but having stayed at many CP hotels including Orlando, Atlanta and Melbourne Beach I chose the CP Riverside expecting my usual pleasant and comfortable stay.
I hate to say it but the experience was not what I am used to with Crowne Plaza but it was not terrible either. I am taking the time to write this review because I want others to know this is not a bad hotel, but make sure you understand you are paying for the location and view only. I found this hotel to be in need of major renovations but I was still paying the price for a brand new hotel in other cities.
The good....views are great over the river to the downtown buildings and The Landings. The front desk was pleasant and helpful as was the rest of the staff. After calling down for a taxi the valet had a nice towncar waiting on us before we could even get off the elevator. Our housekeeper however was the most sweet and lovely lady with a great sense of humor and I think the highlight of our stay! She is the type of employee that I would love to recruit to work for my company.
Eating - Ruth's Chris - We didn't go this time but have before and it is a great dinner experience over the river. Many people complain about the price, but it should be expected, it is nothing new to anyone who has dined at a Ruth's Chris, Morton's or any other traditional steak house before. It is well worth the price for the delicious and enjoyable experience and this particular location has great serive with a beautiful riverview while you dine.
The not so good.....the rooms are in need of a serious update. Old 27" TV's (which now I note are missing in the picutres online so that you don't see what you are getting ahead of time), old green tacky bathroom tiles and wallpaper, gaps in the plumbing valves and handles were broken, scratches all over the face of the bathroom vanity,old worn out towels and a lack of premium toiletries for this price point, only one useable electrical outlet in the room which I needed for the laptop, the iron, the cellphone chargers, etc. The room definately needs more outlets which are not hidden behind the bed and therefore not useable. The airconditioner didn't work well. I read a review about this and hoped it was just that particular room. Sadly this was not the case and our A/C did not work well either and I assume this is probably the same in the entire hotel. There were no chairs or table on the balcony to sit and enjoy the nice view over the river. This was odd to me since I paid roughly $50 more a night for the riverside of the hotel versus the city view. For comparison points the room price was $175 per night for a King bed room with river view and balcony.
I didn't call to have anything corrected because we were only staying for a few nights and were out doing things most of the time. Just remember you are paying for the location and views here but you might want to bring your folding chairs to enjoy your balcony.....(sorry for the tongue in cheek comment on that one - I just had to say it again.)
