"Jacksonville is a place where we like to go out and have a good time." Numa C. Saisselin, the president of the Jax-located Florida Theater, wrote in a recent editorial. When the good time ends, what do the approximately 23 million people who come to Jacksonville annually do next?
Those who are staying overnight would do well to check into The Hotel Indigo Jacksonville-Deerwood Park, located on a lovely brick-lined street, 9840 Tapestry Park Circle, that dead-ends at an unnamed lake.
The no-name lake has a beautiful boardwalk offering enjoyable walkabouts.
Situated just 15-20 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, about the same timeframe to Jacksonville's beaches, and only minutes from the upscale shopping and dining experience of St. John's Center, the Hotel Indigo Jacksonville-Deerwood Park is in a pretty darn good location.
But are the rooms, guest service, food and surrounding neighborhood also pretty darn good, pretty darn bad, or just pretty darn mediocre?
Let's dive in.
Donna and I have spent many a night at this locale. We always appreciate that the room feels much bigger than 408 square feet. They are always clean, have a nice-sized bathroom and unusually large shower.
Pro-tip: Get a room with a view of the unnamed lake.
Unfortunately, my first visit found the bed and pillows not too comfortable. But over the years, I have gotten used to them. They are now to my liking. Donna has always enjoyed the comfort and quality of the beds.
The hotel restaurant, 98 Forty East Bar and Bistro, is open for breakfast and dinner.
My first visit to the hotel was a solo trip. The breakfast service was slow. I waited 10-15 minutes for a waitress to bring water and tea. The friendly waitress was clearly being overworked.
The omelette was decidedly average. I paid $30 (in 2023) for a veggie egg white omelette, fruit bowl and tea.
Since then, I've passed on the bistro for breakfast and have taken Donna to Another Broken Egg Cafe, a pleasant two-minute walk away.
I was equally unimpressed with the dinner menu; none of it was healthy. I would suggest following the red brick road of Tapestry Park Circle to the wonderful III Forks Steakhouse. They provide excellent service, food and wine.
A tip of the cap must be given to the wine at 98 Forty East Bar and Bistro; it was good. Though the bar can be open later.
The Hotel Indigo Jacksonville-Deerwood Park front desk folk are pleasantly conversational.
One evening, after I had gotten back from a Buckcherry concert, they offered to start the fire pit just for me! On another stay, the front desk employee engaged Donna and I in the pluses of Jacksonville as well as Daytona Beach.
Hotel Indigo Jacksonville-Deerwood Park sits in the Tapestry Park Neighborhood. It seems that a lot of stores in this section of the 3.4 million square foot park are either closed or not yet open.
I've seen near every square foot of Tapestry Park. I can say that the area in which another hotel, the Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park, resides is livelier. Aloft Hotels is also a Marriott brand. They are rated as upscale.
The Hotel Indigo Jacksonville-Deerwood Park is perfect for business travelers and overnight stays. It is not a place one would look for if luxury is the goal of the vacation. If you go, you will enjoy a solid stay and leave knowing that a return trip would be to your liking.
The Hotel Indigo brand is rated upper upscale by Smith Travel Research. The 21-year international chain has 156 hotels and 15 resorts with plans to double its portfolio over the next three to five years. Parent company IHG Hotels took to social media touting the 2025 opening of a Hotel Indigo in Tijuana. It is slated to receive guests in May.
Please like, comment, and share.
You can sign-up for exclusives and first-to-know news! Photos IHG Photo USA Today Me
See ya soon!
~30~
Comments