JACKSONVILLE, FL—The DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfont has opened here. Formerly a Crowne Plaza, the hotel completed a $12-million property-wide renovation that included a complete redesign of the lobby, meeting spaces, restaurant and guestrooms. The hotel is owned by Sotherly Hotels, Inc. and managed by Chesapeake Hospitality.
The 10-story, 293-room hotel features midcentury modern architecture. Designed by Resort Interiors, the hotel’s aesthetic is marked by a two-story atrium lobby and design touches influenced by the structured bridges and waterways of northeast Florida. Design elements include a color palette of natural sand, gray and blue hues, as well as driftwood-inspired touches meant to celebrate the area’s coastal environment, according to the brand.
Amenities include a riverfront pool and sundeck with cabanas and loungers, a newly expanded 24-hour fitness center featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool and city skyline, a 24-hour connectivity zone with computers and printers, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Among the hotel updates is a new restaurant, St. John’s Provision Co., offering all-day dining with a selection of locally influenced entrees such as Mayport Shrimp and Grits and the Fried Green Tomato BLT. Other F&B options include Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Riverview Lounge and room service.
With 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including a 4,600-sq.-ft. ballroom, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront can hold events with up to 500 people. Many of the 19 meeting rooms feature floor-to-ceiling views of the St. John River.
The hotel is located close to the Museum of Science and History, Friendship Fountain, Jacksonville Zoo, the Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center and the historic districts of San Marco, Riverside and Avondale. The city is also a popular travel destination for a number of special events, including the Gator Bowl and the annual Florida-Georgia football game.
Situated directly on the Riverwalk, which connects to Friendship Fountain Park, this is the second DoubleTree by Hilton to open in Jacksonville this year.