JACKSONVILLE, Fla. & MCLEAN, Va.—DoubleTree by Hilton today opened DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, situated directly on the Riverwalk, which connects to Friendship Fountain Park. Formerly a Crowne Plaza, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront opens following a $12-million property-wide renovation that includes a complete redesign of the lobby, meeting spaces, restaurant, and guestrooms. The hotel is owned by Sotherly Hotels, Inc. and managed by Chesapeake Hospitality.
“Today marks the second DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opening in Jacksonville this year. We are honored to be a part of this booming economy in such a beautiful city,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.
The 10-story, 293-room DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront debuts a fresh makeover that celebrates the hotel’s mid-century modern architecture. Designed by award-winning firm Resort Interiors, the hotel’s fresh, new design aesthetic is marked by a chic, two-story atrium lobby and design touches influenced by the structured bridges and soothing waterways of northeast Florida. Throughout the hotel, guests will enjoy an inviting metropolitan atmosphere enhanced by natural sand, grey, and blue hues, as well as driftwood-inspired design touches celebrating the area’s coastal environment. Guest rooms feature contemporary accommodations and balconies where guests can take in the beautiful surroundings.
Throughout their stay, guests are offered complimentary amenities, including a large 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 Wi-Fi 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. Guests can also visit Ruth’s Chris Steak House with views of the St. John’s River. At Riverview Lounge, guests can relax with a cocktail before or after dinner in a casual atmosphere. Room service is also available for guests seeking in-room dining options.
With 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 4,600 square foot ballroom, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront can accommodate weddings, special events, and receptions for up to 500 people. Many of the 19 meeting rooms feature floor-to-ceiling views of the St. John River. For smaller group meetings, the hotel offers the Meetings Simplified by DoubleTree by Hilton package from $35.00 per person, which includes the meeting room, basic meeting Wi-Fi, meeting supplies including a flipchart, markers, extension and power cord, and all day non-alcoholic beverage service. Onsite catering is available to enhance any function.
“Our hotel has been a landmark for the city of Jacksonville and has hosted everyone from presidents and foreign dignitaries to Elvis Presley. We look forward to carrying this tradition into the next generation as we open the doors to DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront,” said Shawn Frisbee, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront.
DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront’s central location offers access to local attractions such as 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.
