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Even though Amelia Island Plantation has been rated an AAA four-diamond property since 1980, the decor of the accommodations vary. The only way to be certain that you will get a unit worthy of a four-diamond rating, executives assure us, is to use a service that works with Amelia Island Plantation's reservationists. The units that owners place in the resort rental pool must meet certain standards. Owners who rent their lodgings on their own don't have to meet such criteria. That's why the comfortable sofa and dinette set the owners describe over the phone to potential renters may be more like the one your great-aunt had in her apartment in the fifties.
Tip: Request the most recently renovated accommodations. Also, ask for lodgings within walking distance of the Amelia Inn where Kids' Club Amelia, the popular pools and some restaurants are located. However, guests cannot be guaranteed lodging in a particular complex.
Rooms in the Amelia Inn, renovated in 2007, average about 450-square-feet without balconies (600 with). The rooms have either a king bed and a sleeper sofa (good for young kids) or two queen beds (no sleeper sofa). The color scheme is a pleasing blend of mustard and beige with wood furniture and a high, modern faux leather headboard. The desk has good lighting and a convenient outlet for your laptop.
Hooray -- all lodging features free Internet. Guest rooms in the Amelia Inn also have: a stocked refrigerator, coffee maker with free packets of coffee, bathrobes, and a safe. A door separates the sink and vanity from the toilet and the tub/shower combination. Except for the outward curving shower curtain rod, the tub/shower looks dated, but it's clean and functional. The Amelia Inn's hotel rooms are big enough for families who don't mind sharing a room with their young kids and gradeschoolers.
Sandcastles, a beachfront complex of villas (condos) completed renovations in 2008.
According to executives, these units are likely to be furnished more similarly than those in other complexes. Sandcastles is also within walking distance of the Amelia Inn. One bedroom units typically range from 686-square feet to 896-square feet.
What's the look? Think "Tommy Bahama" with pomegranate and sea green colors, painted palm trees and tropical flowers on accent pillows, and furnishings. Although the decor is not slick or trendy, it is Floridian and comfortable.
Typically in a one-bedroom unit, the main area is rectangular. The full kitchen in the rear opens to a dining area that merges into the living room. Furniture includes a flat screen television, arm chair and couch (most are sleeper sofas). Windows overlook the beach. The living area and master bedroom can access the balcony. With a king bed, the master bedroom would be cramped with a crib, but there's ample room in the living room or hallway between the bedroom and the bath.
Cribs, playpens, bedrails, rollaways and high chairs are available at no extra cost.
Some villas such as Sandcastles have washers and dryers on the floor. Other lodgings such as Beachwood and Courtside have washers/dryers in the units. The Amelia Inn has guest laundry facilities on property.
Hotel rooms and villas come stocked with the typical amenities: soap, shampoo, body lotion, cotton balls and Q-tips.
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