Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island

The honest review

Amelia Island's headline resorts (Omni, Ritz-Carlton) sell a full-service, amenity-heavy experience at a matching price. Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island takes a different, budget-conscious angle: 133 smoke-free suites, all with full kitchens and separate living areas, a short walk from Amelia Island Beach. For a family staying five or more nights, the ability to cook real meals instead of eating out every day changes the trip's total cost meaningfully — and free hot buffet breakfast is included on top of that.

The pool setup is modest but functional: a year-round outdoor pool with a hot tub and outdoor fireplace for cooler evenings, plus free bicycles for exploring the island at a kid's pace rather than driving everywhere. The 24-hour fitness center includes Peloton bikes for parents squeezing in a workout around nap schedules. The hotel's location near Camp Amelia, Amelia Island's dedicated kids' club offering swimming, art projects, and both indoor and outdoor play, gives families the option of a few structured hours for kids without needing to book a full resort's in-house program.

The honest tradeoff: this is an extended-stay hotel, not a beach resort — there's no direct beachfront, no water park, and no elaborate kids' club built into the property itself (Camp Amelia is a separate, nearby program, not an on-site Residence Inn amenity). Rooms are functional rather than luxurious. For a family prioritizing space, a real kitchen, and value over resort spectacle, this is one of the smarter picks on Amelia Island — especially for trips longer than a long weekend.