Looking for a cozy, calm, and active Florida vacation? Look no further than Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast in Amelia Island!
Built in 1905, this expansive home welcomes you to share its history and charm. Located right in the historic Old Town Fernandina Beach, you’re a hop, skip, and a jump away from the restaurants, shops, and waterfront, while being less than two miles from the nearest beach.
This 4-star Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast made my husband’s birthday weekend extra special and romantic. If you’re looking for charming places to stay in Fernandina Beach, I can’t recommend Hoyt House enough!
In this review, I will share the key features of Hoyt House B&B and include an overview of our experience at the end, allowing you to determine if this stay in Amelia Island is the right choice for you!
Hoyt House Highlights: What Sets This B&B Apart
First Impressions & Ambiance
As we walked up to the historic home, we couldn’t help but notice the well-manicured, lush landscaping and inviting wrap-around porch (and porch swing!)—it looked even better than the photos!
Inside, the Victorian architecture, dark wood, elegant chandeliers, velvet couches, and antique decor felt like we had traveled back in time while still feeling clean and welcoming.
The Rooms & Comfort
Hoyt House B&B offers 10 spacious rooms that vary from Queen and King rooms to suites and penthouses with a couch and full-sized bathtub. No two rooms are alike, so you’re in for a one-of-a-kind stay!
We stayed in room 7, “The Wadleigh,” and in contrast to the dimly lit, dark, and moody community spaces, our room was bright, airy, and spacious. The soft sheer curtains and pops of purple made it feel luxurious and romantic all at the same time. Adding to the charm, room 7 also featured one of the home’s original hand-tiled fireplaces (non-operable). The luxurious waffle knit robes hung on the rack waiting for us to settle in, unwind, and relax.
We really appreciated the modern touches including cable TV (we were able to watch playoff games) and high-speed wifi.
Because each room is unique, you can browse them here to see which type you like best!.
Complementary Homemade Breakfast
At Hoyt House, you don’t have to worry about pre-packaged pastries, sad rubbery eggs, and questionable-looking sausage. The dedicated morning staff makes a fresh and delicious breakfast each morning, spread over three courses. The crème brûlée French toast was our favorite!
No weak or bitter coffee here—you can choose from simple drip coffee or K-Cup coffee.
Breakfast is served each morning at 8 or 9 am. After you check in, you can sign up for your desired time slot by filling out the paper in your room.
Amenities That Elevate the Stay
Since we planned our Florida staycation in the winter, we knew we wouldn’t spend much time at the beach, so it was important to us to find an Amelia Island accommodation with all the bells and whistles.
While hunting for an accommodation, I was immediately drawn to Hoyt House B&B because of its amazing reviews, amenities, and visual charm—all at an affordable price point!
Here’s a rundown of the extras we took advantage of during our stay:
- Outdoor Hot Tub & Pool – Pamper yourself in the hot tub or refresh with a dip in the pool, enclosed inside the fenced-in backyard for a private experience.
- Wrap-Around Front Porch & Swing – The ideal place to sip on your morning coffee and people watch.
- Cozy Library with Books & Games – I couldn’t dream up a cozier spot to curl up with a good book, work on a puzzle, or have some lighthearted fun with a board game.
- Complimentary Bikes – A fun way to explore Fernandina Beach with ease.
- Retro English Style Pub: Fully operational, you’ll be treated to complimentary beer or wine each evening from 4 to 5 pm, or pay extra for libations of your choice. *Closed on Sundays
Location & Convenience
Located in Old Town Fernandina Beach, adjacent to Main Street, and under 5 miles away from Fernandina Beach and Fort Clinch State Park, staying at Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast couldn’t be more convenient.
Being in downtown Fernandina Beach means plenty of Amelia Island restaurants right at your fingertips!
For Daryl’s birthday dinner, it was only a three-minute walk to get to Ciao Italian Eatery. The proximity to town helped our weekend play out stress-free. Instead of mapping out all of our dining plans in advance, we could be more sporadic, walk around, and decide last minute where we wanted to eat.
Parking
Parking at Hoyt House is included. Just be aware of the angled, one-way parking. To leave, you need to make a 3-point turn to exit, which could be annoying if you plan on coming and going.
Thankfully for us, we walked and biked everywhere, so we didn’t need to move our car during our long weekend in Fernandina Beach.
Hospitality
The owners, Jamie and Todd, are wonderful hosts! During check-in, they gave us a tour of the property and provided us with the information needed to feel right at home.
Our Overall Experience at Hoyt House B&B
My husband and I spent 2 nights at Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast in January of 2025 to celebrate his birthday, and we had the relaxing and romantic trip we dreamed of!
The calm and historic nature of Amelia Island and a manageable 4.5-hour drive from St. Pete were the original reasons we considered visiting, but to be honest, Hoyt House’s charm convinced us to travel to Fernandina Beach.
From delicious homemade breakfasts in the dining room to rainy mornings on the porch swing and romantic evenings unwinding in the hot tub, this bed and breakfast checked all our boxes and then some!
We had anticipated renting bikes to explore Fernandina Beach, so it was a fun surprise learning the bikes were included!
All in all, we had nothing to complain about! Our weekend stay at Hoyt House has been my favorite Florida staycation yet—at some point, we’d love to come back!
Who Will Fall in Love with Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast?
Here are the types of trips that I think would be perfect for Hoyt House:
- Romantic Couples Trip: Whether celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just looking for some quality time together, the home’s luxurious offerings combined with the low-key nature of Fernandina Beach will allow you to give each other undivided attention.
- Solo Travelers: This peaceful retreat will be perfect for those looking to reset mentally and emotionally without distractions.
- Floridians Looking for a Calm Staycation: Whether you’re looking for a change of environment or wanting to escape the chaos of big city life, Hoyt House offers comfort and coziness that truly feels like a home away from home—it’s the perfect Florida staycation!
Reserve Your Room at Hoyt House for a Peaceful Stay in Amelia Island
Hoyt House is one of the best places to stay on Amelia Island. If you’re interested in staying in downtown Fernandina Beach, don’t wait—with only 10 rooms, spots at this bed and breakfast are limited! You can review room options, check prices, and book your stay here.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, a couple looking to slow down and spend quality time together, or a solo traveler seeking self-discovery and reflection, I’m sure you’ll enjoy staying at this historic home just as much as we did!
My Finding’s Tip: Looking to save money? Want to beat the crowds? Plan your Amelia Island vacation in the offseason (fall and winter).
Best Things to Do in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island
Amelia Island is a place that oftentimes gets overshadowed by more popular Florida destinations like Key West, 30a, or Siesta Key. If you aren’t familiar with this under-the-radar town, here are some of the top things to do in Fernandina Beach:
- Relax on Amelia Island’s Stunning Beaches: With over 13 miles of pristine coastline, Amelia Island offers a beach for every type of traveler.
- Step Back in Time at Fort Clinch: Explore this well-preserved Civil War-era fort, stroll along scenic maritime trails, and hunt for unique shells or shark teeth along the shore. Entry is $6 per car, with the fort open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Tee Off on a World-Class Golf Course: Amelia Island is home to stunning golf courses designed by legends like Dye, Fazio, and Palmer.
- Speed Across the Water in a CraigCat Boat: These compact, go-kart-style boats offer a thrilling way to explore the waterways. Book a 2.5-hour guided CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach to captain your own boat and spot dolphins, manatees, and coastal wildlife.
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