Elegant Comfort, Stately Appointments, and Fine Dining

The waters of an aquamarine swimming pool undulate atop a fourth-floor roof, reflecting muted lights from surrounding buildings at night and glistening year-round in abundant sunlight by day. Perched a block from the St. Johns River, the sundeck bordering the pool reveals panoramic views of the river's serpentine path through downtown, with multiple bridges criss-crossing the waterway. In the Omni Jacksonville Hotel's lavish lobby below, stately wooden pillars rise above glossy marble tiles that shine under light of a blue-hued dome and semicircle sconces. Deluxe rooms above host 362 square feet of chic décor and furniture, including a love seat, an easy chair, or a loveseat stuffed inside an easy chair.

Upon descending the hotel's dramatic grand staircase, guests can promenade around a lofty floral arrangement to find Juliette's Bistro, where a pair of breakfast plates quells morning hunger pangs. Come evening, Juliette's spread of steaks and fresh Florida seafood serve as hearty complements to the small plates from J Bar, the hotel's sleek watering hole. Bartenders mix libations until the wee hours, allowing night owls to sip wine or cocktails long after the sun has gone to bed.

Downtown Jacksonville: Lively Recreation and Entertainment on Scenic St. Johns River

St. Johns River corrals the bustling downtown district in the blocks surrounding the Omni Jacksonville Hotel, creating an area rife with both manmade and Mother Nature–supplied diversions. Riparian riders can board water taxis to traverse aquatic thoroughfares, and landlubbers can hop on a downtown trolley—some of which are free of charge—to explore eclectic galleries and cafés. Pedestrians need only stroll five minutes from the hotel to touch down at Jacksonville Landing, a waterfront hub with more than 70 shopping, dining, and live-music venues.

A plethora of verdant parks bestows a touch of natural beauty to downtown's cosmopolitan environs. The sprawling Riverside Park—in the historical Five Points neighborhood about a five-minute drive from the hotel—was established in 1894 and charms modern-day visitors with a glistening lake. Directly across the river from the hotel is the charming Southbank Riverwalk, where walkers can saunter along wooden boardwalks while gazing at passing yachts, taking care not to fall into the extravagant, glowing Friendship Fountain.