Baymont by Wyndham Jacksonville Orange Park

We left without staying and went somewhere else. Looking into the reviews after we arrived, we saw reports of roaches, and what we'd already seen wasn't worth overlooking. We came from D.C. for a family member's wedding, and Wyndham had booked this location for us four months ahead. As soon as we pulled in, it felt unsafe and run-down: people who appeared to be on drugs were hanging around the lot, there were bullet holes in nearby fences, the pool was brown and dirty, and broken blinds were visible in all the rooms from the parking lot. We were surprised by the number of positive comments, but now think reviews for other, better Baymont locations may be making this one look sound. I'd tell people to check Trip Adviser reviews for this specific location. Baymont hotels aren't all alike. Avoid 8555 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville Fl, with the roaches, crime, and poor quality.

The staff were okay, and the woman working breakfast was the friendliest. But this was one of the worst hotels we've stayed in in Florida. We arrived about 3.30pm and saw a huge sign warning that the hotel was under no circumstances liable for damage to cars in the parking lot. Usually you see a small sign like that at reception, so it stood out. Our room was nothing like the first photo on the booking website: dark blue, dingy, dirty, with a tiny bed. We paid another $10 to switch rooms. After 4pm, lots of trucks arrived. Many construction workers stay here, and their large work trucks were noisy coming and going. Our room was behind stairs, and the workers played loud music on the balcony, chatted, smoked, and dropped cigarette butts by the door. The TV didn't work, so someone from reception offered another move. We agreed, but the ground-floor end room behind the next block was worse. The dark paint seemed like it might be hiding stains and damage from workers. The bathtub had cigarette burns all over it, there were cracks everywhere, and I had to clean the TV remote before touching it. The area felt unsafe, with many people who seemed homeless or on low budgets apparently living in this hotel and the one behind it.

We've stayed here before, but this time my room was right by the stairway and it was much louder. That's why I gave the room 4 stars. Next time I'll remember to ask for one away from the stairs!

The rooms were really clean and quiet, and breakfast was good. I just wish there'd been ice water to have with breakfast 😔. Besides that, I had a good stay 😊.