Duval Inn

I never got to use my reservation. I called 12 days before the booking, two days past the 14-day change policy, to ask if I could move my vacation dates. I wasn’t trying to cancel, and understood they might not allow a change. The desk staff said they had availability for the new dates and that emailing the owners could work. The owners never replied, and each time I called, staff just told me to send another email. After several unanswered messages, the last response I got from the desk was basically, “No reply means that’s your answer, deal with it,” followed by, “By the way, we’re now booked for those dates.” I understand I was outside the policy I agreed to, so I’m not upset that they couldn’t change it. I’m upset about the repeated miscommunication and the missed chance to admit some fault and reach a resolution. Buyer beware.

We’d stayed at Duval Inn before and enjoyed it, so this experience was especially disappointing. We had a nonrefundable room booked through our credit card company, but an unexpected medical issue meant we couldn’t travel on those dates. We understood the terms, and were willing to pay an upgrade fee, keep the booking nonrefundable, and simply move it to another date. The hotel sent us straight back to the card company. We called them twice, and they genuinely tried to help, including offering a $50 travel credit and attempting to reschedule us. They couldn’t get the hotel to assist, and the hotel wasn’t willing to help us at all. We won’t stay here in the future.

The closet’s sliding door was broken, and the lights kept going out. There’s no smoking anywhere on the property or in the parking area. Breakfast was terrible, served in a tiny cubicle office with nowhere to eat. The front desk woman was not accommodating at all. Be careful if you pay online. After we’d paid $4,000, they wanted another $350 deposit on arrival. There are no refunds, no matter the reason, so don’t pay online.

We’ve stayed here twice now, in both the Marlin and the Ocean. The rooms are small, but that’s fine since we’re hardly in them. It’s convenient for everything, and only half a block from Duval without feeling like it. The courtyard is lovely, quiet, and peaceful. The bed was comfortable, and the staff were so friendly. There’s a nice little breakfast with free mimosas, and we got fresh towels when we needed them. We didn’t ask for room cleaning, though they would have done it if we had. If you want a big resort, keep looking. For a peaceful stay, a great location, and friendly staff, this is a beautiful little gem.