AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (December 6, 2011) – On January 2, thousands of college football fans will travel to Jacksonville Everbank Field for the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl. Fans of Ohio State University and University of Florida will gather to watch the Buckeyes take on the Gators. Visitors to North Florida can set up a home base for the game on Amelia Island, located only 45 minutes from the stadium. Several of the island’s award-winning resorts, hotels, and inns are offering discounted specials and packages for the Gator Bowl. Win or lose, visiting fans can score big by planning a stay before or after the big game to enjoy Amelia’s beautiful beaches, delicious dining, and exciting activities.
The following accommodations on Amelia Island are offering specials and packages for the Gator Bowl:
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
During the Gator Bowl, the 86-room Amelia Hotel at the Beach is offering a special third night free package. Available December 27 through January 23, the package includes amenities such as free parking, Hot & Healthy breakfast daily and complimentary wireless internet access. Rates may vary by room type and are based on availability. Individuals must call to book the package.
(877) 263-5428, www.ameliahotel.com
Amelia Island Hampton Inn at the Beach
For Gator Bowl Weekend, the Amelia Island Hampton Inn at the Beach is offering a third night free on reservations of at least two nights, at a rate of $129 per night plus tax for a double room. The offer is based on availability.
(904) 321-1111,
www.ameliaislandhamptoninn.com
Blue Heron Inn
The newest property in town, the Blue Heron Inn is offering two packages for Gator Bowl visitors. The first package includes two tickets to the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s New Year's Eve Black and White Gala Masquerade Ball, for an evening of music, dancing, dinner and drinks, as well as complimentary shuttle service. The package starts at $250 per night (on December 29 - January 2) with a four-night minimum. The second package offers guests one free night with a four night minimum. Both packages include a complimentary bottle of champagne as well as all the standard amenities the Blue Heron Inn, such as complimentary gourmet breakfast, daily Social Hour, freshly baked cookies in the evening, and complimentary bicycles. Gator Bowl tickets must be purchased by guests. Packages can be book by calling the property.
(904) 445-9034, www.ameliaislandblueheroninn.com
Comfort Suites
The Comfort Suites is located within walking distance of the beautiful Amelia beaches and Fort Clinch State Park. For the Gator Bowl, the 50-room property is offering guests rates starting at only $75 plus tax for a room with one king or two queen beds.
(904) 261-0193, www.comfortsuites.com
ERA Fernandina Beach Realty
ERA Fernandina Beach Realty is offering 20 percent off daily rates (excluding holidays and special events) from December 21 through March 31, 2012. The discount will be available the weekend of the Gator Bowl. The discount is available at Amelia by the Sea, Oceans of Amelia, Amelia South, Amelia by the Sea, ERA Fernandina Beach Realty (AmeliaVacations.com) and Beachside Motel, and will be applied upon reservation confirmation by the rental agency.
800-741-4011, www.ameliavacations.com
Harbor Front Hampton Inn & Suites
The Harbor Front Hampton Inn & Suites is offering a Suite Deal for Gator Bowl 2012. Visitors can stay downtown in historic Fernandina Beach at the marina front Hampton Inn & Suites for $119 per night. The ideal location allows guests to walk to more than 25 restaurants and pubs. Additional information can be found at http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/A/AISHSHX-GBG-20120101/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
(904) 491-4911,
www.hamptoninnandsuitesameliaisland.com
Omni
Amelia Island
Plantation Resort
Omni Amelia Island Plantation is offering an exciting package for Gator Bowl. Fans can choose either the Ohio State Buckeyes or University of Florida Gators package. Each package includes oceanfront accommodations at the luxurious Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, roundtrip transportation to the game and a $10 voucher for Falcon’s Nest per day. The team that books the most packages will receive complimentary tailgate beverages on their roundtrip transportation to kick off the football festivities. Rates start at $199 per night, based on double occupancy for a three-night stay. Package details are available at www.omnihotels.com/Home/FindAHotel/AmeliaIsland/SpecialOffers/GatorBowl.
(800) 874-6878, www.omniameliaislandplantation.com
Residence Inn, Amelia Island
The Residence Inn, Amelia Island is offering guests who book their Gator Bowl reservation before December 15 a complimentary bottle of champagne for two. The property will also be offering guests a Gator Bowl Tailgate Party. The Residence Inn is an all-suite property offering a full gourmet kitchen in every room.
(904) 277-2440, www.residenceinnameliaisland.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is offering a 2012 Gator Bowl Special Offer, which starts at $199 per night for a coastal view room. The offer is available from January 1 through 7, and requires a two-night minimum stay. To book the special offer, please call the reservations department.
(904) 277-1080, www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland
Several of the island’s other hotels and resorts still have availability for the 2012 Gator Bowl weekend. Visit www.ameliaisland.com/accommodations for a full list of accommodations and www.ameliaisland.com/gatorbowl for more information about packages.
The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau is also giving away a trip to the 2012 Gator Bowl. The four-day, three-night trip includes two VIP tickets to the Gator Bowl, a stay at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Gator Bowl parking and a $500 travel voucher. To enter for a chance to win the trip, visit www.ameliaisland.com/gator-bowl-sweepstakes.
* All packages and special offers are based on availability. Restrictions apply based on individual property. Please contact individual properties for restrictions and to book a package.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers on Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
