weekend visit (Jacksonville, Rio, Hampton: hotels, casinos, prices)

[eman1200]

Hi. Me and a bud are planning a weekend in jacksonville next month (neither of us have been there before). Our main goals for the weekend are:
1) golf
2) casino
3) bartime

I did some searching on the forum for golf, didn't find much. Anyone have any feedback on these two courses, or can other local courses be recommended?
Bent Creek Golf Club
Cimarrone Golf Club
As for casino's, from what I'm reading, there aren't any other than a casino boat, does that sound about right?
Bars, we can find on our own, although suggestions welcome there as well.

Oh yeah, and we don't really know where we're staying yet. We've done priceline before for other areas (charelston, etc) and have had pretty good luck with that. anyone else ever book hotels in JAX on priceline>

Thanks in advance.

[fsu813]

Call Darren Doer, publisher of the local Golfers Guide Magazine, and he can give you all kinds of golf info, as well as heavily discounted prices: (904) 329-4653. He's the man.

No land casinos.

There are million places to stay, what are you looking for?

[eman1200]

thanks fsu. we don't have too many hotel requirements (other than the obvious....somewhat clean and in a decent/safe section of town), but something that's close to the courses we'll be playing and hopefully also close to a few bars, preferably a 30's crowd over a 21 yr old crowd. If I get any feedback on some good golf courses, we'll look for places to stay near those.

[fsu813]

The "Southside" of town has the most courses, which is really East/Southeast of Downtown. There are million hotels in this area. Here are a few, excuse the coding:

JACKSONVILLE HAMPTON INN. $ -$$
[SIZE=3]4690 Salisbury Road. 904-281-0443. [/SIZE]
Outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, meeting space, free hot breakfast buffet. Rooms have refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, dataport, high speed Internet, free HBO, and provides free
USA Today. This is a Hilton and HHonors facility.
www.elitehospitality.com/jaxfl


WINGATE INN. $ - $$
[SIZE=3]4791 Windsor Commons Court. 904-421-7000. [/SIZE]
Within walking distance of Publix supermarket, Starbucks, Ruby Tuesday. Heated indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center/spa, business center, valet dry cleaning, guest coin laundry, hot breakfast buffet and meeting space. Rooms feature two phones, two-line desk speakerphone with voicemail, data port, cordless phone, ergonomic work center, laptop safe, coffeemaker, refrigerator, microwave, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, TV with HBO, games.
[SIZE=3]www.elitehospitality.com/wi12703[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]RESIDENCE INN BY MARIOTT. $$-$$$[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]8365 Dix Ellis Trail. 904-733-8088.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]This pet friendly hotel is just minutes away from The Avenues shopping mall and golf courses. Full kitchens that include oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Not only is a complimentary hot breakfast included, but also free lite dinners during evening socials and outdoor BBQ’s on Wednesdays. Pool, spa, fitness center, and wireless internet for your use as well. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]www.residenceinn.com[/SIZE]

[eman1200]

thanks fsu, much appreciated.

[shell29bell]

There are no casinos in Jacksonville. There are a few casino boats that last for about 3-4 hours. There are also 2 poker rooms in Jacksonville, if that is what you are looking for. Also the poker room in Orange park has a dog track too. Here are some links for you. www.suncruzcasino.com
The Poker Room

[eman1200]

thanks shell. I realize casinos are limited in JAX. my main concern at this point, for this post, is golf course suggestions.

[projectmaximus]

Originally Posted by eman1200

thanks shell. I realize casinos are limited in JAX. my main concern at this point, for this post, is golf course suggestions.

good idea. i'd focus on the golfing. If you're going on a mancation for casinos and bars, Jax should be very far down your list of possible destinations. If you're looking for golf, then it's right up at the top.

haha, that said, sorry i cant offer any advice on specific courses. But there are MANY...

[jimbo13]

Vegas.

[eman1200]

ok, just booked the flight so there's no turning back now. again, looking mainly for the golfers to speak up. I'm interested in these two courses, along with any other recommendations:
Bent Creek Golf Club
Cimarrone Golf Club
Thanks again for any feedback.