St. Augustine hotels

I visit Casa Monica Resort & Spa every time I go to St. Augustine, regardless of whether I’m staying overnight or not. It’s one of the top-rated hotels in St. Augustine thanks to its lively lobby. I’ll stop in during the day for a Starbucks and return after dusk for a Cordova Old Fashioned from the bar.

Easily among my favourite hotels in St. Augustine, spending the night means taking in all the hotel’s old-world charm merged with upscale comfort. The Ponce DeLeon Suite is particularly swanky, with its views of the Matanzas River from the whirlpool tub.

The body scrubs at the Poseidon Spa are dreamy, but Casa Monica’s location is truly unbeatable. Step outside and straight into the busy Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of the Ancient City.

I’ve come to know Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront as a sort of way-finding sign. When I see the yellow facade adorned with flags, I know I’m close to my favourite pizza joint in the city, Pizzalley. The hotel also happens to be right by my favourite seafood stop: Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille.

I love the bay-front balcony suites here—coffee with a view is the best way to wake up in St. Augustine. Afterwards, I’ll enjoy a cold juice poolside until the time is right to start exploring adjacent St. George Street.

This is one of the best hotels in St. Augustine for foodies, with great restaurants on its doorstep. Its Spanish Colonial-style design fits in well with the surrounding historic district landmarks. What’s more, the best of St. Augustine is within walking distance, with Flagler College, the historic fort and the Lightner Museum located nearby.

I’m easily pleased, which is why a warm cookie at the DoubleTree by Hilton always puts a smile on my face. Thankfully, the Oak Room Restaurant and Lounge’s creative bar food is ready to serve my spiked hunger. Date nights are effortless at this hotel. The Limelight Theatre is next door, which means dinner, drinks and entertainment don’t require taking a cab.

A set of wheels doesn’t hurt, though. The San Sebastian Winery and Saint Augustine Distillery are just three kilometres away, for anyone looking for a local watering hole.

DoubleTree by Hilton is also one of the best hotels in St. Augustine for those keen on capturing some holiday memories. Magnolia Avenue is two blocks north, a popular street flanked by shady oak trees perfect for vacation photo ops.

Less than 61 metres from the beach, Castillo Real Resort Hotel is among the best hotels in St. Augustine for spending time in nature rather than the historic district. This hotel ups the ante by offering a sauna alongside its outdoor pool—relaxing here is as serene as the ocean breeze.

Castillo Real Resort Hotel is the perfect choice for concertgoers like myself, who can take advantage of the unique shows at the nearby St. Augustine Amphitheater. The Alligator Farm Zoological Park, another easily overlooked gem, is also close by.

I’m looking forward to staying in 2025, as the hotel reopens as a Tapestry Collection By Hilton property. The Latin American cuisine at La Cocina International restaurant is an ideal dinner choice for oceanside dining.

I’ve done plenty of celebrating at Best Western Historic Bayfront and believe it’s one of the best hotels in St. Augustine for summer vacation. You’ll find lots of great sightseeing perks at this hotel, like an Old Town Trolley stop, views of the Matanzas River and an on-site attraction ticket kiosk.

The guestrooms offer the ideal blend of comfort and convenience. With so many delicious restaurants in the Spanish Quarter, I found the in-room microwave and refrigerator great for leftovers. The plush queen and king beds are also perfect for an afternoon nap after touring the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

But what I like best about this Best Western is that it’s easy to access. Set right between Hypolita and Cuna Streets, I could quickly drop off souvenirs or change my clothes between activities.

Trust me: it’s easy to spend all your time in the historic district and completely neglect St. Augustine Beach. That’s why this Courtyard by Marriott deserves at least one night’s stay. The Old Town Trolley stops at the hotel every hour, giving you access to the historic district without worrying about parking.

In the winter, I like to grab a latte from the lobby Starbucks then head to St. George Street; in the summer, an iced coffee and hours on the beach are the itinerary of the day. This is hands down the ideal St. Augustine hotel for beachgoers, with light and airy rooms across from the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s an easy walk to City Pier, which means you can see the sunrise over the water and then make it back for breakfast at the hotel’s Bistro.

Comfort Suites is always a reliable option thanks to its free breakfast and outdoor pool. I think this is one of the best hotels in St. Augustine for sticking to a budget, especially for people like me who rarely spend much time in their hotel room. The lounge and fitness centre did convince me to linger a little longer though.

Many staying at this Comfort Suites will immediately head south towards the historic district—the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth and Old Jail Museum are just a 1.6 km from the hotel.

However, these travellers would miss out on the hotel’s proximity to the lesser-visited Fort Mose State Historic Park. It’s a great and rarely crowded site for museum hoppers, bird watchers and picnickers.

Southern Oaks Inn is one of the best hotels in St. Augustine for a stress-free visit. It’s located in the northern end of the city, which I see as a perk, not a drawback. More shady trees than tourists populate this area, which makes the outdoor pool especially inviting. There’s also a fenced dog zone at this pet-friendly hotel.

The hot country breakfast is my favourite draw here: French toast, home fries, and Southern-style grits make for a delicious wake-up call. Even in the chilly winter, I prefer to enjoy breakfast outside on the terrace.

The rooms don’t skimp on comfort or size, either. Double Queen and Single King rooms have plenty of space for families or groups of friends. Whenever the urge to sightsee or sunbathe arises, the hotel’s free shuttle service whisks guests to downtown St. Augustine and Vilano Beach.

Quiet strolls through the side streets of St. Augustine lead to dreamy hideaways like the Historic Sevilla House. A private residence converted into one of the most unique hotels in St. Augustine, it offers the convenience of a 24-hour front desk and room service alongside home-like privacy.

One of the best hotels in St. Augustine, the patio rooms are a real treat. Sitting outside with a cup of coffee is one of the loveliest ways to start the day. The snack bar is a convenient amenity, though the Historic Sevilla House lies right around the corner from Cordova Street’s delicious restaurants.

Despite being on a secluded stretch of Sevilla Street, Potter’s Wax Museum, Tolomato Cemetery and Huguenot Cemetery are within a five-minute walk. The tranquil adults-only property makes it easy to imagine what life would be like living as a local in St. Augustine.

Hilton Garden Inn is one of the top hotels in St. Augustine for its location. It’s only two blocks from the Old Jail and Oldest Store Museum, which most travellers visit via trolley. However, it faces the San Sebastian River, a seriously underrated scenic spot compared to the better-known Matanzas River.

Those who stay at Hilton Garden Inn enjoy a quieter visit with an outdoor swimming pool and a laid-back restaurant. I love the Balcony Suites because nightfall in St. Augustine is so peaceful.

Even though the hotel is relaxed, I appreciate how bold and colourful many of the design choices are. From the greyscale hardwood to the geometric carpets, Hilton Garden Inn adds a pop of excitement to every stay.