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.

One of the best hotels in St. Augustine, spending the night means taking in all of 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 my favorite perk. Step outside and the busy Plaza de la Constitución welcomes you to the Ancient City.

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

I love the bayfront balcony suites here – coffee with a view is the best way to wake up in St. Augustine. Afterward, I’ll transition that coffee into 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 nearby.

I’m easily pleased, which is why I always smile when I’m handed a warm cookie at DoubleTree by Hilton. 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 a cab.

A set of wheels doesn’t hurt though. The San Sebastian Winery and Saint Augustine Distillery are two miles 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 live oak trees perfect for vacation photo ops.

Less than 61 meters 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’d 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 one of the best hotels in St. Augustine 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 center 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 mile away from the hotel.

However, these travelers would miss out on the hotel’s proximity to the lesser-visited Fort Mose State Historic Park. It’s a great, 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 surround this area, which makes the outdoor pool area especially inviting. There’s also a fenced dog area at this pet-friendly hotel.

The hot country breakfast is my favorite 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 and 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 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’s location is 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 best hotels in St. Augustine for its location. It’s only two blocks from the Old Jail and Oldest Store Museum, which most travelers 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 colorful many of the design choices are. From the grayscale hardwood to the geometric carpets, Hilton Garden Inn adds a pop of excitement to every stay.