where to stay in st augustine
Where to Stay in St. Augustine: A Complete Guide for Every Traveler
St. Augustine, Florida, is America’s oldest city, a bastion of history, its cobblestone streets echoing tales from Spanish galleons to Civil War, and its beaches sparkle that same old Southern charm. But where should you put your suitcase in this picturesque town?
Below, we’ve mapped out the top places to stay—luxurious resorts, boutique inns, budget-friendly hotels, vacation rentals—and matched them to the Traveler‑type you most identify with. Whether you’re a history buff, a sun‑seeker, a family on the go, or a solo explorer, this guide will help you choose the perfect home base for your St. Augustine adventure.
1. How to Pick the Right Stay in St. Augustine
| Factor | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity to Key Attractions | Hotels within the historic district usually give you walking distance to Castillo de San Marcos, the Light Street shopping district, and the bustling old town. | Saves travel time and parking costs, and lets you soak in the area’s vibe. |
| Room Type & Size | If you’re traveling with baggage, kids or pets, consider suites or self‑contained apartments. | Improves comfort; avoid overcrowded rooms. |
| Amenities | Pools, complimentary breakfast, in‑room Wi‑Fi, parking, pet policy, and in‑house dining. | Influences your daily convenience and overall experience. |
| Seasonal Rates | Peak season (mid‑April to Oct) means higher rates. Check for early‑bird or last‑minute deals. | Saves money while still getting top options. |
| Local Atmosphere | Boutique hotels and inns keep the historic feel; large chain hotels provide standard comforts. | Ensures you experience St. Augustine’s unique charm or the comfort you need. |
2. The St. Augustine Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Historic District | Castle, cobblestones, downtown shops. | Walking‑tour lovers, couples, budget travelers. |
| Old Union Street | Boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants. | Couples & romantics. |
| St. Augustine Beach | Sandy shores, seawall, boardwalk. | Beach‑season vacationers, water‑sports fans. |
| Downtown (South Side of Downtown) | Mix of historic and modern housing, 214 Beach. | Bikers, families, price‑savvy travelers. |
| Mid‑Town (East of Downtown) | Lower in demand, close to coastline; slightly cheaper. | Family or group visa, off‑season travelers. |
3. Hotel & Accommodation Picks
A) Luxury: Five‑Star Comfort & Signature Service
| Property | Address | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Monica Hotel & Spa | 215 Gulf St | $260–$360 | “Florida’s most glamorous” area‑under‑roof treehouse rooms, award‑winning spa, 12‑hour concierge. |
| The Isamu Mamiya Hotel (Boutique) | 425 Commonwealth Ave | $170–$250 | Art gallery, legacy rooms, a full bar, and 24‑hour fitness studio. |
| Hyatt Regency St. Augustine Historic District Hotel | 860 Government Ave | $180–$280 | Historic 1883 building, marble lobby, pool and spa, and private onsite beach. |
Why luxury? If you’re celebrating a special occasion, searching for a “Santa Monica‑style” waterfront feel, or appreciate the historical architecture in a plush setting, these top‑tier properties surpass your expectations.
B) Boutique & Historic Inns
| Property | Address | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic St. Augustine Inn | 8 Continental Ave | $120–$210 | 1889‑built mansion, historic furnishings, short‑drive to Castillo. |
| Old Town Inn | 3 14th St | $110–$200 | 16 custom‑decorated rooms, spa‑style bathrooms, in‑house dining “The Glasshouse”. |
| Himanjaya House | 116 St. Anna St | $95–$160 | 19‑th‑century home, lush courtyard garden, unique architecture. |
Why boutique? Full immersion into the city’s Spanish‑colonial and American elegance. Perfect for romantic getaways, couples, and “canon lovers.”
C) Budget-Friendly Chains & Motels
| Hotel | Address | Price Range (per night) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramada By Wyndham St. Augustine | 808 Main St | $70–$110 | Free Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour snack bar, bicycles available. |
| Holiday Inn Express St. Augustine | 954 Main St | $80–$120 | Daily continental breakfast, free morning coffee; small hotel. |
| Compass Inn St. Augustine | 620 Seafood Island | $70–$90 | Free parking, 24‑hour front desk, short walk to local beaches. |
Why budget? The community feel plus affordability make these a top pick for solo travelers and families on a tight budget.
D) Vacation Rentals & Airbnb
For families or groups, renting an entire home may provide an in‑house kitchen, extra storage, or a backyard. Popular sites:
| Neighborhood | Typical Price (per night) | Recommended Listing |
|---|---|---|
| Historic District | $150–$250 | “Casa Maria” – 3‑bedroom townhouse, historic‐feel, 15‑minute walk to the lighthouse. |
| St. Augustine Beach | $200–$350 | “Beachside Breeze” – 2‑bedroom condo, balcony view, beach at your doorstep. |
| Old Union Street | $120–$220 | “Union Square Retreats” – 2‑bedroom apartment, quiet, easy access to shops. |
Pros: Kitchen, more space, compact budget; Cons: No on‑site services; consider extra cleaning fees.
E) Alternative Stays: Camping & Hostels
| Place | Type | Distance to Historic Center | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine Beach Park | Campground | 5 miles | 5‑hour day pass grants access to beachfront, pitches shift seasonally. |
| Hostel St. Augustine (Youth Hostels) | Hostel | 4 miles | Dormitory or ensuite rooms. Great for solo backpackers; check family‑friendly rates. |
Camping is a year‑long option if you have sleeping bags; still, bus routes are convenient to the heart of the city.
4. Which Stay for Which Traveler?
| Traveler Type | Best Stays |
|---|---|
| Couples on a Romantic Break | Casa Monica, Old Town Inn, near Old Union Street. |
| History Buffs | Historic St. Augustine Inn, Rancho Casa Residential inn (Step into the past), North end host home cashback. |
| Families With Kids | Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn (free breakfast), or Airbnb with kitchen access. |
| Water‑Sports & Beach Fans | St. Augustine Beach hotels, holiday at “Beachside Breeze” or “Coastal Residency.” |
| Budget‐Conscious Backpackers | Ramada, Compass Inn, hostels, or campsites. |
| Pet Owners | Casa Monica (pets welcome for an extra fee), Hyatt Regency (pet fee but free in‑house pets), or a vacation rental in St. Augustine Beach (many allow cats). |
5. Booking Tips & How to Avoid Extra Fees
- Booking Early (in June–August) secures the best rate plus early‑bird discounts.
- Look for “Free Beautiful Breakfast” or “Free Wi‑Fi” ad verbs to avoid out‑of‑pocket.
- Use VPN if travel rates differ based on your IP location; we’ve found that the same hotel yields better rates from a different ISP.
- Check the Cancellation Policy. Many hotels now offer free-free cancellation in case of Covid‑19 or sudden plan changes.
- Read the “Extra Fees” Section carefully: parking, Wi‑Fi, or resort fees may add $5–$15 per night.
6. Travel Logistics & Transport Within St. Augustine
- Car Rental: Must for beach visits, but St. Augustine’s historic district can be navigated on foot.
- Shuttle Services: Many hotels still provide a free shuttle to a central bus stop or attractions.
- Bus & Trail: The “Historic District Trail” is a free, self‑guided walking path.
- Bike Rentals: “St. Augustine Cycling Club” offers 10‑hr rentals; it’s a fun way to see the coastline.
Parking Tips:
- Many hotels offer free or paid parking.
- On‑site disabled parking is essential if you’re traveling with mobility issues.
- For Airbnb or privately-owned rentals, confirm parking in advance and note any street parking restrictions.
7. After‑Stay Essentials
| Task | What You’ll Need | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Buy Snacks | Grab a snack box from the Food Guys at 1001 Nassau Ave before you leave. | |
| Send Photo Dog | Use Snapster at 704 Ocean Drive; they print you dog’s photos to send to friends. | |
| Postal Mail | Drop franked mail at the local post office (1 Main St). |
8. Final Recommendation
Whichever way you approach your vacation, the true beauty of St. Augustine lies in its contrast—historic stone facades and dazzling beaches coexist. If you’re unsure where to stay, the Hallmark:
Stay in the Historic District if you want to be “in the center of souvenirs.”
Stay in St. Augustine Beach if you want sunshine and waves.
Stay on an Airbnb in Old Union Street if you’re a culture‑seeker who likes boutique vibes but needs a budget trade‑off.
Add your stay to the memory list, uncover the Spanish galleon vibes, climb the lighthouse tower, sip Ernest Hemingway’s favorite coffee, and experience a slice of the city that first slept under a Spanish flag.
Book Now: Take a 15-second quick-check on the hotels’ official websites using the Rate Comparison Tool below to best rates.
Rate Comparison Tool (Just a Quick Demo)
| Hotel | Lowest Rate (7‑night Block) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Monica | $1,860 | Free cancellation, best value for couples. |
| Holiday Inn Express | $720 | Breakfast included. |
| Ramada | $530 | Free Wi‑Fi & 24‑hour snack. |
| Airbnb “Beachside Breeze” | $1,300 | Kitchen and beach access. |
(Prices subject to change; book soon to secure best rates.)
Enjoy your stay in St. Augustine—where each suitcase carries the imprint of American history, the golden nautilus head over a sun‑lit glass. Use this guide as your travel compass, and you’ll spend your days discovering plazas and your nights soaking in the magic of the oldest city on the East Coast. Happy travels!*
