Where to stay? Where to stay? Well, that really depends on a couple different factors, doesn’t it? The first factor is probably going to be based on budget. The second factor would be based on the type of experience you’re hoping to have. With that said, I can only relay my own experience.

Grant and I have stayed at various bed & breakfasts, a variety of hotels, and even a motel. So, I’ll try and give you a feel for each.

Bed & Breakfasts

Bayfront Marin House Bed and Breakfast Inn
Well, I ain’t gonna lie, this is pretty much our favorite place to stay in St. Augustine when it comes to the Bed and Breakfast experience. The rooms are beautifully appointed and obviously decorated by an experienced interior designer with great color schemes and attention to detail, the beds are actually comfortable, the towels and sheets are soft, and some of the rooms have jacuzzi tubs for two. I’m kind of a linen snob, and have been delighted each time we’ve stayed. The place feels homey and despite its age, doesn’t feel haunted-even a little. For St. Augustine, that is saying something. It’s located on the Bay and you can even see the Old Lighthouse from the gazebo in the courtyard and watch the pirate ship go by at sunset. Breakfast is served in the garden or gazebo, or at any of the cozy sitting areas outside each room, and the food is tasty and boutiful. Cocktail hour is at 5:00 and they have a lovely white Sangria. The staff are friendly and sincerely care about your comfort. They offer loaner bikes for guests and are just a few blocks from the heart of downtown.

Trip Advisor reviews give it 5 stars (208 ratings at this writing) and I’d have to say that I agree.

St. Francis Inn
This is the inn for those who truly want to experience St. Augustine of old. Tales of hauntings, and an inn that is older than most other structures in the “Oldest City”, this is old world St. Augustine. The staff are friendly and caring, the rooms vary from small to suitelike, all beautifully appointed, the stairs are a little crooked and the place is full of old world charm. We stayed in two separate rooms there. One was tiny, the other comfortable. The TVs were small and across the room and felt out of place in such old world splendor. I’m not surprised to hear that it’s supposedly haunted, but it didn’t feel creepy. It’s located on the far south section of St. Augustine and not quite in the hub of everything. They do have a pool, and a lovely courtyard, and bikes for guests to borrow during their stay. I thought that was a sweet touch.

Trip Advisor guests gave it 5 stars with 260 reviews (at this writing). I believe that these are people that truly have a love for the very old fashioned charm that St. Francis Inn offers, and I’m glad to have experienced it myself, but I’d give it 4 stars because I do prefer some more modern luxuries as well as the old world charm.

Hotels & Inns:

St. George Inn
If you’re looking for the old fashioned comfort of a hotel that’s simple, tastefully appointed, clean and comfortable, St. George Inn is perfect. Located in the heart of the historic district, it’s walking distance to nearly everything. There’s more than one building, so the rooms and views will vary. We’ve only stayed in the building that surrounds the courtyard (St. George Square). They always have some kind of promotion or special package deal that includes trolley passes.

Trip Advisor 4.5 out of 5 stars with 191 reviews. I’m inclined to agree with that rating.

The Hilton St. Augustine, Historic Bayfront
A little more pricey than St. George Inn, this is what you’d expect of a Hilton. Modern ammenities, lovely rooms, a pool, and all around more luxurious. If that’s the experience you’re looking for, then this is perfect. You can get a room that literally overlooks the bay, too. We enjoyed our stay, but for the price, we have other preferences. The room was kind of small, and the balcony was smaller than it looked in the pictures and neighbors are literally right next to you on the balcony. I preferred the privacy at St. George Inn, personally, and didn’t feel that the price difference was worth it.

Trip Advisor rates it 4.5 out of 5 stars (146 reviews). I’d probably give it 4 stars at the most.

Casa Monica Hotel
This is considered a truly luxury hotel. The staff and service is excellent. The hotel is over a century old, so it carries that old world charm. If you want to experience St. Augustine as a historic experience, with modern, luxury ammenities, I would recommend the Casa Monica Hotel. We’ve stayed there a couple times, and both times the hotel staff were very accomodating.

The restaurant downstairs has great food, and I loved their Caesar Salad (they actually grill the lettuce – weird, but strangly delicious).

Trip Advisor ratings put it at 4 out of 5 stars, (237 ratings) and I’d rate it similarly.

Obviously, these are based on our own experience, and different times of the year, occasions, and even rooms may make the experience different for each person. I’ve tried to impart enough information to be useful here.

I’d love to hear your own feedback and experience, and any great places that we haven’t tried yet.

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