We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts The Best Hotels in St. Augustine, Florida Book your stay with these editor-loved and award-winning properties. By Terry Ward Terry Ward Terry Ward is a writer covering family travel, culture, scuba diving, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 22, 2024 Comments Exterior of Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront. Photo: Courtesy of Hilton On the long list of historic U.S. cities that channel their storied pasts while serving up plenty of modern entertainment, great local dining, and inspired hotel stays, St. Augustine, Florida takes a seat at the head of the table. Considered the oldest continuously occupied settlement with European and African-American origins in the United States, the city traces its founding to 1565 and served as the capital of Spanish Florida for more than two centuries. Plan a visit to bar hop along cobbled streets, catch the sunset from the oldest masonry fort in the United States where it juts into the bay (Castillo de San Marcos) and search for the secret to eternal beauty at the Fountain of Youth (it’s out here!). You can spend sunny Florida days surfing, sailing, paddleboarding and jet skiing to your heart’s content in the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean beaches, too. When it comes to where to stay, you’ve got options galore in St. Augustine – whether you’re looking to splurge at a World’s Best Awards winner like The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens (with nine historic houses to choose from right in the heart of the historic downtown area) or you’re seeking something tucked away and even closer to the coast on Anastasia Island or Vilano Beach. Why I’m the Expert Terry Ward is a Florida-based travel writer who currently lives in Tampa. For more than 27 years, she’s spent countless weekends scouring the Sunshine State for the best beach getaways while checking into grand dame hotels, boutique hideaways, and buzzy newcomers, alike. During multiple trips to St. Augustine since the late 1990s, she’s surfed the waves in Vilano Beach, scaled the 219 steps at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and paraded past peacocks in search of the secret to longevity at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Each visit to St. Augustine brings something new to discover and savor in one of the country’s oldest cities – and that’s how you should enjoy this fantastic place, too, layer by beautiful layer. The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens Exterior and pool at The Collector. Jenny Schartner / The Collector Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like It’s a short and pleasant stroll to the all action on St. George Street. What to Consider The property is adults-only, for guests 16 and up. With a step-out location right in the heart of historic St. Augustine, this special address earned recognition in our World’s Best Awards in 2021 and 2023. The hotel comprises nine historic houses spread across a city block that harken to the history of America’s oldest city amidst a backdrop of rocking chair-clad balconies, bubbling fountains and beautiful gardens. There are just 30 guest rooms and the property is open to couples, solos, friends, and families with kids 16 and older only, so a chill vibe is inherent. Enjoy a craft cocktail by the fire pit; freshly baked pastries at the property’s included breakfast; complimentary access to bikes; dipping in the serene heated outdoor pool; and strolling to everything the surrounding streets have to offer, too. The Details: Neighborhood: Downtown historic St. AugustineAccessibility: Accessible rooms are available.Nearby Attractions: St. George Street, Castillo de San Marcos, Fountain of Youth Archaeological ParkParking: Valet parking included in the $35 per day amenity feePet Policy: No pets are permitted on the propertyLoyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $270 per night Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection Restaurant in Casa Monica Resort. Courtesy of Marriott Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The property was recently restored in 1999 and is one of the few downtown to offer a kids pool. What to Consider The hotel is likely to sell out during the lead-up to the holidays as it’s centrally located for the Nights of Lights festival. The first time I walked into this Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine it was during winter’s annual Nights of Lights Festival, when thousands of twinkling lights cover the historic downtown. Outside was a wonderland of twinkling lights already, and stepping into the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection heightened the sense of being totally transported, thanks to glittering chandeliers, extravagant art, and Moorish and Spanish Revival details throughout. Originally built in 1888, the 138 guest rooms and lavish public spaces have been completely restored and updated with all the modern comforts (think Bose radios, in-room coffee makers, and plush robes). Families will appreciate the outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and kids pool. Guests also have access to a private beach club on nearby Ponte Vedra Beach (less than 15 minutes away by car), where you can rest up on the sand and in the surf between outings exploring St. Augustine’s fascinating old city. The Details: Neighborhood: Historic downtown St. AugustineAccessibility: The property is wheelchair-accessible throughout its grounds and has wheelchair-accessible rooms.Parking: $39 per dayNearby Attractions: Old Jail Museum, The Oldest Wooden SchoolHouse, Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler CollegeParking: Overnight valet parking only, $39 per dayPet Policy: $150 per pet, $50 for second pet, 40 pound maximumLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: From $242 per night St. George Inn Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like We appreciate the complimentary breakfast to start your day and on-site wine bar to wind it down. What to Consider There’s only off-site parking at a parking garage across the street (but it is free). Picture an inn with a style that’s a cross between a charming European guest house and a Key West boutique hideaway and you’ll have an idea for what to expect at the St. George Inn. Start your morning enjoying a hot cup of coffee and complimentary breakfast in the courtyard around the bubbling fountain, spend the day exploring historic downtown St. Augustine (it’s just out the door) or breaking for the beach, then return to one of the property’s 25 roomy guest rooms, including some with views of Matanzas Inlet and Castillo de San Marcos. Bin 39, the hotel’s on-site wine bar, is tucked off North St. George Avenue and welcomes a great mix of locals and visitors in for charcuterie grazing plates and wines and bubbles from around the world. There’s live music here on the weekends and guests get discounts on menu items. The Details: Neighborhood: Historic downtown St. AugustineAccessibility: The property has wheelchair-accessible rooms and public areas.Nearby Attractions: Castillo de San Marcos, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Flagler College, Lightner MuseumParking: $17 per day at parking garage nearbyPet Policy: 2 dogs per room, $50 per dog, 40 pounds maxLoyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $201 per night St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast Guest room in St. Francis Inn. Courtesy of St. Francis Inn Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like It’s a blast to hop on the hotel’s complimentary bicycles and pedal out to explore. What to Consider The budget category rooms have private bathrooms down the hall that are not connected to the room. Choose St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast to stay in a house that will transport you back to 1791. This family-run property is within walking distance of historic downtown St. Augustine’s top sites. Where this property really pours on the charm, however, is in its many free amenities that make a stay here feel that much more special. Included in the rates are a hot breakfast spread best enjoyed in the charming courtyard on a warm Florida morning (weekend brunch even comes with complimentary mimosas); a free social hour nightly starring wines from local San Sebastian Winery; a specialty coffee bar whirring up complimentary drinks in the morning; fresh flowers in the guest rooms; and fresh fruit offered all day long. Guests enjoy complimentary bikes, the hotel’s pool, and discounts and free passes to area attractions, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The Details: Neighborhood: Historic downtown St. AugustineAccessibility: Some rooms on the first floor have partial accessibilityNearby Attractions: Oldest House Museum Complex, Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine LighthouseParking: Complimentary at nearby lotPet Policy: Select rooms allow pets for $25 per night, maximum of 45 poundsLoyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $224 per night Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel Guest room in Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel. Courtesy of Marriott Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Victorian architecture on the outside and sleek and modern rooms within are the ideal mix of old and new. What to Consider You’re going to have to leave Fido back home because pets aren’t allowed here. Right on the edge of St. Augustine’s historic downtown, this property under the Marriott umbrella marries historic and new vibes in beautiful fashion. Check into the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel and enjoy sleek and modern rooms set in colorful buildings meant to conjure the Queen Anne era and 19th century architecture. The hotel’s pool offers up refreshment on a hot Florida day and the beach is only a short drive away. There’s an on-site Starbucks coffee shop for your usual fix, but I like the hotel’s Castillo Craft Bar & Kitchen even better for relaxing with a spicy datil watermelon margarita and sharing plates of crispy toasted coconut shrimp, calamari, and the chicken wings tossed with Aleppo pepper. The Details: Neighborhood: Downtown historic St. AugustineAccessibility: Accessible rooms, including hearing-accessible rooms, are available.Nearby Attractions: Fountain of Youth Archaeological Site, Flagler College, Castillo de San Marcos, San Sebastian WineryParking: Valet only, $40 per dayPet Policy: Pets are not allowedLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: From $314 per night Hyatt Place St. Augustine Vilano Beach Interior of Hyatt Place St. Augustine. Courtesy of Hyatt Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like It’s steps from the beach and has a rooftop pool for chilling off the sand. What to Consider The Art Deco exterior feels more Miami/South Florida than North Florida. Longing to be able to walk to the beach from your hotel during a vacation in St. Augustine? Settle in for a stay in Vilano Beach, a cute little surf-centric beach town just a 10-minute drive east from downtown St. Augustine and where you can have the best of both worlds (urban exploring and on-the-sand fun). The Art Deco-inspired Hyatt Place St. Augustine Beach has 120 rooms with marble bathrooms and stylish interiors. And trust me, you’ll want to upgrade to one with a private balcony to enjoy the coastal breezes. The beach is a block away and off-the-sand relaxation awaits at the property’s rooftop pool, too, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Restaurants and a supermarket are all within walking distance (Pub Subs on the beach, anyone?) and you can enjoy fresh seafood with Latin flair on-site at the hotel at Pesca by Michael’s. Did we mention a hot breakfast with waffles, hash browns, eggs, fruit, and more is included in your stay? Details: Neighborhood: Vilano BeachAccessibility: Fully accessible rooms and facilities are available.Parking: Valet parking is $25 per nightNearby Attractions: Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk, Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, Castillo de San MarcosPet Policy: 2 dogs, $75 per night, up to 75 combined poundsLoyalty Programs: World of HyattRates: From $167 per night Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront Exterior of Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront. Courtesy of Hilton Book Now What We Like It’s one of the smallest Hilton properties in the chain and has architecture that channels St. Augustine’s Spanish area. What to Consider You’re on the bayfront, not the beach, so don’t expect to swim if it’s not in the on-site pool. It’s all about the ambiance and being walking distance to downtown St. Augustine’s attractions – yet right on the glittering waters of Matanzas Bay – when you stay at this Hilton property. The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront feels more like a boutique address than part of a major chain, with just 72 rooms and thoughtful architecture inspired by the town’s Spanish Colonial era. Interior details include 17th-century antique reproduction furniture, all the better for strengthening the sense of place you’ll feel here in one of the most historic cities in the U.S. Count on all the modern comforts on-site ranging from an outdoor pool overlooking the bay, EV charging stations, and a small fitness facility with all you need to keep your workouts going away from home. Stroll out the door and follow the water north and you’ll arrive at the famed Castillo de San Marcos in just 6 minutes. This property is all about location – and a very comfortable stay, too. The Details: Neighborhood: Downtown historic St. AugustineAccessibility: The rooms and facilities are all accessible.Parking: Valet parking is available for $40 per nightNearby Attractions: Flagler College, Castillo de San Marcos, The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Bridge of LionsPet Policy: Pets are not allowedLoyalty Programs: Hilton HonorsRates: From $237 per night Voco St. Augustine - Historic Area, an IHG Hotel Guest room in voco St. Augustine. Courtesy of IHG Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The Art Deco vibes, rooftop pool and Anastasia Island location are truly transporting. What to Consider Despite the hotel’s (very long) name, it’s not in the historic area, but right across the water from it on Anastasia Island. Well-positioned on this barrier island – roughly equidistant from downtown historic St. Augustine (5 minutes by car) and the beautiful beaches of Anastasia State Park (which are even closer) – this 50-room IHG hotel has trendy Art Deco vibes that I love to switch up the rest of St. Augustine’s Spanish Colonial-era flair. When you’re not exploring the beach or town (you can walk to the Bridge of Lions from here and onward to downtown in just 11 minutes), hit the hotel’s rooftop pool and sundeck; catch up with friends over small plates and Caribbean-inspired cocktails at BLVD bistro overlooking the pool deck; or get in and out for a workout at the updated on-site fitness center. The Details: Neighborhood: Anastasia IslandAccessibility: Accessible guest rooms are available and the facilities are fully accessible.Parking: $10 daily self-parking feeNearby Attractions: St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Anastasia State ParkPet Policy: $35 per night for two pets up to 50 poundsLoyalty Programs: IHG One RewardsRates: From $132 per night Bayfront Marin House Guest room in Bayfront Marin House. Courtesy of Bayfront Marin House Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The range of downtown inn rooms and beach cottages steps from the sand means you can pick your perfect position for a stay. What to Consider The hotel charges an extra $35 per day fee for children 16 and older and $20 per day for those under 16. It’s hard to find anything to fault at this romantic inn and collection of beachfront and downtown vacation rental cottages that lets guests truly choose their own adventure – and in total comfort and style – in St. Augustine. Each room, suite and cottage has its own feel and decor flair and you can narrow things down by amenities, too, ranging from double soaking tubs and walk-in showers to fireplaces and kitchenettes. Bayfront Marin House has on-site complimentary downtown parking wherever you decide to stay, too – a real boon in this busy area where it can often be hard to find a spot for your car. If you’re staying in one of the 17 rooms at the inn, a complimentary breakfast and happy hour is included in the rate. The Details: Neighborhood: Downtown historic St. AugustineAccessibility: Accessible suites are available in the inn and some cottagesParking: Complimentary parking two blocks from the hotelNearby Attractions: Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler CollegePet Policy: $35 per nightLoyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $239 per night Marker 8 Hotel & Marina Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like You can dip in the hotel’s pool with incredible sunset views of the Bridge of Lions and Matanzas Bay. What to Consider You’re very close to historic downtown St. Augustine but getting there requires walking across the Bridge of Lions from Anastasia Island. There’s no better-positioned hotel in St. Augustine than this one if you’re looking to be just removed from the tourist fray but still within walking distance of key sites as well as overlooking the water. Right near the Bridge of Lions’ east end on Anastasia Island, Marker 8 Hotel & Marina appeals to guests with their boats in tow, too, with 24 on-site slips that can accommodate yachts just over 100 feet long. The hotel’s pool sits just feet from the lapping waters of Matanzas Bay, where the waters turn golden at sunset and you can swim while enjoying views of the city’s iconic bridge and skyline. There are just 26 rooms here (all with blue and white-toned nautical vibes), so the property never feels too crowded. Start the day with a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, head out exploring, and return back in time for the afternoon social hour poolside – complimentary hors d'oeuvres complete with free local beers, bubbly, and appetizers await. The Details: Neighborhood: Anastasia IslandAccessibility: Fully accessible rooms are available.Parking: Complimentary parking is availableNearby Attractions: Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine LighthousePet Policy: Only certified service animals are permitted to stay with you.Loyalty Programs: NoneRates: From $200 per night DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District Restaurant in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine. Courtesy of Hilton Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like It’s great for a one-night stay when you want to be close to everything and have the convenience of an on-site pool, too. What to Consider Rooms are clean and comfortable but lack character – a bit of a bummer in a town known for such interesting flair. You’re just north of historic downtown St. Augustine at this budget-minded DoubleTree property, which makes it all the more appreciated that the hotel throws in complimentary bicycles – all the better for leaving your car parked and enjoying St. Augustine like a local during your visit. Warm cookies are proffered on arrival, delighting young kids, and there’s an outdoor pool (just don’t expect any shade) and the on-site Oak Room Restaurant and Lounge serving three meals a day for when you just want something easy and quick. If you’re looking for an inexpensive stay that’s well-located for visiting all of St. Augustine’s attractions, clean and comfortable, this hotel ticks the boxes. The Details: Neighborhood: Just north of the historic downtown St. Augustine district.Accessibility: Fully accessible rooms are available.Parking: On-site self-parking for $24 per dayNearby Attractions: Castillo de San Marcos, Florida School for the Deaf & Blind, San Sebastian WineryPet Policy: 2 dogs, $75 per stay, up to 50 poundsLoyalty Programs: Hilton HonorsRates: From $124 per night Know Before You Go Expect nice weather year-round St. Augustine’s location in North Florida means it enjoys a slightly cooler climate, particularly during the winter months, as compared to other parts of Florida. But you can expect generally mild temperatures year round here. Do remember that hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean runs from June 1st through the end of November, so keep an eye on any potential systems brewing in advance of your trip. It’s an extremely walkable town Visitors particularly love St. Augustine’s walkability. And there’s no real need for a car, especially when staying in the historic downtown district or right across Matanzas Bay, on Anastasia Island. High parking fees around downtown are another impetus for arriving sans wheels to the area. Keep in mind you’ll need to arrange transport, however, if you’re flying into Jacksonville International Airport, located about 50 minutes north, or Daytona Beach International Airport (about the same distance south). Count on 1.5 hours to get to St. Augustine if you fly into Orlando International Airport, which will most likely have you renting a car as the most affordable option. Location, location, location Deciding which part of town is best for your stay requires some forethought. If you want to be walking distance to all the attractions, you might want to hone in on a hotel right in the historic downtown area. To be closer to the beach, consider Anastasia Island or Vilano Beach, instead. How We Chose These Hotels Honing in on the best properties is hardly a simple task in St. Augustine, with so many great options to choose from both in and around the historic downtown area and out at the beaches on Anastasia Island and Vilano. One hotel made our list thanks to its coveted spot in our annual World’s Best Awards, in which hundreds of thousands of T+L readers vote on their favorite hotels across the globe. In addition to the inclusion of this award-winning property, the author of this article, Florida-based travel writer Terry Ward, who lives in Tampa, contributed her expertise as a long-time Floridian, veteran travel writer, and hotel fanatic. She has personally visited many properties in St. Augustine – and even revisited some, over the course of the last two decades. For this article, she also consulted colleagues and friends from her college crew at the University of Florida to surfer friends who frequent St. Augustine and its surrounds. She focused on properties that deliver that perfect mix of a deep sense of place, ideal location, comfort, and style – with unwavering attention to the guest experience as it plays out from check-in to check-out. For this list in particular, she looked at the quality of the dining experiences on-site as well as accessibility to nearby restaurants and attractions. In such a walkable town, after all, being able to step out and be entertained is part of what makes St. Augustine so special. In her more than 20 years of experience as a Florida-based travel writer, Ward has reviewed more than 500 hotels around the world and visited nearly every continent (only Antarctica awaits, and she’ll get to it when her children are older – and hopefully together with them). And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is an editor at Travel + Leisure, where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor, and copywriter. learn more