There are plenty of moderate and inexpensive motels and hotels in St. Augustine, but the most popular are the B&Bs, of which there are plenty charming choices. Then there are the chains. Most convenient to the historic district is the 40-room Best Western Spanish Quarter Inn, 6 Castillo Dr. (tel. 800/528-1234 or 904/824-4457; www.staugustinebestwestern.com), directly across from the visitor center. It’s completely surrounded by an asphalt parking lot, but it does have a pool and hot tub.
Another nice spot on the beach is La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites, 810 A1A Beach Blvd. (tel. 800/852-6390 or 904/471-2220; www.lafiestainn.com), a Green-certified hotel that has won awards for its beautiful landscaping, and there’s a heated pool and gardens. Best of all, guests enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast, delivered to your room, with fresh-baked scones and muffins, bagels and cream cheese, yogurt, and fruit cup. Rates start at $85 in the winter and $139 in the summer.
La Fiesta’s sister property, the oceanfront Beachfront Bed & Breakfast, 1 F St. (tel. 800/370-6036 or 904/461-8727; www.beachfrontbandb.com), is exclusively for grown-ups and features delicious breakfasts, heated pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, and 25-foot beamed ceilings in the ocean-view great room, all within 10 minutes of the historic district. Rates start at $150 in the winter and $190 in the summer.
Once a ramshackle fishing camp, the Devil’s Elbow Fishing Resort, 7507 A1A South (tel. 904/471-0398; www.devilselbowfishingresort.com), offers 10 brand-new resort-style waterfront rental cottages built in the classic Old Florida style with covered porches, tin roofs, roof-top cupolas, and hardwood floors. It’s an ideal place for family reunions or just some good old-fashioned R&R. Rates start at $175 a night.
If you’re coming on a weekend, expect the higher end of the listed rates—almost all accommodations increase their prices on weekends, when the town is most crowded with visitors. St. Johns County charges a 10% tax on hotel bills (4% bed tax plus 6% state tax).
Recommended Agencies
The companies below are especially recommended.
AirBnB (www.airbnb.com) offers hundreds of properties in and around St. Augustine. The San Francisco-based Internet venture connects private property owners with travelers at a variety of price points.
Couchsurfing (www.couchsurfing.org) is another website connecting travelers with folks willing to rent a house, room, or apartment. It offers plentiful options in and around St. Augustine.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
