8 Best Hotels in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

A modern boutique hotel with stylish contemporary interiors, Blue on Water is the essence of its name—a calm, comfortable lodging with a whiff of the Atlantic. If facing Water and George streets, it is a more immersive experience of the ever-hopping late-night scene of "Sin City" (as St. John's is known in Canada). The trendy bar/restaurant of the same name on-site also draws visitors.

Business travelers in particular like this attractive Marriott property at the east end of Duckworth Street. The lobby interior is bright and attractive and opens onto the restaurant/bar, which has a great view of Cabot Tower and the Narrows. The menu is a mix of trendy and classic dishes. Rooms are spacious, and each has a large desk and an ergonomic chair.

Half the rooms in this popular downtown convention hotel overlook the harbor; the others look out on the city but tend to be quieter (rooms facing New Gower Street have the best views). All are comfortable and modern, if a bit generic in style. The staff is friendly and the lobby is bright, with foliage, mahogany trim, and polished brass. The restaurant, Pinnacle, serves steak and seafood, but many guests prefer to check out the plethora of restaurants nearby.

In the core of downtown, directly overlooking the harbor, this hotel has friendly staffers who immediately flash welcoming smiles when you enter the tiled, sand-colored lobby. The five floors of rooms are clean and comfortable. The on-site restaurant, The Little Sparo, offers an Italian menu and has a splendid view.

The surprise at this chain hotel is the location: walking trails from the property meander around small lakes and link with the Grand Concourse hiking trails. Pippy Park is also accessible by trail from across the street. The in-house restaurant serves casual Italian food and burgers. The hotel, midway between the airport and downtown, is best suited for guests with a vehicle.

With triple-paned windows, this boutique hotel has brought the option of a good night's sleep into the more industrial end of downtown with stylish rooms and modern furnishings. The in-house restaurant, Exile, is a favorite spot for locals and features specialty pop-ups throughout the year. The rooms are uncluttered and have views of a vibrant working shipyard, harbor, and the rest of downtown. The staff are professional, friendly, and service-oriented, and the amenities are upscale with rain-showerhead fixtures and luxurious linens.

Part of the Murray Premises National Historic Site near St. John's harbor front, this longstanding boutique hotel pairs original architectural features with luxury amenities. Rooms are large and full of character, with ancient beams, exposed brick, and custom-built furniture. Bathrooms have large air-massage tubs or spa showers. Rooms come with a complimentary continental breakfast.

A local landmark, this hotel has charming rooms and gorgeous views of Signal Hill, the Narrows, and the old town. A large indoor garden atrium makes for a verdant spot to sit and enjoy a quiet read when the weather is temperate. The hotel's lounge, called Bivver, offers a full menu including breakfast.