15 Best Hotels in St. Augustine, Northeast Coast

Hand-stenciled Moorish columns and arches, handcrafted chandeliers, and gilded iron tables decorate the lobby of this late-1800s Flagler-era masterpiece. A retreat for the nation's wealthiest until the Great Depression put it out of business, it returned to its perch as St. Augustine's grande dame in 1999. The turrets, towers, and wrought-iron balconies offer a hint of what's inside. For a bit of pampering, head to the luxurious Poseidon spa. The location puts you within walking distance of many attractions.

Consisting of nine buildings dating from the late 1700s, this luxury, adults-only property occupies an entire Historic District block and is the product of a painstaking and imaginative restoration of some of the city's most historic homes, which have been revived with modern luxuries. The rooms and suites are all distinct in design and feature coquina walls, fireplaces, and restored hardwood floors. All accommodations have flat-screen TVs, baths with rainwater shower heads, and kitchenettes with granite counters. In the evening grab a craft cocktail in The Well, a converted garage that now serves as a cozy guest-only bar, and linger around the fire pit. Other amenities include a heated pool, bikes, and a continental breakfast.

This romantic waterfront inn has classic bay views and gorgeous antiques, as well as such contemporary conveniences as plush beds, double whirlpool tubs, and flat-screen TVs. Huge breakfasts, ordered the evening before, are usually served in the manicured courtyard, and guests gather at 5 for snacks, desserts, beer, wine, and homemade sangria. Owners and staff go to extraordinary lengths to accommodate guests' needs. Children, pets, and visitors with disabilities also find a warm welcome here.

A bit more elegant and formal than the average B&B, this inn wows guests with a combination of English and American antiques and a wealth of complimentary food, from extravagant breakfasts to wine and canapés in the early evening. Rooms charm those with romance in mind; many have luxurious bathrooms, and some have double whirlpool tubs. Innkeepers Joy and Andrew Warren are experts at fulfilling special requests from a sunset sail to gourmet picnics on the beach to private carriage rides.

When it comes to location, this Victorian-era property is ideal—far enough from the Historic District to avoid noise, but close enough to have easy access to excellent restaurants (try the nearby Floridian) and shops. Even the waterfront is just four blocks away. The house, restored in 1984, is not as formal as some B&Bs. With verandas, porch swings, and quilts on every bed, it's cozy and quaint rather than elegant. It also has an outstanding breakfast menu; afternoon coffee and fresh-baked cookies; and an easily accessible fridge with free soft drinks, beer, and wine. The innkeepers provide reliable recommendations for local restaurants. A cottage up the block is perfect for families.

There's a reason you feel like you're stepping back in time when you enter this 1820s-era inn made of coquina and handmade bricks—it's on the oldest street in the oldest European-settled city in the country. Innkeepers Jeffrey Sonia and Luis Castro's warm hospitality and attention to detail hearken back to days of yore. In addition to a hearty breakfast, you can enjoy a social hour featuring wine and appetizers. Most rooms have a whirlpool tub, fireplace, and balcony and some have private entrances and their own ghost (the inn's been featured on several ghost-hunting TV shows). Add-on services like breakfast delivered to your door, picnic baskets, and floral arrangements make the inn especially popular with those en el amor.

Despite being one of the newer additions to the St. Augustine lodging scene, the DoubleTree blends seamlessly into the city's Old World Spanish ethos, with wrought-iron design features, high ceilings, hardwood tile, and locally produced art reflecting the city's rich history. The rooms, overlooking the city streets or pool area, are equipped with 42-inch HDTVs and Sweet Dreams beds. The on-site Oak Tree Restaurant and Lounge serves breakfast and dinner, including in-room dining. Not to be missed are the trademark homemade DoubleTree chocolate-chip cookies, served warm on arrival.

This oceanfront resort, a short drive from the Historic District, offers many amenities, including on-site dining options, complimentary happy hours, and oceanfront views and kitchenettes in select rooms. From family suites to studio accommodations, the property fits the needs of both leisure and business travelers. The poolside Castaway Cantina serves Latin-inspired cuisine, while Harvest & Reel features seafood and farm-to-table options. Daily happy hours in the Rhum Bar bring guests together for libations and snacks, and the hearty, made-to-order breakfasts provide plenty of fuel for a day of exploring. The property's resort fee includes two beach chairs and towels, a two-hour bike rental, a daily yoga class, and more.

In the heart of historic St. Augustine, this Spanish colonial–inspired hotel overlooking Matanzas Bay has 19 separate buildings in a village setting, and most rooms have water or city-attraction views. Given its location in the thick of the Oldest City, the hotel caters to the tourist throngs with amenities such as in-room refrigerators and a coin-op laundry.

Chains have since taken over St. Augustine Beach, but this longtime favorite—the only remaining "Mom and Pop" on the beach—is still doing business (lots of it) and remains as beloved as ever. The location, just steps from the beach, helps, of course. But so do the inviting, consistently updated rooms, in-room continental breakfast delivery (you choose the time), private walkway to the beach, warm service, and reasonable rates. There are a wide variety of room types and locations (some with balconies and/or fireplaces), so it's best to call and make sure you get the room you want. For a special treat, book a room in the property's adults-only bed-and-breakfast, a short walk from the main building.

The nautical theme at this boutique hotel is no gimmick, as the charming establishment also serves as a working marina, and all its rooms have balconies or patios that capitalize on the views of the Matanzas River, Bridge of Lions, and downtown. A hearty, made-to-order breakfast is served each morning in the Captain's Table, and afternoon hors d'oeuvres are offered in the Driftwood Lounge. All in all, this a great place to drop your anchor on a visit to St. Augustine.

Located in the heart of the Historic District, this luxurious property is within walking distance of Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, and more. Along with modern amenities and a lively restaurant and lounge—Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen—there is also an on-site Starbucks coffee shop.

This late-18th-century inn in the Historic District, a guesthouse since 1845, offers main-house rooms and suites, a room in the former carriage house, and a five-room cottage—all with a serene vibe and a delicious Southern breakfast buffet included. If the walls of the oldest inn in the Oldest City could talk, they would tell tales of buried doubloons and Confederate spies. Furnishings are a mix of antiques and just plain old; the food is fresh and well prepared (there's a chef on property). A stay includes thoughtful extras like free admission to the Anastasia Athletic Club; use of bicycles; complimentary admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum; and an evening social with enough snacks, desserts, and house-blend coffees, teas, and hot chocolates to pass for dinner.

You can't be any closer to the St. George Street bustle than this inn nestled in the City Gate Plaza. A continental breakfast of assorted cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and pastries is included. For a splurge, book a Castillo Suite—a romantic two-story suite with a spiral staircase and wraparound balcony with views of Castillo de San Marcos, Matanzas Bay, and St. George Street.

If you want to be within walking distance of all that World Golf Village has to offer (including championship courses and a full-service day spa), this resort is an excellent choice. Rooms and suites, stylish and elegant with spa-inspired bathrooms, surround a 10-story atrium, at the bottom of which is the Villagio Italian Grille set amid tropical foliage and streams. In addition to playing rounds of golf and indulging in a spa treatment, you work out in the 24-hour fitness center or play a game or two in the billiards room.