There are four main hotel properties in the historic district of St. Augustine, along with a varied assortment of traditional bed & breakfasts, Airbnbs, etc. Today, I’m focusing on the traditional hotel properties and will help you determine the best location for your needs!
This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide a means for sites like NattyGal.com to earn a small commission when a reader clicks through and makes a purchase at no additional cost to the reader. See full affiliate disclosure in Privacy & Disclosures.
For a first-time visit to St. Augustine, I highly recommend staying within the historic district. You’ll be able to walk to nearly all the major sights and can take a short rideshare ride to one of the area’s soft, white-sand beaches. The properties I’m reviewing today are higher-end, most suitable for a special long-weekend away for first time visitors.
St. Augustine’s Historic District: Top Hotels
The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront sits smack-dab in the middle of the historic district! Some of the balcony rooms boast stellar views over the Matanzas River!
The property is the newest of those in today’s post. Opened in 2005, this 72-room property was built as a cluster of Spanish-colonial style buildings set around an inner courtyard. Originally, this was the site of the Monson Motor Lodge, famous for its 1964 civil rights protests and a corresponding press appearance by Martin Luther King.
The public rooms are contemporary, if a little lack-luster in vibe. The guest rooms also feature modern design along with solid-surface flooring, a feature I’ve really come to appreciate in recent years. A small pool is surrounded by a privacy half-wall and also offers views of the bay.
Renovations and updates to this property got underway in 2025 and are ongoing. A sign in the lobby gave us some indications of what things will eventually look like.
Pros:
- Waterfront views
- Newest property
- Family friendly
- Full-service hotel
Cons:
- Potential traffic noise
- High parking rates
BEST FOR: Families with Children, Water Views!
Casa Monica
Casa Monica is the most historic of the four hotels discussed today. It’s also where we opted to spend our time. The location is directly adjacent to the Lightner Museum and Flagler College, and, at one time, all three properties were under the ownership of Henry Flagler.
The lobby and public areas are decorated in a Moroccan motif, interspersed with touches of contemporary artwork. It gave off a super warm and romantic vibe. Sadly, while the guestrooms echo the Moroccan theme, that same vibe just isn’t there. I’d love to see them update the rooms, emulating the style of the lobby and restuarant.
Our room (a premium king) was spacious and comfortable, if a bit dark and heavy feeling. The water pressure in the shower was abysmal. Not uncommon in historic properties but a small annoyance none the less.
The pool is on the second floor in a courtyard area that was both private and wecloming. Furthermore, Casa Monica offers a complimentary beach shuttle and a station with private changing rooms, beach chairs and table service at St. Augustine Beach. Lastly, Casa Monica has an onsite spa! Perfect for a girls’ trip or romantic couples massage after a day of sightseeing.
Pros:
- Central location
- Historic property
- Full-service hotel w/spa
- Beach shuttle & chair service
Cons:
- High parking rates
- Darker/heavy feeling guest rooms
BEST FOR: Location, History Lovers, Beach Amenities!
Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown
This property, another Marriott-owned hotel, technically sits right at the northern border of the historic district. It’s often lauded as being the most luxurious option of the properties we’re discussing today.
Comparable to the properties above, the Renaissance offers a small pool, on-site restaurant/bar, and fitness center housed within a charming, Victorian-style facade. Decor is modern/classic with a few contemporary touches here and there. Like the Hilton, guest rooms offer hard surface flooring – a feature I’ve come to love!
Pros:
- Highly rated service staff
- Full-service hotel
Cons:
- High parking rates
- Slightly outside historic area in a somewhat busy business district
BEST FOR: Luxurious Feel, Terraces and Balconies!
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens is situated in a quiet residential area just behind the Casa Monica hotel. Because we’d seriously considered it, we decided to explore the grounds one afternoon.
With 30 rooms spread over seven different historic houses, interspersed with lush gardens, a serene pool, firepits, a mini amphitheatre and charming bar, the inn caters to couples getaways. The classic rooms are all unique, decorated in a tradtional style with some even offering kitchenettes and private verandas.
For a return visit to St. Augustine, I think this would be our top choice. That being said, guest reviews caution that the walls are thin, some rooms need some updates, and amenites like the inlcuded breakfast, are uninspired.
Pros:
- Private, atmospheric grounds
- On-site breakfast, bar & pool
- Complimentary bicycle usage
- Peaceful, residential location just outside historic district
- A bit less expensive than the other properties
Cons:
- Lacking the depth of amenities of a full-service hotel
BEST FOR: Couples on a Romantic Getaway!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Until next time…
You can never go wrong vacationing in St. Augustine!
I agree! Truly a delightful town!