The longest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine is Florida’s most historical city. It served as the capital of Spanish Florida for more than 200 years, and today it’s brimming with Spanish colonial buildings, 17th-century castles and centuries-old monuments along its narrow cobbled lanes.
Florida may not be synonymous with fine dining, boutiques and stately buildings, but St. Augustine certainly is – and a city bursting with so much sophistication deserves a hotel to match. From swish resorts to intimate boutiques, St Augustine has luxury and boutique hotels aplenty. We’ve selected three of the best, based on location, style and value for money.
Casa Monica Resort and Spa
For the ultimate luxury getaway, Casa Monica is our top recommendation. A unique boutique bolthole set right in the historical heart of the city, the hotel combines historic detail with contemporary touches. It’s set in a registered historic landmark dating back to 1888, complete with turrets and original tapestries. Each of its 138 rooms has been thoughtfully reimagined to reflect its roots, fitted with velvet headboards and lounge chairs, Serta mattresses and a Bose speaker. Guests have private access to the Ponte Vedra Beach, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre, boutique spa and the Costa Brava Restaurant, widely recognised as the best in the city. Guests can retreat to the oft-Instagrammed infinity pool and whirlpool when they’ve seen all the sights too. From £245 per room, per night.
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The Collector Luxury Inn and Gardens
(Photo: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens)
Set in the heart of historic downtown, The Collector Inn is perfectly situated for exploring the historic highlights of the city, as well as its many boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Dating back to the late 18th-century, the hotel occupies nine buildings making up a full city block. There’s a range of luxurious suites to choose from, each lovingly restored to show off original period features, some with views of the expansive fountains and gardens. Modern touches, like iPads, swish kitchenettes and rainfall showers, bring it back into the 21st-century. There’s no onsite restaurant but guests will find classic cocktails, creative herb-infused elixirs and light bites at The Well Bar. From £175 per room, per night.
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Hilton Historic Bay Front
Hilton Historic Bay Front feels more like a boutique than a global hotel chain. Located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, between the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions, the hotel is spread across several colourful cottage-style buildings. Its 72 rooms pay homage to the city’s Spanish colonial roots, some with four-poster beds and balconies overlooking Matanzas Bay. For lazy days, there’s an outdoor pool and sun-filled terrace to kickback in too. Guests can enjoy Hilton’s signature sparkling service at the Meditteranean-style restuarant and oak-panelled bar too. Rooms from £160 per room, per night
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