The Historic Inn in St. Augustine, across the Bridge of Lions from the city’s historic center is a 21-guest room hotel that blends a bit of retro with vibrant colors and easy-going comfort. I found this family-owned gem when my plans changed.
Location is Key
With an unexpected day in Florida with no particular destination in mind, I headed to St. Augustine. The drive from visiting a friend near Destin, a few nights after my Treasure Island Sea Jay Motel stay seemed doable. I’ve wanted to go on a St. Augustine ghost tour for years. The Exceptional rating on Hotels.com and affordable price point of Historic Inn caught my attention. It’s also just minutes away from St. Augustine’s attractions including the beach. Plus, parking is free.
Staying across the Bridge of Lions offers a bit of peace and quiet from the bustle of old town with its shoulder-to-shoulder maze of history that dates back to 1565. It’s doable to walk from the hotel across the bridge to sites like the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Flagler College and much more.
After a quick check-in, just long enough to dump my luggage, I drove to the meeting spot at the New Welcome Center for the Haunted Trolley Tour of St. Augustine. Parking at the welcome center is included in the tour ticket price. After the tour, within minutes I was back in the warm comfort of my hotel room. (Note to self. Wear a sweater at night in an open-air trolley).
Guest Room Comfort at Historic Inn
My room, with its king bed and seafoam green walls is an oasis of calm. Paintings of seascapes, a beach patterned throw pillow on a small couch and a soft fabric comforter create a sense of home. A table and two chairs offer a place for eating. A retro fridge, microwave and coffee maker are included in what one needs for a comfortable stay. A flat screen TV, hairdryer and bath amenities are included.
The bathroom is as cheerful and clean as the rest of the room. The shower and toilet are in a separate area from the sink and vanity. Accent tiles and a patterned shower curtain make these spaces homey.
Each guest room, either king or two double beds, has its own ambiance. Bedspreads, artwork and room colors vary.
There are handicapped accessible rooms on the ground floor and one room has a jacuzzi. A small outdoor seasonal pool and an outdoor lounge space are part of the inn’s property.
Head in the reception area for a wealth of brochures and flyers of things to do in the area. Say “hi” to the resident birds.
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Search for Great Tours HERE
Room rates are seasonal. I paid $109. including tax for my room at Expedia. If you do go to St. Augustine, I also recommend the trolley tour you can book at the visitor center. The tour allows you to hop on and off at the various sites. It’s a good way to see St. Augustine’s offerings and decide which places to spend more time.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
