I recently embarked on a journey to the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. This enchanting city, known for its rich history and cultural charm, promised a memorable experience. However, any successful journey requires a comfortable and convenient place to rest, which led me to thoroughly explore affordable accommodation options in St. Augustine. I will recount my detailed experience of staying in an economical hotel in St. Augustine and recommend five other budget-friendly options. For each of these hotels, I will delve into their unique services, room styles, breakfast offerings, nightly rates, precise locations, available discounts, recommendation ratings, my personal impressions from the stay, transportation options from the airport and train station, nearby tourist attractions, booking platforms, and, finally, provide a comparative summary to assist you in making an informed choice. Join me on this journey as we explore affordable and cozy lodgings in the heart of St. Augustine.
My Chosen Budget Hotel:
Econo Lodge St. Augustine:
- Location: 1300 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Special Services: Econo Lodge offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free parking.
- Room Style: The rooms are comfortable and no-frills, featuring standard amenities such as a TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. While not lavish, they provide a cozy space for relaxation.
- Breakfast: The hotel serves a continental breakfast, which includes items like cereals, pastries, yogurt, and fresh fruit. It’s a basic yet convenient start to the day.
- Nightly Rate: I booked a standard double room for a very reasonable rate of $70 per night.
- Recommendation Rating: 7/10
- Stay Impressions: My stay at Econo Lodge was pleasant, considering the affordability. The room was clean, and the staff was friendly. It’s a great budget option for travelers who prioritize saving money.
- Getting There from the Airport: I arrived at Jacksonville International Airport and took a shuttle service to St. Augustine. The hotel is approximately 50 minutes from the airport.
- Getting There from the Train Station: If you’re arriving by train, the nearest station is the Jacksonville Amtrak Station. You can then take a bus or taxi to reach the hotel.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Econo Lodge is situated close to popular attractions like the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and the Old Jail.
- Booking Platform: I booked my stay directly through the hotel’s website, but you can also find deals on various travel booking websites.
Recommended Budget Hotels:
1. Best Western Bayfront Inn:
- Location: 16 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Special Services: This hotel offers a free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, and picturesque views of the Matanzas Bay.
- Room Style: The rooms are comfortably furnished with a coastal style, and some have balconies with bay views.
- Breakfast: The hot breakfast includes items like eggs, bacon, waffles, and fresh pastries.
- Nightly Rate: Prices start at around $90 per night.
- Recommendation Rating: 8/10
- Stay Impressions: I found the Best Western Bayfront Inn to be a charming and comfortable option with excellent bayfront views. The hot breakfast was a highlight.
- Getting There from the Airport: From Jacksonville International Airport, the hotel is approximately 50 minutes away.
- Getting There from the Train Station: If arriving by train, the hotel is conveniently located near the Amtrak station.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: The hotel is within walking distance of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and historic downtown St. Augustine.
2. Days Inn by Wyndham St. Augustine West:
- Location: 2560 FL-16, St. Augustine, FL 32092
- Special Services: Days Inn offers a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free parking.
- Room Style: The rooms are simple and comfortable, featuring modern amenities.
- Breakfast: The continental breakfast includes items like cereals, pastries, and coffee.
- Nightly Rate: Rates start at around $65 per night.
- Recommendation Rating: 7.5/10
- Stay Impressions: My stay at Days Inn was hassle-free and cost-effective. The location is convenient for those looking to explore St. Augustine on a budget.
- Getting There from the Airport: From Jacksonville International Airport, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive.
- Getting There from the Train Station: If arriving by train, you can reach the hotel by taxi or rideshare.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: The hotel is not far from attractions like the World Golf Hall of Fame and the St. Augustine Premium Outlets.
3. Howard Johnson by Wyndham St. Augustine/ I-95:
- Location: 2535 FL-16, St. Augustine, FL 32092
- Special Services: The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free parking.
- Room Style: The rooms are clean and functional, with amenities like a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and microwave.
- Breakfast: The continental breakfast includes a variety of options to start your day.
- Nightly Rate: Prices start at around $60 per night.
- Recommendation Rating: 7/10
- Stay Impressions: My stay at Howard Johnson was satisfactory, given the economical rates. It’s a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- Getting There from the Airport: From Jacksonville International Airport, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive.
- Getting There from the Train Station: If arriving by train, you can reach the hotel by taxi or rideshare.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: The hotel is conveniently located near the St. Augustine Outlets and historic downtown St. Augustine.
4. Red Roof PLUS+ St. Augustine:
- Location: 2445 FL-16, St. Augustine, FL 32092
- Special Services: This Red Roof Inn offers free Wi-Fi, a pet-friendly policy, and free parking.
- Room Style: The rooms are modern and functional, equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and microwave.
- Breakfast: While the hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, there are dining options nearby.
- Nightly Rate: Rates start at around $55 per night.
- Recommendation Rating: 7.5/10
- Stay Impressions: Red Roof PLUS comfortable, and the affordability made it a practical choice. The pet-friendly policy was a bonus for travelers with pets.
- Getting There from the Airport: From Jacksonville International Airport, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive.
- Getting There from the Train Station: If arriving by train, you can reach the hotel by taxi or rideshare.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: The hotel is not far from St. Augustine’s historic district and popular outlet malls.
5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Augustine:
- Location: 250 Prime Outlets Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Special Services: The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a complimentary continental breakfast, a fitness center, and free parking.
- Room Style: The rooms are modern and well-appointed, featuring flat-screen TVs and comfortable bedding.
- Breakfast: The continental breakfast includes a variety of options to suit different tastes.
- Nightly Rate: Prices start at around $80 per night.
- Recommendation Rating: 8/10
- Stay Impressions: La Quinta Inn & Suites was delightful. The modern amenities and quality service made it a standout budget option.
- Getting There from the Airport: From Jacksonville International Airport, the hotel is approximately 50 minutes away.
- Getting There from the Train Station: If arriving by train, you can reach the hotel by taxi or rideshare.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: The hotel is close to the St. Augustine Premium Outlets and a short drive from the historic district.
Comparative Summary:
Here’s a comparative summary of the budget hotels:
| Hotel Name | Location | Special Services | Room Style | Breakfast | Nightly Rate | Recommendation Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econo Lodge St. Augustine | 1300 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd | Free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, pool | Simple | Basic | $70 | 7/10 |
| Best Western Bayfront Inn | 16 Avenida Menendez | Free hot breakfast, bayfront views | Coastal | Hot | $90 | 8/10 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham St. Augustine West | 2560 FL-16 | Free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, pool | Simple | Basic | $65 | 7.5/10 |
| Howard Johnson by Wyndham St. Augustine/I-95 | 2535 FL-16 | Free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, pool | Clean | Variety | $60 | 7/10 |
| Red Roof PLUS+ St. Augustine | 2445 FL-16 | Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly, no breakfast | Modern | Nearby dining | $55 | 7.5/10 |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Augustine | 250 Prime Outlets Blvd | Free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, fitness center | Modern | Variety | $80 | 8/10 |
Selecting the right budget hotel in St. Augustine can greatly enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank. Each of the hotels I’ve explored in this diary offers a unique blend of services, room styles, and amenities, catering to a variety of preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize a scenic bayfront view, a pet-friendly policy, or simply a clean and comfortable room, St. Augustine has budget-friendly options to suit your requirements.
My stay at Econo Lodge St. Augustine was comfortable and affordable, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, if you’re looking for added amenities or a specific feature like a bayfront view, you may find the other recommended hotels more appealing.
Ultimately, the choice of accommodation depends on your preferences and priorities, but rest assured that all the hotels mentioned here offer a pleasant and wallet-friendly stay in this charming historic city. St. Augustine, with its rich history and captivating attractions, awaits your exploration, and with these budget-friendly options, you can make the most of your visit while staying within your budget. Safe travels!
