DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District

The hotel’s has an overall classy vibe with a hint of Spanish colonial style. Beautiful brick arches decorate the exterior portico and windows, and the red barrel-tile roof adds a bit of local flair. Wrought-iron panels separating the front of the lobby from the reception area also hearken back to the area's history. Clean-lined furnishings in dark earth tones combine with eclectic wall accents and throw pillows in the lobby to create a look that's far more fresh than many DoubleTrees we've seen in our travels. A large white-topped bar sits nearby, and a tall stone fireplace divides the bar and the Oak Room Restaurant, a bright space decorated with cream-colored leather chairs, red curtains, and wrought-iron chandeliers. Outside, the stone patio surrounding the rectangular heated pool is lined with lounge chairs and small round tables and chairs. Many guests here are couples enticed by the DoubleTree's convenient location and stylish feel, though given the brand name and spacious rooms, plenty of families pass through as well. 

The hotel is located on busy San Marcos Street, about a 10-minute walk from St. Augustine’s historic district. There's also a trolley stop across the street from the hotel, at the intersection of San Marcos Street and Ocean Avenue, making it easy for guests to get around without a car. There are various antique shops and restaurants nearby and it’s a six-minute walk to kitschy Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. It’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Spanish Quarter and Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort. Anastasia State Park, which has an undeveloped ocean beach, is a 10- to 15-minute drive. It’s a 10-minute drive to Northeast Florida Regional Airport and a one-hour drive to Jacksonville International Airport.

The hotel’s standard Guest Rooms have either a king-size or two queen-size beds. Rooms are spacious and have comfortable Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree-brand beds and handsome decor, with a low-key rust and beige color scheme and dark-wood furniture. Photographs of local historic sights and beach scenes add a bit of personality, but look tasteful, and sharp sculptural lamps sit on bedside tables. Each room has a 42-inch flat-screen TV and an MP3 clock radio plus free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Simple cabinets hold microwaves and mini-fridges, while coffeemakers sit atop the spacious work desks, which have leather ergonomic chairs. There are safes tucked into the nicely sized closets. The large bathrooms have sand-colored tile floors, half-circle beige granite-topped vanities, and curtained shower/tub combos with modern fixtures. Hairdryers and ironing facilities are provided.

Guests are given warm cookies at check-in, a charming touch. The on-site Oak Room Restaurant and Lounge serves a buffet breakfast (for a fee), as well as regular menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with room service available. The lounge often has live music. Outside is a heated rectangular pool and hot tub surrounded by a stone-tiled patio with seating. The spacious, modern fitness center has several cardio machines with personal TVs and free earbuds, as well as a large selection free weights. On on-site 24-hour convenience store sells snacks, frozen foods, drinks, and toiletries. Coin-operated laundry machines are available. There are two desktop computers with a printer in the lobby and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking costs extra.