Rated the #1 waterfront hotel in St. Augustine, Florida, Bayfront Marin House definitely delivers the wow factor that couples look for in a honeymoon hotel. It’s gorgeous, sophisticated, and romantic, perfect for couples’ getaways and honeymoons in St. Augustine. It’s also a popular site for weddings, which makes it no surprise that it was recently recognized as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Romance in the United States.
Set in a quiet section of the historic district within easy walking distance of everything, this elegant bed-and-breakfast on the bay offers rooms and suites in several buildings—most of them with outdoor space and amazing views of Matanzas Bay, the Bridge of Lions, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
The tastefully decorated rooms and suites are light, bright, and spacious. Each room’s décor is different, with some feeling more modern and some more traditional. All offer private entrances and individual thermostats; some have fantastic extras like fireplaces, oversized jetted or soaking tubs, rain showers with body jets, dual showers, mini refrigerators, and private porches or patios. Some of the rooms are pet-friendly, and there’s an accessible room as well.
A property with a long history beginning in the 1700s, the main inn actually consists of multiple structures from different periods that were joined together in the 1800s. The building that fronts the bay is a two-story Victorian with covered porches on both levels that have chairs and porch swings for relaxing and enjoying the view. Nestled in the middle is a lushly landscaped garden with a gazebo, café tables and chairs, and an oversized hammock.
There’s also the 2-story Sanchez House next door, which dates from the 1790s. It includes two stunning and spacious Spanish Colonial style suites, one downstairs and one upstairs, each with private outdoor space and bay views. This building and the main inn are perfectly positioned to catch spectacular views of the sunrise over the bay. This downtown St. Augustine hotel also offers the Aviles St. Cottage and the Marine Street Apartment nearby for couples who want more space.
Couples who prefer a beach experience can choose from 8 cottages on Vilano Beach, just a few minutes from the downtown area. (More on those below.)
No matter where they’re staying, all guests are welcome to sit in the beautiful courtyard and enjoy the breezes off the water as they take in the calming bay views.
The owner and staff are friendly and helpful, offering personalized attention plus a wealth of information about the area to make your stay as perfect as possible. (They’ll even pick you up from the St. Augustine airport if you’re flying in!)
Amenities include a gourmet hot Southern breakfast delivered each morning to your door, luxury bath products, WiFi, cruiser bikes, and free off-street parking. Guests staying at the beach can also park in the downtown lot if they come into town. A daily happy hour is held in the courtyard from 5-6 p.m. featuring complimentary wine, sangria, or beer plus delicious savory and sweet treats.
My stay at this hotel in the St. Augustine historic district was absolutely fabulous. I was in the Aviles Street Cottage, which was elegant, comfortable, and peaceful. A serenely renovated cottage on a quiet brick-lined alley, it felt like a posh home.
Check-in was easy and contactless; I got a text with the code for the door’s electronic lock, pulled up to the side, unloaded through the charming patio, and parked in the private lot around the corner.
The main inn was just a couple of blocks away so I could easily head over for happy hour or just to sit in the beautiful courtyard and enjoy the breezes and bay views. I enjoyed hanging out there in the evenings after dinner, under the magical twinkly lights.
Aviles Street Cottage is a 2-story separate structure with 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths, two living areas, a full kitchen and dining area, and a private courtyard. Rates here start at $349.
The chic Marine Street Apartment offers a king bed, sofa bed, full kitchen, living area, electric fireplace, and two balconies with marina views.
In the main inn, couples can choose from multiple lovely rooms and suites, each with their own ambiance and amenities. Some of the more popular choices for honeymooners are those with oversized soaking or jetted tubs, electric fireplaces, and water views. The Lyndsay Michelle Suite also features a private deck overlooking the garden and bay.
In the Sanchez House next door, the Josephina Honeymoon Suite is a favorite with couples. Covering the entire second floor, this peaceful and private suite offers beautiful bay views from the covered balcony with rocking chairs. There’s a king bed, separate living room and dining area with antiques, jetted rain shower, and mini refrigerator. Rates for the Josephina Suite start at $329.
Those who prefer to stay on the beach can select from a variety of Beachcomber Cottage suites that are just steps from the sand. The Lookout Suite is especially popular with honeymooners; located on the third floor, it features great water views from both the bedroom and private deck, as well as exclusive access to a widow’s walk with 360-degree views so you can enjoy both sunrises and sunsets. It has a king bed, soaking tub, and walk-in shower.
The oceanfront Royal Palm Suite is also popular for honeymoons, offering 180-degree beach views from the king-sized bed plus private balcony. It also features a full kitchen, multiple seating areas, and a soaking tub and walk-in shower.
The Lagoon Cottage has a partial water view, private saltwater pool and deck, master bedroom with king bed, separate living room, full kitchen, and dining area.
The more intimate Saltwater Suite comes with a private plunge pool, private deck, kitchenette, and dual shower with body jets.
The main building of this romantic and historic hotel in St. Augustine, Florida is located downtown at 142 Avenida Menendez. Room rates at Bayfront Marin Inn start at $259 and range depending on the accommodation and time of year. Check their website for special offers and packages that can be added on, including romance and anniversary packages. You can also add extras like an in-room massage, chocolate-covered strawberries, spa products for your jetted tub, champagne or wine, and flowers.
The Sweetheart Package includes rose petals on the bed in the shape of a heart, champagne or wine, a candle, and chocolate-covered strawberries. The Romance Package includes a scented candle on your jetted tub, a dozen roses, champagne, and a horse and carriage ride. The Deluxe Romance Package adds chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petals on the bed, a deluxe breakfast in bed (or breakfast baskets for beach guests), and two signature robes.
Google Rating: 4.8
TripAdvisor Rating: 5
This review was written by HoneymoonAlways staff writer Ashley Ellington Brown.
Ashley has always loved to explore new places and indulges her passion for travel whenever she can. She has been to 12 countries and 32 states so far.
Ashley has worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years, specializing in the areas of travel, marketing, personal development, and the pursuit of happiness.
Favorite destinations include Sorrento and Capri, Italy; Haarlem, Netherlands; Paris; Sydney and K’gari, Australia; Rotorua and Waiheke Island, New Zealand; the American West; Palm Beach; the Florida Keys; and her hometown of New Orleans. Ashley has a goal of visiting every state plus many more international destinations.