Hotels & Vacation Rentals in St. Augustine Beach, FL

How to choose a hotel & vacation rental in St. Augustine Beach

1. Pick the location before the property

   Downtown means walking and higher rates. The beaches mean a car for everything but the sand. World Golf Village and CR 210 mean cheaper rooms and 20 to 30 minutes of driving. Decide what your trip is about and the right properties sort themselves out.

2. Add up the real nightly cost

   Compare the all-in number: room rate plus county tourist tax, state sales tax, resort or amenity fees, cleaning fees on rentals, and parking. A $180 downtown room with $25 garage parking and fees can cost more than a $230 inn that includes a spot.

3. Check that a vacation rental is licensed

   Florida requires most short term rentals to hold a DBPR transient lodging license, and St. Johns County collects tourist development tax from them. Legitimate hosts will give you the license number. A rental that cannot may be operating against HOA or county rules and could cancel on you.

4. Read the storm and cancellation policy

   Hurricane season runs June through November and A1A evacuation orders do happen. Hotels usually waive fees under a mandatory evacuation; rentals vary widely. If you book through a platform, know whose policy actually applies.

5. Look at the room count and age of the property

   Many downtown inns are converted historic houses with stairs, no elevator and small bathrooms. That is charming for a couple and difficult with a stroller or a wheelchair. Beachside condos built before 2000 may lack working elevators or updated kitchens, so ask for recent photos.

What hotels and vacation rentals cost in St. Johns County →