St. Augustine, Florida’s oldest city, blends historic charm with modern comfort. The Renaissance St. Augustine offers visitors a unique experience in this captivating destination.
This hotel combines luxurious accommodations with easy access to the city’s most popular attractions.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Renaissance St. Augustine puts guests within walking distance of iconic sites. The Castillo de San Marcos and St. George Street are just steps away.
Visitors can explore centuries-old buildings and cobblestone streets before returning to plush rooms and modern amenities.
The Renaissance St. Augustine caters to various tastes and needs.
Travelers can enjoy on-site dining, fitness facilities, and an outdoor pool.
For those seeking relaxation or adventure, the hotel offers a perfect base to discover all that St. Augustine has to offer.
Key Takeaways
- The Renaissance St. Augustine combines historic charm with modern luxury in Florida’s oldest city
- Guests can easily walk to popular attractions like Castillo de San Marcos and St. George Street
- The hotel offers amenities including on-site dining, fitness facilities, and an outdoor pool
History and Significance
St. Augustine holds a unique place in American history as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. Its rich past and cultural heritage have shaped the city’s identity and charm over centuries.
St. Augustine’s Legacy
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. This predates the establishment of Jamestown by 42 years and Plymouth Rock by 55 years.
The city’s Historic District showcases its long and diverse history.
The iconic Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort, stands as a testament to St. Augustine’s strategic importance.
Built to defend Spanish Florida, it now serves as a popular tourist attraction.
St. Augustine’s nickname, the “Ancient City,” reflects its status as the oldest European settlement in North America. The city’s architecture blends Spanish colonial, British, and American influences.
Evolution of Renaissance St. Augustine
In recent years, St. Augustine has experienced a renaissance, blending its historic charm with modern amenities. The city’s Victorian-era architecture has been carefully preserved, maintaining its Old-World charm.
New developments, like the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel, pay homage to the city’s architectural heritage.
This hotel mimics the style of late 19th-century Queen Anne buildings while offering modern luxuries.
St. Augustine’s renaissance extends beyond architecture. The city has become a hub for arts, culture, and tourism.
Its historic streets now house trendy shops, restaurants, and galleries, attracting visitors from around the world.
Accommodations and Amenities
The Renaissance St. Augustine offers a range of comfortable rooms and suites with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy exclusive services and accessible options during their stay.
Comfort and Accessibility
The hotel provides accessible rooms for guests with mobility needs.
These rooms feature wider doorways and roll-in showers for easy access.
All rooms come with private bathrooms equipped with showers. Some rooms have balconies, giving guests a view of the historic downtown area.
For added security, each room has a safety deposit box. This allows guests to store valuables safely during their stay.
The hotel aims to make every guest’s stay comfortable and worry-free. Staff members are always ready to help with any special needs or requests.
Exclusive Guest Services
The Renaissance St. Augustine goes above and beyond with its guest services.
The hotel offers a fitness center for those who want to stay active during their trip.
An outdoor swimming pool provides a refreshing spot to relax and unwind. Guests can take a dip or lounge by the poolside on sunny days.
The hotel also has a terrace where guests can enjoy the Florida weather. It’s a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening drinks.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. This allows guests to stay connected and plan their St. Augustine adventures easily.
Luxurious Suites and Rooms
The Renaissance St. Augustine offers a variety of rooms and suites to fit different needs. Each space is designed with comfort and style in mind.
Rooms feature plush pillowtop beds for a good night’s sleep. Guests can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore the city.
Suites offer extra space and luxury. They come with separate living areas, perfect for families or those who want more room to relax.
All accommodations include signature amenities to enhance the guest experience. These may include high-quality toiletries, soft robes, and coffee makers.
Dining and Cuisine
The Renaissance St. Augustine offers diverse dining options. Guests can enjoy hotel restaurants and bars or explore local culinary delights in the historic city.
Hotel Restaurants and Bars
The Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen is a popular spot at the Renaissance St. Augustine. It serves breakfast daily from 7:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Lunch is available on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant and bar open every evening from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Guests can savor American cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. The menu features farm-to-fork dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Local Culinary Delights
St. Augustine’s food scene offers many choices near the Renaissance hotel. Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila is a nearby option with great views.
Other popular spots include The Floridian, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, and Catch 27. These restaurants serve fresh seafood and local specialties.
For a unique experience, visitors can try The Ice Plant or Prohibition Kitchen. Both offer creative cocktails and tasty food options.
Services and Facilities
The Renaissance St. Augustine offers a range of amenities for business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy modern event spaces, relaxation options, and convenient services throughout their stay.
Business and Event Spaces
The hotel provides versatile event spaces for meetings and special occasions.
These rooms are equipped with modern technology and can be configured for different group sizes.
A business center is available for guests who need to work during their visit. It offers computers, printers, and other office essentials.
Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel, allowing guests to stay connected in their rooms and public areas.
Relaxation and Recreation
An outdoor swimming pool provides a refreshing spot for guests to unwind and cool off. The pool area includes comfortable loungers for sunbathing.
A well-equipped fitness center is available for those who want to maintain their workout routine while traveling. It features cardio machines and free weights.
The hotel’s terrace offers a pleasant outdoor space where guests can relax and enjoy the Florida weather.
Convenient Guest Services
A 24-hour front desk ensures that help is always available for guest needs and inquiries.
The staff can assist with local recommendations and travel arrangements.
The hotel offers private parking for guests arriving by car. This provides a secure and convenient option for vehicle storage during the stay.
An ATM is located on-site for easy access to cash. This saves guests time and eliminates the need to search for a bank in an unfamiliar area.
Location and Accessibility
The Renaissance St. Augustine is located in a prime spot for visitors to explore the city’s historic attractions. It offers easy access to popular sites and various transportation options for guests.
Proximity to Attractions
The Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel sits on the corner of West Castillo and San Marco. This location puts guests within walking distance of many popular attractions.
St. George Street, a lively pedestrian area, is just steps away.
The hotel is also near the Spanish Quarter Museum, where visitors can experience colonial life.
Flagler College, known for its stunning architecture, is a short walk from the hotel.
History buffs will appreciate the close proximity to Castillo de San Marco, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Transportation and Parking Options
The Renaissance St. Augustine offers convenient parking options for guests arriving by car.
On-site parking is available, making it easy to leave vehicles safely while exploring the area on foot.
For those without cars, the hotel’s central location means many attractions are within walking distance. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for longer trips.
Bicycle rentals are a popular option for touring the historic district.
Many rental shops are located nearby, allowing guests to easily explore on two wheels.
Public transportation options include trolley tours that stop at major attractions. These provide both transportation and informative narration about the city’s history.
Experience and Activities
St. Augustine offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences and unique activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in local music, arts, and culinary delights while exploring the city’s rich history.
Local Music and Arts
St. Augustine boasts a thriving arts scene. The city hosts numerous art galleries and museums showcasing local talent.
Visitors can enjoy live music performances at various venues throughout the historic district.
Street musicians often perform on St. George Street, adding to the lively atmosphere. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre attracts big-name artists for concerts under the stars.
Local artisans display their crafts at the weekly farmers market. Pottery, paintings, and handmade jewelry are popular items for sale.
Unique Local Experiences
St. Augustine offers many distinctive activities for visitors.
Guided trolley tours provide an excellent overview of the city’s attractions.
The trolley stops at 22 locations, allowing guests to hop on and off at their leisure.
Food enthusiasts can savor local flavors on culinary walking tours.
These tours often include stops at popular restaurants and specialty food shops.
Wine lovers can visit the San Sebastian Winery for tastings and tours.
The winery offers a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Costumed interpreters bring the fort’s past to life through reenactments and demonstrations.
Sustainability and Practices
The Renaissance St. Augustine takes eco-friendly actions and supports local initiatives. Their efforts aim to reduce environmental impact and boost community well-being.
Environmental Policies
The hotel focuses on cutting its carbon footprint.
They use energy-saving lights and appliances throughout the building.
Water-saving fixtures help lower water use.
The Renaissance also has a recycling program.
Guests can easily sort their waste in rooms and public areas.
The hotel uses eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce chemical pollution.
Food waste is a key concern.
The kitchen team works hard to minimize waste. They donate extra food to local charities when possible.
Community Engagement
The Renaissance St. Augustine takes part in local events and supports area businesses.
They source ingredients locally for their restaurant, Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen.
This practice helps the local economy and cuts down on transport emissions.
The hotel also hires local staff, providing jobs in the community.
They partner with local tour guides and attractions.
This helps guests learn about St. Augustine’s rich history and culture.
The hotel often hosts community events in its meeting spaces.
Hotel Policies
The Renaissance St. Augustine has specific rules for guests. These cover check-in and check-out times, reservations, pets, and accessibility. Knowing these policies helps guests plan their stay.
Check-In/Out and Reservation Policies
Check-in at the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel starts at 4:00 PM.
Guests must check out by 11:00 AM on their departure day.
Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request, subject to room availability. Fees may apply.
Reservations require a valid credit card at booking.
Cancellation policies vary by rate type. Most rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival.
The hotel may require a security deposit at check-in. This is refundable upon checkout if no damages occur.
Pet and Accessibility Considerations
The Renaissance St. Augustine welcomes pets.
A non-refundable fee applies per stay. There are restrictions on pet size and number of pets allowed.
Guests must keep pets on leashes in public areas.
Pet-free rooms are available for those with allergies.
The hotel offers accessible rooms and facilities for guests with disabilities.
These include wheelchair-accessible rooms, visual alarms, and Braille signage.
Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance.
The hotel provides equipment for guests with hearing impairments upon request.
Staff can assist guests with specific needs. It’s best to inform the hotel of any requirements when booking.
Promotions and Offers
The Renaissance St. Augustine offers enticing deals and special packages for guests. These promotions provide added value and unique experiences during your stay.
Seasonal Packages
Renaissance St. Augustine creates special packages tied to different seasons and events.
In summer, they may offer a beach getaway package with free towels and umbrellas.
Fall packages often include tickets to local Halloween events or autumn festivals.
Winter brings holiday-themed stays with extras like hot cocoa and cookies.
Spring packages highlight local gardens and outdoor activities.
These deals typically include perks like late checkout or dining credits to enhance the stay.
Exclusive Promotions for Guests
Loyal guests enjoy access to exclusive offers at Renaissance St. Augustine.
Marriott Bonvoy members can redeem points for free nights or room upgrades.
The hotel sometimes provides complimentary breakfast or parking for direct bookings. Guests may receive special rates for booking multiple nights.
Renaissance Navigators, the brand’s local experts, often curate unique experiences for guests.
These may include private tours or hard-to-get restaurant reservations.
Some promotions offer discounts on local attractions or spa services. The hotel occasionally runs flash sales or last-minute deals for spontaneous travelers.