Carriage Way Inn Bed & Breakfast

With its plantation-style wood-slatted facade fronted by a two-tier veranda, hanging baskets of colorful flowers, and white-wicker seating, this Victorian property is awash in Old Southern charm. Stepping past sculpted shrubbery, visitors find themselves in the grand parlor, where antique furnishings, a pretty stained-glass window, and cut-glass chandeliers add to the hotel's Old World ambience. Originally built as a family home in the 1880s, it was converted into apartments before it was restored to close to its previous state in 1984, when it opened as a guest house. Plenty of original period touches can be found throughout, and the smell of home-baked cookies and the genuinely warm welcome successfully combine the homey with the historic in this quaint bed and breakfast. Not surprisingly, most guests here are couples, drawn by the romantic atmosphere.

The hotel is located in St. Augustine's charming Historic District, within a five-minute walk of many restaurants and cafes, and two blocks from St. George Street -- one of the city's main attractions. It's also a five- to 10-minute walk to the Villa Zorayda Museum and various surrounding churches, including the grand Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Farther afield, Vilano Beach is a 12-minute drive and the Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area is 20 minutes away from the hotel. The closest airport is just over 10 minutes away by car, though the much larger Jacksonville International Airport is within an hour's drive.

The hotel has 13 rooms, each named after a jewel or a precious metal and styled accordingly -- meaning most of the rooms have glitzy accents and sparkling touches. While this could easily go over the top in the wrong hands, but decor here manages to remain tasteful, with antique-style furnishings combining with exposed brick and wood floors. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, though the most popular feature just might be the free cream sherry. Bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers and quality products. Keep in mind that showers in some rooms, like the Tanzanite Room that we saw, are in the main body of the room and only have glass walls, meaning that there isn't much privacy (though this may be a pro for some guests). Some rooms also have four-poster beds and original period features, though, as is often the case with historic properties, some external noise reaches the rooms. Additionally, there's a cottage available with a dining room, living room, and kitchenette, plus a whirlpool tub. 

An extensive and excellent breakfast of hot and cold dishes is served in the hotel's elegant dining room and included in the room rate. Free drinks and snacks, including wine and homemade cookies, are also offered throughout the day. Both Wi-Fi and parking are free, but there's little else in the way of facilities. On-site parking is free and limited to one space per room and the hotel can provide concierge services.