146 Avenida Menendez, Downtown, historic district, on the water front, St. Augustine, Florida, United States | (888) 710-7049
Charming, 19th-century bed-and-breakfast in St. Augustine's Old City
On the Mantanzas River near restaurants and attractions
Rooms are filled with antiques and some have river or lighthouse views
Many rooms have jetted tubs, electric fireplaces, and outdoor seating areas
Free full breakfast can be served on a veranda overlooking the water
Nightly social hour with hors d’oeuvres and drinks
Storyteller on select nights plus Tea of the Month club
Friendly and helpful staff
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Parking lot is a few blocks away
Not all rooms have bathtubs
Weak Wi-Fi signal in some rooms
Children under 12 are not allowed (a pro for some)
This 16-room upscale bed-and-breakfast was originally built in the 1880s and is one of a handful of historic properties in St. Augustine's Old City. The antique-filled bed-and-breakfast has beautiful views of the Mantanzas River, and is within walking distance of restaurants and attractions. The rates, which put this bed-and-breakfast in the splurge category, include a full hot breakfast and an evening social hour with wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres, and occasionally performances by a local storyteller. Be aware that the Bayfront Westcott does not allow children younger than 12. Rates at the Cedar House Inn, another historic bed-and-breakfast, are generally lower, though it lacks river views.
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Scene
Historic Victorian hotel with elegant traditional decor
The white Victorian home with bright blue shutters was built in the 1880s by Dr. John Westcott, a developer of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. Interiors are traditionally decorated, with lots of floral carpeting and fabrics plus ornately carved wood furniture. Colorful flower arrangements, gorgeous antiques, and period details like crystal doorknobs fill the common areas, and the overall ambience is elegant and sophisticated. The long porches that line the home and overlook the river are filled with white wicker chairs with colorful cushions and pillows, and there are views of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. With its vintage charms, the bed-and-breakfast is geared toward couples on romantic getaways -- children under 12 are not permitted.
Location
On the river in St. Augustine's Old City -- walk to restaurants and attractions
Bayfront Westcott House sits opposite the Mantanzas River, just south of the Bridge of Lions, in a neighborhood surrounded by old homes and restaurants, and with a view of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The parking lot is a couple of blocks away on Bridge Street, though guests can park in front of the inn temporarily during check-in, and street parking is sometimes available. St. Augustine's Old City includes several restaurants, galleries, museums, and historic sights that are all within walking distance, and it’s a five-minute walk to the nearest trolley stop. Anastasia State Park, which has an ocean beach, is a seven-minute drive from the property. St. Augustine Airport-St. John County Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the larger Jacksonville Airport will take an hour to reach by car.
Rooms
Filled with antiques, some have small patios, fireplaces, and jetted tubs
The 16 air-conditioned rooms are filled with antique wood furniture, including carved four-poster beds with patterned comforters and microfiber linens (the high-thread-count sheets are even available to purchase from the inn). Handsome hardwood floors are lain with Oriental rugs, and bold modern colors like forest green and brick red accent the vibrant, but not overwhelming, patterns in the fabrics used throughout guest rooms. There are small seating areas that consist of love seats in attractive prints and all rooms come with flat-screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have electric fireplaces and others, including the Victoria Room, have small patios with views of the river. Taller guests should keep in mind that Alison's Loft is a converted attic space with low ceilings. Equal attention has been paid to decor in the bathrooms, with accents like solid wood vanities and French doors in some rooms. Bathrooms have jetted tubs with handheld shower heads or stall showers plus William Roam bath products and bathrobes. In some rooms, sinks and tubs sit in the main guest room, which may pose a privacy issue for certain guests.
Features
Breakfast with delicious entrees, evening social hour, sometimes with a storyteller
A full gourmet breakfast is part of the room rate and includes an entree, such as an egg casserole or eggs Benedict, as well as pastries and fruit. Breakfast can be served in the dining room, on a veranda overlooking the river, or in the inn’s courtyard. In-room breakfasts are also available for an additional hefty fee. There’s a free evening social hour with hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and storytellers recount the city’s history on select nights. Free coffee, tea, bottled water, and soda are also available throughout the day. The hotel also runs a Tea of the Month club, and teas are available for purchase. The friendly staff provides restaurant and sightseeing recommendations and can also make reservations. There’s a binder filled with restaurant menus. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the signal can be weak in some rooms. Parking is not located on site, though it is free.
