Edgewater Inn

The Edgewater Inn is a cheery property with a fine scenic setting right on the Matanzas River. The bright yellow building has a motel setup, with exterior walkways, and palm trees dot the property. All in all this is a simple hotel,with an intimate vibe and mostly modern style, and the riverside location adds a dash of Florida charm. The back of many rooms open up to a long deck with just a strip of sand stretching between the deck and the river, where dolphins sometimes play, and the occasional shorebird sits for a visit. Interiors are attractive, with a blend of classic and modern design elements, including the lobby's light wood floors, a white-brick fireplace, and plenty of seating that ranges from modern gray leather chairs to sofas and love seats done in bright floral-patterned fabrics. Breakfast is served in an adjoining space characterized by homey touches such as a chalkboard sign and a giant spoon and fork on the wall. Couples make up a majority of guests here, though some families pass through as well.

The Edgewater Inn is located on Anastasia Island, right next to the Bridge of Lions. It’s just a 10-minute walk to cross the bridge into St. Augustine's historic district, with sights like the Castillo de San Marcos -- the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. (a 13-minute walk) -- and Markland House, a historic mansion. St. Augustine is filled with plenty more beautiful historic buildings, some of which date back to the 1600s. There are dozens of bars and restaurants within walking distance as well, including several seafood places lining the riverfront. It’s around a 10-minute drive to St. Augustine Beach, which has a fishing pier, playground, and splash park,and occasionally hosts craft fairs, concerts, and farmers markets. Both Daytona Beach International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport are around an hour’s drive from the hotel.

Rooms at the Edgewater Inn are spacious and pleasant, with a sedate tropical look that's refreshingly modern for the most part. Wood laminate floors are fresh, and walls are covered in cheerful pastel shades. Furniture includes simple matching bedrooms sets with dark-laminate headboards, nightstands, desks, and cabinets that double as stands for 39-inch flat-screen TVs. Mini-fridges and single-cup coffeemakers are provided, though free coffee is limited. Wi-Fi is free as well. Some elements give the rooms a homey look, like the maritime bedding and frilly bed skirts, and air-conditioners are window-units that have been mounted in the walls. Bathrooms have walk-in showers covered in earth-toned tiles with compact granite vanities and toiletries. Most rooms open onto a shared riverview deck with rocking chairs.

The Edgewater Inn has a deck overlooking the Matanzas River, which is fronted by a small strip of sand. A free breakfast is provided and includes fruit, pastries, cereal, and egg casseroles. The hotel also hosts an evening social hour with free snacks and wine. There’s a small outdoor pool with a concrete deck, some lounge chairs, and umbrellas, and free parking is provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty.