Jaybird's Inn

From the outside, Jaybird's Inn feels like a typical motel, though with unusually well-kept tropical grounds and charming exterior hallways dotted with simple patio furniture. With its cream-colored facade, light-blue doors, and brick accents, the property feels welcoming and warm, and it tends to draw families and couples keen on exploring St. Augustine's Old City on foot or bike. Inside, the inn offers surprisingly fresh and stylish decor. The lobby has a comfy sitting area furnished with a pair of powder-blue armchairs atop a matching patterned rug, an orb chandelier, and a flat-screen TV flanked by dark-wood bookshelves. Just off the lobby, the breakfast area is clean and white with dark-wood exposed beams, brick pillars, and lots of the owner's photography adorning the walls. Jaybird's Restaurant is warm and cheery, with light lime-green paint, brown-and-beige tile floors, and wrought-iron tables and chairs with lime-colored cushions. Walls are decorated with floral paintings, and there's plenty of light courtesy of large windows. 

Jaybird's Inn is situated on a highway, and it's about a seven-minute drive to St. Augustine's historic district. There's a couple of shops and hotels in the immediate area, though there's not much within walking distance. The beaches are a short drive away: St. Augustine Beach can be reached in about 20 minutes, Vilano Beach is 10 minutes, and Crescent Beach is 30 minutes away. The Lightner Museum is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The Red Train Trolley Tour stops just outside the inn and gives easy access to many historic spots around the cobblestone-lined city. Jacksonville is located about a 50-minute drive north, as is its local airport.

Rooms at Jaybird's Inn are sleek, bright, and modern. The light-blue color palette extends from amply sized armchairs to wall-mounted headboards to throw pillows and blankets on the platform, pillow-top beds. Rooms have wood-laminate flooring, and white walls are decorated with photography taken by the owner. Each room has a simple wooden desk with a brown leather office chair as well as a 42-inch flat-screen TV with more than 80 channels. Bathrooms extend the pale aquamarine theme, and have LED lighting and porcelain tile floors along with modern shower/tub combos. The large vanities hold microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, and there are also ironing facilities and hairdryers in bathrooms. Note that some rooms can get noise from the trolley track outside.

Free breakfast is offered daily, though some guests find it lacking in variety. The hotel also offers guests 10 percent off all meals at the on-site Jaybird's Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has an Italian menu and daily happy hour. The hotel has an outdoor pool that's somewhat lacking in atmosphere as its surrounded by beige walls (though the hotel added fresh patio furniture and loungers after our visit), but it's fine for sunbathing or a quick dip. There's a fitness center, renovated after our visit, with cardio machines and medicine balls. The games room has mini-basketball and air hockey. The business center is equipped with a pair of desktop computers and a printer, along with snacks for sale. Free bike rentals are available, and staff can offer biking/walking maps and arrange local tours.