The Cozy Inn

The Cozy Inn’s original building resembles a large, southern-style estate house and dates back 100 years, though extensive refurbishments over the years have given it a more modern look. Flanked by trimmed hedges, palm trees, and three patios, the two-story house is home to four Deluxe Suites while the hotel rooms and Townhomes are in the buildings next door, beyond a parking lot. The reception area is a simple office with a welcome desk. There's little in the way of common space -- the hotel is fairly no-frills in that it lacks a restaurant, bar, pool, or any other gathering area beyond the outdoor porches -- and guests mostly keep to themselves. The atmosphere is nice and quiet, and travelers here are primarily adults, many hailing from the southern United States.

Located on a wide, palm-lined street, the area surrounding the hotel consists of older properties, a few small hotels including a couple of chain outposts, and some private residences. The location is convenient for those looking to visit St. Augustine and its Old City, which is a 20-minute walk for the ambitious, or a five-minute drive from the hotel for those traveling with cars. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth -- either a gimmick or a curative spring depending on the visitor -- is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Castillo de San Marcos is also less than a 10-minute drive, and the bayfront shops and restaurants are just a couple of minutes further. St. Augustine Fort can be reached by car in five minutes. Jacksonville International is about a 50-minute drive from the hotel, and it takes about two hours to drive to Orlando International Airport.

The original hotel is more than a century old and plenty of care has gone into crafting a particularly cozy atmosphere -- all aspects of the rooms are well kept. Many rooms feature handsome antique furnishings and decor, like the weathered trunk that serves as a TV stand in the Honeymoon Suite that we visited. However, the way each room's style is perceived will vary with the eye of the beholder. There are dated details, like wicker furniture and floral print bed coverings and curtains -- but everything is in such great shape that the look could be considered vintage (and, indeed, many guests see it this way). All rooms feature flat-screen cable TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Suites and Townhomes offer complete kitchens with ovens, stoves, refrigerators, and all necessary utensils. Townhomes are split-level units with bedrooms located upstairs. Even in these units, the tacky animal-print bed coverings that we saw were part of an overall exuberant tropical theme, and will certainly appeal to the right guest. While immaculate and equipped with plush towels, bathrooms mostly contain narrow walk-in showers rather than tubs, although the Honeymoon Suite features a spacious jetted tub for two.

Perhaps the one major let down here is the almost non-existent list of features. Unlike many small properties in the area, the hotel doesn't offer breakfast, and lacks all other facilities like a pool or fitness room. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and the front desk can help arrange tickets and provide advice on what to do in the area. The hotel allows pets with fees and restrictions.