Bayfront Marin House

What a lovely waterfront inn. We stayed in the Marie Antoinette suite. It had a lovely front facing view of the water with our own covered porch that included a seating area, including a swing. The room was tastefully decorated with modern conveniences for an older property. The queen size bed and bedding were comfortable. My husband and I both commented that we both slept through all the nights without getting up once. One of the perks was the morning breakfasts delivered straight to our room each morning. They were all delicious and varied, not your usual hotel free breakfast. We also enjoyed the evening happy hour (again delivered to your room) served with a choice of alcoholic beverage and a variety of delicious appetizers each night. We could enjoy all the meals served to our room either on the front porch, inside our room, on the bistro table on the side porch outside our room or one of the seating areas outside in the courtyard. The B&B is also in a perfect spot for walking to all the local attractions and restaurants. Parking was a designated lot just a short 2-block walk from the property. The property also has a designated loading/unloading zone so check-in/check-out is simple. Couldn’t have asked for a better place and location to stay in St. Augustine.

I had high hopes for my stay here. I reserved the Atlantic Suite which is directly beachfront. The photos made it look very modern. When I arrived, I found the unit to be much more dated than I expected. It is a very old house that has been spiffed up but not actually renovated to modern standards. The first impression when you walk in is a musty smell. They are clearly trying to fight this, but finding damprid containers in the kitchen and on the bedroom floor was a turn off. Based on the photos, I felt let down. The decor is exactly as shown in images, but the fit and finish of the actual product was just not what I expected based on reviews and photos. I was so looking forward to two nights at the beach, but it just didn't have the polish of a place I want to spend the weekend. I should have known the price was too good to be true, but I have never stayed in this area and thought I'd found a hidden gem off the beaten path. There were no cleanliness issues - it was super clean. It just didn't work for me. I ended up only staying one night and then checking out. I am definitely an accommodation snob, and most people would have probably found it to be just fine. I just don't like old homes. The clincher that drove me to leave early was the rug in the master bedroom. It is a large shag rug, a huge no-no in a rental especially at the beach. It just felt yucky. I also thought the shower was below standard. Very cheap shower head and the tub diverter doesn't really work, spiggot coming off the tub. Overall this felt more like a stay at grandma's old house than an upscale beach condo. In terms of the service, I was really impressed with their automated system for selecting your breakfast and RSVPing for happy hour. Very cool that they bring breakfast to the beach houses. I can't comment on the beach or view. I arrived at 11pm and left at 4am so I never even saw it. The place just wasn't for me. Other reviews noted the cat situation. I did have cats on the porch so FYI if that is going to bother you.

Everyone is friendly and professional: people at the front desk (who answer LIVE--no "press 1 for this, 2 for that), we met one of the housekeepers, Jade, who invited us into Aviles Cottage to preview the property for our next stay, and the people who delivering breakfast/happy hour (if you want those delivered.). Management does a great job of training and keeping their employees happy because it really shows. The hhotos of the properties accurately reflect accommodations. Our Hacienda Suite and the Aviles Cottage were immaculately clean. The food at both breakfast and happy hour is delicious. You will be making a great decision by booking at Bayfront Marin House for your next trip to St. Augustine.