Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

You can spend an afternoon on one of the many benches watching boats go by, or follow the paved path along the waterfront. The views are beautiful, and the hotel is ideally placed for walking to the best shopping and restaurants St Augustine has to offer. It's hard to go wrong here.

The two women at the front desk were kind, especially the young woman from Ireland, who suggested a nearby beach. The hotel is also very well located, close to everything. But construction started in the hotel a couple of rooms away at 6 a.m. We knew there might be noise outside since we were staying in town, but not this. They banged around, dropped things, and talked without seeming to try to keep it down. For what we paid, I expected a more welcoming and hospitable stay. That early work showed little regard for the guests already there, and I wouldn't return.

The room was dirty, with hairs in the shower and floors that hadn't been swept before we arrived or during our stay. We had to keep our socks on so our feet wouldn't get dirty. At $600 a night, I expected better cleaning. The hotel itself is in an awesome spot, right on the water and next to town.

We've made this our stay for several years during Night of Lights, and this year was just as good despite the evening rain. The lights were Outstanding again, and our room was comfortable and very nice. Staff stayed exceptionally kind and professional, with the valet going the extra mile to make arrangements for the weather. I look forward to returning soon, and certainly for our annual Night of Lights visit.