The Collector Inn - Adults Only

We stayed Wednesday to Friday for our fourth wedding anniversary, and being right in the middle of St. Augustine made it easy to wander around, eat well, and find drinks without planning every hour. Somehow the inn still felt tucked away. The whole property has a hidden-village feel, with brick paths, greenery, and quiet spots to sit with a drink and forget your phone for a bit. Our room was clean and comfortable. Outside, the courtyards felt private, the fire pits were actually in use, and the pool area was laid-back rather than crowded. The staff were warm without hovering, quick when we needed something, and felt genuinely welcoming. That kind of service puts them ahead of a lot of places charging similar rates. It was a calm, beautiful, thoughtfully put-together escape. If you’re after loud crowds and a look-at-me atmosphere, this probably isn’t your place. We came for four years together and left already thinking about another trip.

The gardens and fire pits were lovely and peaceful, and the grounds were kept tidy. We were closer than expected to the Leitner museum, Flagler college, and Avilla St. The staff gave us a one-hour-later checkout after the morning noise had affected our sleep, and we appreciated that. Breakfast had cereal, fruit, pastries, toast, juice, coffee, tea, and two hot options, bacon and either rotating eggs or French toast. I was glad they had gluten-free toast for my allergy. Most guests seemed to be around 50-65, with a few people in their late 30s or early 40s over the weekend. The hard part was how much sound carried through our room. We knew the rooms were in beautiful old homes with original wood floors, but hadn’t expected to hear guests on the stairs and in their rooms so clearly. On the first day, people upstairs woke us early while getting ready to check out, then the cleaning crew came through. On our last night we were woken at 6, then again two hours later by housekeeping. At check-in, we got a letter asking guests to watch their noise because the historic homes lack insulation. It might help to mention that while guests sign their paperwork, since I suspect many don’t read the handout. One evening there were lots of gnats near the pool and valet area. I only realized later that they’d bitten me all over. They weren’t mosquito bites, they were gnats. My husband and I did enjoy the stay overall, and would come back for the beautiful property, pleasant service, and quiet gardens near the main sights. We’d choose an upper-floor room and bring bug spray.

Billy at the front desk was especially kind and helpful, with great recommendations. Everyone was super friendly, and the relaxing music in the common areas was lovely. We spent a long weekend here with my husband and loved the clean room, beautiful garden and pool, and delicious continental breakfast. He was obsessed with the mini omelettes and smoked salmon. Can’t wait to come back!

The grounds were pretty, with an old-town Key West garden feel, and Will, the valet, was welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The rooms, though, were small and old, and the breakfast was mediocre at best. The front desk staff weren’t especially friendly or helpful. This didn’t feel like a four-star hotel to me, and I wouldn’t stay again.