We are extremely disappointed in our stay at 44 Spanish Street. We chose this B&B based on excellent reviews (4.7 on Google, 4.6 on Facebook, 9.6 on Hotels.com and 5.0 on Trip Advisor). In my eyes, the only thing going for this place is 1) location is very central 2) the Inn is adults only and 3) dedicated parking spot is included so you can come and go if necessary (we drove to the winery, distillery, and beach). I believe some of our disappointment is due to Ryan (Innkeeper) being pulled away from tending the Inn to assist the Owners in their move during our stay. Ryan was not on site when we arrived around 1 pm to try to early check in, which was no big deal to us since we arrived early with no warning. It was nice that our parking pass was ready for pickup, and we were able to park, have lunch, and then check in afterwards. When we arrived back at the Inn after lunch around 2:30, our room was ready and Ryan was available to check us in. We headed out for the evening and requested an ice bucket for our room. We did not receive this until 3:30 pm the next day (approximately 24 hours later) when Ryan returned on site. After following up, Ryan explained that there was also a medical situation he had to tend to. After our ice bucket incident, Ryan would barely even look at us and never even apologized. It’s unfortunate and unacceptable that the Owners nor the Housekeeper, were available to assist in his absence. I feel like this is a standard item in any room. Why offer ice with no bucket? |We stayed in Palm South. We knew from the website, the room would be small, which it was. We did have access to the balcony (shared with Palm North). But this isn’t to say that not just anyone on the second story could walk out the door to enjoy the balcony as well. Our room was mediocre at best (putting aside the size). The shower tub did not drain. You stood in inches of water every shower. It also is very hard to climb over the wide tub to get into the shower. The toilet door did not even latch shut. The room layout itself was not functional. Towel hangers/hooks (which were barely attached to the wall and falling off) were on the other side of the room. The TV was essentially over the nightstand. No one could comfortably look at the TV while sitting in bed. They should also include a guide on how to work the TV. My husband and I are in our mid 30’s and are pretty tech savvy and had issues getting everything to connect and work. No, we did not go on vacation to watch TV, but we do like it on while we are getting ready and before bed. The walls are also paper thin which is not unusual in a historic B&B, but when you can clearly hear the couple in the room next to you have sex, it seems a little too thin of walls. |Many reviews rave about the breakfast. They are talking about the 3-course meal that is offered only on the weekends at 8:30 or 9:30. We had watermelon/feta appetizer, eggs benedict for entre, and coconut granita for dessert. It was average compared so some of the other B&B breakfasts I have had in St. Augustine. Sophia, housekeeper, was absolutely delightful as she served us our courses. The weekday continental offered is a different story. Weekday breakfast starts at 9, which I feel is pretty late, and only runs until 10. We went out for coffee that morning and a walk on the river while waiting for breakfast. We returned to the Inn around 9:20. Ryan was there to “serve” breakfast. Upon arriving he told us to go grab a seat and everything is ready for us to “help ourselves”. Apparently, all he does is pour mimosas which are included in the weekday continental breakfast (not the weekend 3 course). I kid you not, my jaw dropped when I saw the spread. Sitting out was: 4 mini bagels, 5 mini croissants, 4 round sausage patties, a block of cream cheese, and juice. I would hardly call that a continental breakfast. It seemed to me Management was too busy to put together breakfast. I also should point out there were only 4 rooms occupied this morning. With disgust and more disappointment, we left and went and bought our own breakfast offsite. Even though we essentially paid for breakfast at our B&B, we felt this was money well spent. |Many of the B&B’s we stayed at had nice evening happy hours with snacks and wine or would even offer evening desserts or sit out cookies. This Inn does not offer anything of the sorts. It also does not have any common area space outside of your room except the balcony and garden courtyard where you eat breakfast. As mentioned above, the Innkeeper was not around outside of breakfast and check in, which is very unusual based on my prior St. Augustine B&B experiences. I would hope it was due to unusual circumstances with the Owners moving and this medical incident but overall disappointing in comparison to other places nearby. The place does nothing to stand out or go “above and beyond”. The day of check out, Ryan was onsite after breakfast finished, but he left the property 5 minutes before check out time of 11, knowing 3 of us couples were currently checking out. There were no check out directions, just a note. |Overall, I would rather spend the same amount of money at a different B&B in St. Augustine where the Innkeeper/Owners actually care about their job/Inn, prioritize their guests, give them exceptional dining experiences, and offer amenities...
Read moreWe are extremely disappointed in our stay at 44 Spanish Street. We chose this B&B based on excellent reviews (4.7 on Google, 4.6 on Facebook, 9.6 on Hotels.com and 5.0 on Trip Advisor). In my eyes, the only thing going for this place is 1) location is very central 2) the Inn is adults only and 3) dedicated parking spot is included so you can come and go if necessary (we drove to the winery, distillery, and beach). I believe some of our disappointment is due to Ryan (Innkeeper) being pulled away from tending the Inn to assist the Owners in their move during our stay. Ryan was not on site when we arrived around 1 pm to try to early check in, which was no big deal to us since we arrived early with no warning. It was nice that our parking pass was ready for pickup, and we were able to park, have lunch, and then check in afterwards. When we arrived back at the Inn after lunch around 2:30, our room was ready and Ryan was available to check us in. We headed out for the evening and requested an ice bucket for our room. We did not receive this until 3:30 pm the next day (approximately 24 hours later) when Ryan returned on site. After following up, Ryan explained that there was also a medical situation he had to tend to. After our ice bucket incident, Ryan would barely even look at us and never even apologized. It’s unfortunate and unacceptable that the Owners nor the Housekeeper, were available to assist in his absence. I feel like this is a standard item in any room. Why offer ice with no bucket? |We stayed in Palm South. We knew from the website, the room would be small, which it was. We did have access to the balcony (shared with Palm North). But this isn’t to say that not just anyone on the second story could walk out the door to enjoy the balcony as well. Our room was mediocre at best (putting aside the size). The shower tub did not drain. You stood in inches of water every shower. It also is very hard to climb over the wide tub to get into the shower. The toilet door did not even latch shut. The room layout itself was not functional. Towel hangers/hooks (which were barely attached to the wall and falling off) were on the other side of the room. The TV was essentially over the nightstand. No one could comfortably look at the TV while sitting in bed. They should also include a guide on how to work the TV. My husband and I are in our mid 30’s and are pretty tech savvy and had issues getting everything to connect and work. No, we did not go on vacation to watch TV, but we do like it on while we are getting ready and before bed. The walls are also paper thin which is not unusual in a historic B&B, but when you can clearly hear the couple in the room next to you have sex, it seems a little too thin of walls. |Many reviews rave about the breakfast. They are talking about the 3-course meal that is offered only on the weekends at 8:30 or 9:30. We had watermelon/feta appetizer, eggs benedict for entre, and coconut granita for dessert. It was average compared so some of the other B&B breakfasts I have had in St. Augustine. Sophia, housekeeper, was absolutely delightful as she served us our courses. The weekday continental offered is a different story. Weekday breakfast starts at 9, which I feel is pretty late, and only runs until 10. We went out for coffee that morning and a walk on the river while waiting for breakfast. We returned to the Inn around 9:20. Ryan was there to “serve” breakfast. Upon arriving he told us to go grab a seat and everything is ready for us to “help ourselves”. Apparently, all he does is pour mimosas which are included in the weekday continental breakfast (not the weekend 3 course). I kid you not, my jaw dropped when I saw the spread. Sitting out was: 4 mini bagels, 5 mini croissants, 4 round sausage patties, a block of cream cheese, and juice. I would hardly call that a continental breakfast. It seemed to me Management was too busy to put together breakfast. I also should point out there were only 4 rooms occupied this morning. With disgust and more disappointment, we left and went and bought our own breakfast offsite. Even though we essentially paid for breakfast at our B&B, we felt this was money well spent. |Many of the B&B’s we stayed at had nice evening happy hours with snacks and wine or would even offer evening desserts or sit out cookies. This Inn does not offer anything of the sorts. It also does not have any common area space outside of your room except the balcony and garden courtyard where you eat breakfast. As mentioned above, the Innkeeper was not around outside of breakfast and check in, which is very unusual based on my prior St. Augustine B&B experiences. I would hope it was due to unusual circumstances with the Owners moving and this medical incident but overall disappointing in comparison to other places nearby. The place does nothing to stand out or go “above and beyond”. The day of check out, Ryan was onsite after breakfast finished, but he left the property 5 minutes before check out time of 11, knowing 3 of us couples were currently checking out. There were no check out directions, just a note. |Overall, I would rather spend the same amount of money at a different B&B in St. Augustine where the Innkeeper/Owners actually care about their job/Inn, prioritize their guests, give them exceptional dining experiences, and offer amenities...
Read more44 Spanish Street Bed and Breakfast has a lot going for it. The location is perfect. The facilities are great. Last, but not least is an innkeeper who enjoys people and really works to make your stay perfect.
Let's start with location. 44 Spanish Street is in the center of the "downtown" section of St. Augustine. That means it's within a block or two of a lot of things to do. There are a number of really good restaurants within a block. A short walk down Cuna Street and you're right in the middle of all of the activity on St. George Street. Across US 1 from the end of St. George Street is the Castillo de San Marcos. About a block from the Inn is the stop for the tourist trolleys and tickets for the Old Towne Trolley are available at 44 Spanish Street Bed & B. Park your car in the price included lot when you get there and forget it. You won't need it again until you leave.
The building is a beautiful old ex-boarding house. It is surrounded by a gorgeous garden. Down stairs are sitting areas in the garden. They are particularly nice places to sit and "people watch" in the evening as well as just enjoy the breeze. It sits next to a single lane one way brick street which serves to enhance the charm. Upstairs is a balcony for a higher, more private setting.
We stayed in the Rosewood room which is downstairs in front. It has a private entrance facing the front. This is a very large room with a king size bed. It also has a daybed under the street facing double windows. Rounding out the furniture in the bedroom are several small tables and a large armoire. There are wooden floors throughout the room and bath. There is a flat panel TV with cable. Free WiFi is very good in this room. The decorations are very tasteful and pretty.
Down the hall is a private bath with toilet, large jacuzzi style tub, in tub shower, small refrigerator and microwave oven.
Everything you need for your stay is included. It is all cleaned and refreshed daily.
The breakfast is served in a breakfast room or courtyard - your choice. The food is different each day but is well planned and delicious. During our visit in addition to the entree each breakfast included bread, a fruit cup, a choice of juice and a choice of breakfast drink. Breakfast is prepared and served by the innkeeper Linda.
Linda is the third jewel in the crown. Linda and her Yorkie sidekick Gracie keep 44 Spanish Street Bed and Breakfast running like a well oiled machine. From your first moments here until you leave Linda is looking for ways to make your visit better. She can suggest places to see and things to do. She happily makes dinner reservations for you. She truly enjoys seeing you enjoy your visit.
Whatever your reason for being in St. Augustine, this is a great...
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