The Saint Augustine Beach House - An oceanfront boutique hotel. — Hotel in Saint Augustine

My husband and have stayed here 4 times because of the beautiful location and dog friendliness. We drive through here a lot and were ready to make it our home away from home. Unfortunately, it takes just one (or two!) bad experiences to ruin a trip. The first bad experience was when I went to pick up our breakfast and was told to go to the dining room (which was fine!). I followed instructions and when a staff worker named Pamela saw my dog, she looked offended and scolded me for having him there. I checked all the documents and instructions we were given and nothing said he could not be there. Plus, I had followed their instructions!

I then waited outside the dining area with my dog and when Pamela handed me the tray outside I could barely carry it. She made zero effort to help me to the room just a few feet away.

At check out I explained what happened and Chris was kind enough to listen and apologize (even though it was not his fault). Pamela was there but pretended not to hear. I felt a little better thanks to Chris, but just this morning when we went to get our breakfast we were given the same instructions and when I asked about my dog, the incident came up again.

When I told my experience the lady (I did not get her name) did not believe me. I suggested they clearly communicate their rules as there are no signs or information on the paperwork they print out snd give you. They also need clarity on service animal rules. I like to follow rules and when I do and get scolded, not assisted when I clearly needed help, and then told I am lying, it makes for a very unpleasant experience.

And of course a place with bad service will only be defensive and blame the customer (obvious in their other not stellar reviews). So sad… lesson for business owners: Be kind, listen, give the benefit of the doubt to those paying for your services and their experiences. No one establishment or...

This is the first time I have been back since it was the Ocean Blue (16 years customer). Wonderful! Fantastic! Better than when it was the Ocean Blue. Rooms are clean, very nicely furnished with plenty of seating and comfortable - sofa bed (and coffee table!) and king bed both comfortable and clean. Nice amenities - much better than average shampoo, creme rinse, body wash and generous soap. They provide beach towels in addition to nice bath towels. Great balcony, nice kitchenette (no stove but all else) and dining table for 4. Really comfortable. But best of all, is the service. The folks who run this place are top notch. VERY nice and always ready to help. They are very generous with their time and amenities. We felt very welcome. This hotel is unique, especially among all the hotels on the beach. It has a family feel at the same time very professional. I will return again and again. Everything was renovated which did raise the price of a room, but it is well worth it. And for the area is certainly reasonably priced. I highly recommend this hotel to couples, families, friends and even single people just wanting to take a break from everyday life. I hardly ever write a review but I just had to this time because I am most impressed. They really exceeded my expectations. And finally, Vilano Beach is one of my most favorite beaches on the east coast. The closeness of the hotel to the beach is one of it's best features - you can hear the ocean in your room almost as if you are on the beach. With all the windows and sliding glass door, one can have a wonderful cross breeze. Walk out of your room, down the steps, and there you are right at the beach. For those who are concerned about the protection of the dunes, the owners are particularly mindful and do their part. This is a perfect combination for...

This review is long overdue, and I'm happy to finally be making it. The Beach House is where I stayed after my small, intimate courthouse wedding almost a year ago. When I arrived, roughly twenty or so minutes before I was due for check-in, the front counter staff looked flustered -- and I didn't realize until I finally got into my room that it was because they hadn't yet sent someone up to ready a complimentary bottle of champagne and an adorable little cupcake to congratulate my wife and I on our marriage. We later split the cupcake on the balcony as we watched the waves. It wasn't a grand, over the top gesture, but it made us feel like the people overseeing our stay actually cared that we enjoyed our time there.

The staff was personal without being overbearing; the room was both quiet and clean (I'm obsessive about cleanliness, it's actually one of the reasons I try to avoid hotel stays); and the location... wow. You are quite literally on the beach. They keep complimentary beach chairs right downstairs for you to grab and return at your leisure, and you receive a breakfast menu when checking-in to ensure that you get exactly what you want.

My wife and I woke up to the sunrise and a gentle breeze (swing by in June, if you can!) and it couldn't have been more perfect. For the sake of transparency, I do have to say that I only stayed for the night, so I'm not sure what an extended stay looks like at the Beach House. I can say that I, personally, will definitely be back.

So here it is: if you're waffling between the SABH and somewhere else, stay here and get your money's worth. Thanks again to the staff; I really, really appreciated the care you took to make something as small as a bottle of champagne and a cupcake stay a surprise. I'll always remember the night...