The Best Western Historic Bayfront is a mid-priced hotel at 16 Avenida Menendez, on the waterfront road that runs south from the Castillo along Matanzas Bay. Its strength is plain geography: St. George Street is about a minute away on foot, the Castillo de San Marcos about two, Flagler College about three and the Cathedral Basilica about five. With only 59 rooms it is smaller and more manageable than the big downtown hotels, and it offers conveniences that many older old-town inns lack, including an outdoor pool, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk and a gift shop. Rooms are straightforward and practical, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a desk, a 55-inch television, a refrigerator and a microwave, and bedding that is hypoallergenic. The room mix includes standard kings, some with a bay view, and standard rooms with two queen beds that sleep four, with accessible options in the queen category. Guests rate it well, around 9.0 out of 10 from about a thousand reviews, praising location, staff and cleanliness. It is an unfussy choice for visitors who value being able to walk everywhere and want a pool for the hot afternoons.
What to know before booking
Parking is on site but limited, and it is charged as a nightly surcharge, so consider asking about availability when you book or using a nearby garage. Check-in begins in the afternoon and runs until midnight, with late check-in possible during limited hours, and check-out is at 11 a.m.
Pets are not allowed, apart from service animals. Reviewers often mention the location, the staff and the cleanliness, but some mention noise from a nearby bar or restaurant, difficulty parking, and one report of pests, so light sleepers should ask for a room away from the street and read recent reviews for the dates you plan to travel.
Who it suits
Families and groups who want a pool and a refrigerator in the room, couples looking for a bay-view king without a boutique price, and first-time visitors who want to leave the car behind. The bay-view rooms are the ones to request, since the waterfront is part of the appeal, and Avenida Menendez is a pleasant place to walk at sunset.
During Nights of Lights the location is a major asset, with the bayfront lights and the plaza a short stroll away, though rooms are in high demand and priced accordingly. Coffee and tea are available in the lobby, and there is a terrace for sitting outside.
How it compares
It is less atmospheric than the Casa Monica or a bed and breakfast such as the Marin House or Westcott House, but it is cheaper than most of them and offers a pool, which several of the old-town inns do not. The Hilton on the bayfront is larger and more full-service.
If you want modest comfort at the center of everything, with the bay on your doorstep, this is a sensible choice. Book early for spring weekends, holidays and the lights season, when the rate rises noticeably and the best rooms go first.
Why stay here
- ✓Steps from the bayfront
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Terrace
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Refrigerator and microwave in rooms
- ✓Bay-view king rooms
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Limited on-site parking
Good questions
Where is the Best Western Historic Bayfront?+
At 16 Avenida Menendez on the waterfront, about two minutes on foot from the Castillo de San Marcos and one minute from St. George Street.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, an outdoor pool and a terrace.
Is parking available?+
Yes, but it is limited and charged per night, so ask about availability or use a nearby garage.
