St. John's is a small city, and the best place to stay for a first visit is almost always downtown, on or near the harbour. From there you can walk to the restaurants, pubs and shops, reach Signal Hill and The Rooms by a short taxi ride, and set off on day trips to Cape Spear and the Avalon coast. The hotels here cover a range of prices and moods, and all sit within the same compact area.
Why downtown works
The city's streets climb steeply from the harbour, with Water Street at the bottom, Duckworth Street above it and George Street, the pub street, nearby. Staying here means evenings out without a taxi, and an easy start for the downtown walking tour and the food tour. The trade-off is that downtown can be lively on weekend nights, so ask for a higher floor or a room away from the street.
Water Street: the harbour side
The Murray Premises Hotel, a boutique hotel inside a heritage landmark, has fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and views toward the Narrows, and it is the best choice for couples who want atmosphere. Alt Hotel St. John's is a modern, design-led hotel at 125 Water Street with underground heated parking, a restaurant and cafe and free lobby luggage storage, so it suits travellers who like contemporary style at a mid-range price.
Cavendish Square and Duckworth Street: full service
The Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland at 115 Cavendish Square is the upscale all-rounder, with harbour views, a complimentary indoor pool and a restaurant serving local cuisine. Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland at 131 Duckworth Street is a dependable mid-range chain hotel with a restaurant and a harbour-view lounge, and it suits families and business travellers.
Gower Street: the budget heritage core
City Hostel HI St. John's at 8 Gower Street offers private rooms and dorm beds, a shared kitchen and laundry, and a social atmosphere in the historic streets. It is the value pick, and the shared kitchen helps stretch a budget, although parking is on the street.
Cars, parking and day trips
If you plan to rent a car for Cape Spear and the boat tours, check parking before you book. Alt Hotel has underground heated parking for a nightly fee, the Sheraton charges for parking by the hour or the day, and the other hotels should be asked in advance. Many visitors skip the car for city days and rent for a day or two for the coast. A small-group tour with hotel pickup is another way to avoid parking.
How to choose
For a splurge with views and a pool, choose the Sheraton. For character and romance, choose the Murray Premises. For modern style and parking, choose Alt Hotel. For a familiar chain and a lounge with harbour views, choose the Courtyard. For the lowest price and a social stay, choose City Hostel. In every case, ask for a harbour-facing room if you want the view, and book early for July and August. Winter and early spring are quieter and cheaper, though the boat tours and some attractions are closed then, so match your dates to what you most want to do.
