Holiday Inn St. John’s Conference Centre is a mid-range chain hotel on Portugal Cove Road, a short drive from the heart of downtown rather than in the middle of it. That position is its main appeal: you are close enough to reach Water Street, The Rooms and Signal Hill in a few minutes by car or taxi, but away from the weekend noise, and parking is generally simpler than in the historic core. The hotel is a recognisable brand with standard rooms, a restaurant and meeting facilities, and it often has an indoor pool, which makes it popular with families. It is not a boutique stay, and it does not claim to be, but it offers predictable comfort at a moderate price, a real advantage in July and August when downtown rooms are expensive.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits north of the downtown core, on a main road that links the city centre to the airport side of town and to Portugal Cove, so it is easy to leave by car for Cape Spear, Quidi Vidi and the boat tours at Bay Bulls. Downtown is a short taxi ride or drive away, and you can reach the harbour in a few minutes, though most visitors will not want to walk it with luggage. Local buses serve the area, but check routes and times if you plan to rely on them, because services are less frequent than in a bigger city.
The rooms and the feel
Expect standard chain rooms with comfortable beds, a desk and the usual facilities, and a more spacious, suburban layout than the heritage hotels downtown. The restaurant and lounge handle breakfast and dinner, and the meeting space means groups and local events are common. If a pool is important to you, confirm what the hotel currently offers before you book, since facilities can change. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than glamorous, which suits travellers who plan to spend most of their time out on the coast or the road.
Who it suits and what to know: it is a good choice for visitors with a rental car, for families who value space and easy parking, and for anyone who prefers a quieter night to a walk to George Street. It is less suitable if you want to wander downtown on foot in the evening, since you will need a taxi or a short drive each way. Check parking arrangements and any fees on the hotel's site, and ask about breakfast options and shuttle services directly, because these can change.
Ask for a quiet room away from the road if you are a light sleeper, and book early for summer. If you want to be in the middle of the old streets, one of the downtown hotels will suit you better, but for value and convenience by car, this is a sensible base.
Why stay here
- ✓Short drive to downtown
- ✓Easier parking
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Lounge
- ✓Standard chain rooms
- ✓Meeting and event space
- ✓Good for road trips
- ✓Quieter location
Good questions
Where is Holiday Inn St. John’s Conference Centre?+
It is on Portugal Cove Road, a short drive or taxi ride from downtown St. John’s. It is not in the walking core.
Is it a good choice if I have a car?+
Yes, parking is generally easier than in the historic core, and the location suits trips to Cape Spear, Quidi Vidi and Bay Bulls. Confirm parking details with the hotel.
Can I walk to George Street from here?+
Not comfortably, so plan on a taxi or short drive in the evening. If a walkable downtown stay matters most, choose a hotel closer to the harbour.
