St. John's hotels

I’ll never forget the first time I heard about the Jag Boutique Hotel. My dad had just checked in on a holiday and couldn’t believe his eyes – a whole hotel dedicated to classic rock!

The fun boutique property is now considered one of the best hotels in St. John’s thanks to its cheeky – but not cheesy – maximalist decor and warm hospitality. The hotel only has 84 rooms, which means it never feels noisy or crowded, even during peak season.

The other great thing about this unique hotel is that it’s positioned just two blocks away from the infamous George Street, where you’ll find all the best pubs, bars, and restaurants in the city. That means you can go ahead and get chummy with the locals without having to worry about getting a taxi home at the end of the night – you can just walk right back to your hotel room.

There aren’t a huge number of luxury-leaning hotels in St. John’s, but Blue on Water will certainly scratch that itch for high-end hospitality. This stunning property is one of the best hotels in St. John’s thanks to its chic atmosphere and bespoke services.

The property has also become a well-loved spot for locals looking to splurge at the on-site restaurant of the same name. The eatery works closely with local farmers to ensure seasonal ingredients of the highest quality (no small feat considering Newfoundland’s position in the middle of the North Atlantic) and boasts stand-out dishes like seafood chowder with cod, salmon, and mussels, and seared duck breast with local asparagus and confit orange.

Be sure to ask about the current specials – and consider trying Newfoundland classics you might not be familiar with, like cod tongue.

If you’re interested in vacationing like a member of the royal family, check into Ryan Mansion on Rennies Mill Road.

This luxury inn is considered the best hotel in St. John’s by King Charles III, who stayed here with Queen Camilla during a royal visit back in 2009. According to His Majesty, the Ryan Mansion is a building of character staffed with hospitality experts who have a passion for doing things properly with sympathy and sensitivity. It's definitely one of the most fancy hotels in St. John's.

If you do book the Ryan Mansion, take the time to examine the entryway staircase. Built at the same time as the ill-fated RMS Titanic and by the same group of builders and fitters, it’s probably the closest you’ll ever come to the legendary grand ship.

It might not be as popular a tourist destination as some bigger cities like Vancouver or Toronto, but St. John’s is up there when it comes to the most beautiful cities in Canada. The Alt Hotel St. John's takes full advantage of the surrounding spectacular scenery.

The stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the harbour make this one of the best hotels in St. John’s, while the modern amenities and cool contemporary design add to the overall atmosphere of the property.

Locals (as well as visitors like me) also love this property for its award-winning Terre Restaurant & Cafe, which offers an excellent tomato toast BLT, skin-on cod fillet, and a decadent grilled beef tongue. The entire menu is crafted from local and seasonal produce, while the expansive windows boast incredible views of central St. John’s and the waterfront.

Formerly known as the Hotel Newfoundland, this property is one of the oldest hotels in the city. It’s been considered one of the best hotels in St. John’s since it opened its doors in 1926, and despite having a rocky history and multiple changes of hands, it’s steeped in a history that represents the burgeoning tourism industry in Newfoundland.

These days the 4-star property is best known for its incredible personalized service and hospitality, as well as its gorgeous indoor forest dining space. I’m always amazed how they manage to quite literally bring the outside indoors by way of a smattering of trees and other plants that dot the dining room.

The Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland is also very centrally located, offering great views of the waterfront on one side and stunning city views on the other, so you'll have a spectacular vista no matter which side your room is on.

The Capital Hotel is a tried-and-true traveller favourite – and it’s easy to see why this property is considered one of the best hotels in St. John’s. The budget-friendly 4-star spot stands out for being centrally located, the Capital Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the Avalon Mall, for example.

The property has just 88 rooms, which makes it a more intimate and quiet option than some of the bigger names in the area, while the on-property restaurant is a local favourite.

Jack’s Restaurant is famous for its classic Newfoundland Breakfast (a must-try while on the island), which includes a fish cake, touton (a Newfoundland-style pancake), baked beans, hash browns, and bologna (another Newfoundland classic – trust me), all washed down with tea or coffee.

The DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview is located at the corner of Hill O' Chips and Water Street, making it one of the best hotels in St. John’s for location. The spot is ideal for those looking to explore the famous Signal Hill National Historic Site, as it’s only about a kilometre away from the mouth of the park.

Despite being a big-name brand, guests love this hotel because it feels more like a boutique property than another cookie-cutter accommodation. The rooms are also very spacious compared to other hotels in town, and make a great option for families or folks travelling with pets who might need a little extra square footage to feel comfortable.

What’s more, because it's a DoubleTree, you get a complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie when you check in – and honestly, no one could fail to love that.

The Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel is one of the best hotels in St. John’s if you’re looking for something conveniently located between the city centre and the airport.

The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, while the property itself is contemporary and stylish, yet still cozy enough to get a good night’s sleep. It’s also one of the best properties if you’re travelling with kids – there’s a generously sized heated indoor pool (which is perfect for winter visits) and a whirlpool tub reserved for hotel guests.

Despite the fact that this property isn’t as close to the hotspots in the city, there’s an on-site Denny’s restaurant which makes it easy to get a tasty breakfast without having to worry about hopping in the car.

The Murray Premises Hotel is one of the best hotels in St. John’s for a historical stay in the centre of town.

The charming boutique hotel is a National Historic Site right on the waterfront, and the building dates back to 1846. The stunning property offers nods to its past throughout every guestroom, with decor accents like exposed 19th-century wood, original rock walls, and exposed brick. It almost felt like I’d been transported back in time during my stay.

The Gypsy Tea Room is the on-site restaurant and draws both locals and travellers thanks to its reputation for serving incredibly fresh seafood and its expansive international wine list that rivals the best restaurants in the city. It’s also worth noting that the tea room provides room service for guests – so go ahead and enjoy fine dining in your pyjamas if you feel so inclined.

Right in the heart of the downtown core, the Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John's Conference Centre is one of the best hotels in St. John’s for business travellers. It’s ideal for anyone looking for comfortable and reliable accommodations for conducting business (or pleasure, for that matter).

The property is connected to the conference centre by a convenient indoor walkway, which comes into its own during the stormy winters or hot summer days. It’s also right around the corner from the infamous George Street, where you can "kiss the cod" with locals at pubs like Christian's Pub.

So, if you do feel like exploring the drinking and dining scene in the city, you won’t even need to hop into a cab. It’s also worth noting that this property offers a great fitness centre with everything you’ll need to train, as well as a squash court and indoor heated pool.