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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

New Brunswick, Canada

Accommodation Types

General Lodging Options

  • Hotels

    From budget chains to mid-range and boutique hotels. They typically have private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and often a restaurant or fitness center. East Side hotels have highway access; Uptown hotels have walkability.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Charming B&Bs in historic uptown and residential areas. They have personalized service, a cozy atmosphere, and often a homemade breakfast.

  • Motels

    Mostly along major city arteries. Motels typically have basic amenities, free parking, and direct room access. A budget-conscious choice.

  • Vacation Rentals/Apartments

    Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo feature various apartments, houses, and rooms for short-term rental. Good for longer stays, families, or groups, with more space and kitchen facilities.

Specialized Accommodations

  • Hostels

    Options within Saint John itself exist, though limited. Hostels have dormitory-style or private rooms at lower prices, often with communal spaces and kitchens, appealing to budget travelers.

  • Camping

    Camping spots exist at provincial parks or private campgrounds outside immediate city limits. Rockwood Park Campground, within the city, has an urban camping experience. New River Beach Provincial Park, nearby, has coastal camping.

  • Unique Local Accommodation Notes

    Historic Uptown B&Bs (renovated Victorian/Georgian homes) offer a distinct local experience. Waterfront Hotels (e.g., Hilton Saint John) offer direct boardwalk access and harbour views.

  • Recommendation

    Book a historic B&B in Uptown to truly immerse yourself in Saint John's past.

Neighborhood Guide

Saint John’s neighborhoods each have a distinct character. Where you stay influences your daily experience.

Uptown Saint John

Benefits
  • Central, walking distance to attractions, dining, nightlife, cruise terminal. Lively.
  • Victorian architecture, City Market, Imperial Theatre.
  • Very safe, especially in well-lit, populated areas.
Considerations
  • Can be pricier.
  • Parking mostly metered street parking or garages.
  • Some areas noisy, especially on weekend nights.

West Side e.g., Lancaster

Benefits
  • More residential and suburban.
  • Home to Reversing Falls Rapids.
  • Often more affordable accommodation, simpler parking, highway access.
Considerations
  • Requires driving or public transit to Uptown attractions.
  • Fewer dining and entertainment options nearby.
  • A safe residential area.

East Side e.g., McAllister Place

Benefits
  • Mainly commercial and retail, with large shopping centers.
  • Good for travelers with a car, simple access to shopping.
  • Chain hotels often have consistent quality and parking.
Considerations
  • Lacks historic charm and Uptown walkability.
  • Driving needed for most tourist attractions.
  • Generally safe, a typical suburban commercial area.

Important Notes

North End

Mixed residential and industrial, with some local businesses. Less tourist-focused. Potentially very budget-friendly accommodation. Further from most tourist attractions, less appealing for many visitors. Safety varies by specific block.

Selecting an Area

Uptown for walking and historic charm. West/East Sides for convenience if driving, and often better value for chain hotels.

Booking Strategies

Review various booking methods for your stay in Saint John.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (July-August): Book several months in advance, especially for popular Uptown hotels or B&Bs, or during major festivals/cruise ship days.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, Sept-Oct): Book a few weeks to a month in advance for the best selection and prices.
  • Low Season (Nov-April): More flexibility exists; booking a few days or a week in advance is often possible, with better chances for deals.
  • Flexibility: Non-refundable rates are often cheaper but offer no flexibility for changes.

Trusted Booking Platforms

Helpful Booking Notes

Deposit and Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary by property and booking platform. Always review the specific policy before confirming a reservation.
  • Many options offer free cancellation up to a certain period before check-in.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices are highest in summer (July-August) and during peak fall foliage (late September-early October).
  • Prices are lower in winter (November-April) and early spring.

Direct Booking Benefit

Hotel Websites

Booking directly with hotel websites often features best rate guarantees or loyalty program benefits.

Local Tourism Sites

Sites like Destination Saint John may list local B&Bs and unique properties.

Consideration

Direct booking with local B&Bs supports local businesses and offers personalized experiences.

Accommodation Recommendations

This table and recommendations provide starting points for different travel styles and budgets.

Accommodation Comparison Table Saint John

Budget Hotel/Motel

Price Range (CAD/night): $100 - $150

  • Basic amenities, free parking (often), outside Uptown.
  • Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, those with a car.
Mid-Range Hotel

Price Range (CAD/night): $150 - $250

  • Good amenities (pool, gym), restaurant, often central or near major roads.
  • Best for: Business travelers, families, comfort seekers.
Boutique Hotel/B&B

Price Range (CAD/night): $180 - $350

  • Unique decor, personalized service, historic charm, often includes breakfast.
  • Best for: Couples, history enthusiasts, unique experiences.

Top Picks for Different Budget Levels

Budget Options

Days Inn by Wyndham Saint John (East Side): Consistent, clean, often includes breakfast.
Super 8 by Wyndham Saint John (East Side): Basic, reliable, good value.

Mid-Range Options

Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John (Uptown): Conveniently located, connected to Brunswick Square.
Hilton Saint John (Uptown, waterfront): Excellent location, harbour views, direct boardwalk access.

Luxury Options

Chateau Saint John, Autograph Collection (Uptown): Modern, stylish, highly-rated.
Shadow Lawn Inn (Rothesay, nearby): Upscale B&B, short drive from Saint John, with refined elegance.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Hotels with Pools

    Delta, Hilton, or Holiday Inn Express Saint John are good choices.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Airbnb/Vrbo properties with multiple bedrooms and kitchen facilities are popular for families.

  • More Space

    Vacation rentals often offer more living space for families.

  • Kitchen Access

    Kitchen facilities in rentals can help with meal preparation for children.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Uptown B&Bs
  • Well-located Mid-Range Hotels

    These hotels offer convenience and security.

  • Walkability

    Uptown areas provide excellent walkability to attractions and dining.

  • Safety Aspects

    Well-populated areas in Uptown are generally very safe for solo exploration.

Special Significance Properties

Long-Stay Accommodations

Vacation rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo) are often ideal due to kitchens and more living space. Some hotels offer extended-stay rates, for example, Home2 Suites by Hilton Saint John.

  • Home2 Suites by Hilton Saint John
  • Various Airbnb/Vrbo listings
Cultural or Historical Significance

Many private B&Bs in the historic uptown are housed in beautifully restored 19th-century homes, connecting you to Saint John's past. Chipman Hill Suites offers apartment-style accommodations in historic buildings.

  • Historic Uptown B&Bs
  • Chipman Hill Suites
  • Architectural tours of Uptown

Local Booking Suggestion

Direct Local B&B Booking

Book directly with a local B&B for a personalized experience and direct support of a local business.

Community Support

Direct bookings contribute more directly to the local economy.

Personal Touch

Often leads to more tailored advice and unique insights from hosts.