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Where to Stay in Saint John

Where to Stay in Saint John

Saint John New Brunswick, Canada Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

General Lodging Options

  • Hotels

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

  • Guesthouses (B&Bs)

    Charming B&Bs in historic uptown and neighborhoods. They feature personalized service, a cozy atmosphere, and frequently a homemade breakfast.

  • Motels

    Mostly along major city arteries. Motels usually have fundamental amenities, no-cost 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 extra room and a kitchen.

Specialized Accommodations

  • Hostels

    Choices within St. John itself exist, though limited. Hostels have dormitory-style or rooms for yourself at lower prices, often with communal spaces and kitchens, attractive to budget travelers.

  • Camping

    Camping spots exist at provincial parks or private campgrounds outside immediate city limits. Rockwood Park Campground, within the city, has a metropolitan 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) give 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 remain influences your daily experience.

Uptown Saint John

Benefits
  • Central, close enough to walk 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.
  • Usually cheaper accommodation, simpler parking, highway access.
Considerations
  • Requires driving or public transit to Uptown attractions.
  • Fewer food and fun options nearby.
  • A safe residential area.

East Side e.g., McAllister Place

Benefits
  • Mainly trade 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 living and industrial, with some local businesses. Less tourist-focused. Potentially very budget-friendly accommodation. Further from most tourist attractions, less appealing for a lot of visitors. Safety varies by specific block.

Selecting an Area

Uptown for walking and historic charm. West/East Sides for convenience if in back of the wheel, and often greater value for branded hotels.

Booking Strategies

Review various booking techniques for your time in St. John.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (July-August): Book well 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 prospects 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 give 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 St. John may list local B&Bs and unique properties.

Consideration

Booking directly through local B&Bs supports local businesses and offers personalized experiences.

Accommodation Recommendations

This table and suggestions provide points of departure 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-responsible tourists, 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 St. John (East Side): Basic, reliable, good value.

Mid-Range Options

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

Luxury Options

Chateau St. 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

  • Accommodations with Swimming 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.

  • Use Of a kitchen

    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 accommodations give extended-stay rates, for example, Home2 Suites by Hilton St. 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 magnificently 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

Reserve directly with a local B&B for a personalized experience and direct support of an area business.

Community Support

Direct bookings contribute more directly to the local economy.

Personal Touch

Frequently results in more tailored advice and unique insights from hosts.