My husband and I stayed at this Hampton Inn for 4 nights January 26-30, 2012. When we travel we usually try and stay at Marriott hotels so this was our first time staying at a Hampton Inn. We didn't want to stay in the city of St. Augustine so when searching for hotels outside the city we found this one, thanks to TripAdvisor.
We had a wonderful stay at this hotel and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
First the location...you are less then 10 minutes away across the bridge from the first trolley stop in St. Augustine, whether you use Old Town or Ripley's. And instead of being in the city you are on Vilano Beach. When we were there it was too cold to actually sit on the beach but we took some nice walks. The hotel is right across the street from the beach access. We had reserved an ocean view room with a balcony and it was great. Our room had a microwave and a refrigerator which we used. A Publix supermarket just opened up right across the street so that is convenient.
All the staff were very hospitable and housekeeping was wonderful. The room was kept super clean.
Along with your room you get free wi-fi and a very adequate free breakfast every morning. Coffee is available throughout the day and popcorn and cookies show up in the early evening down in the breakfast area.
There is only one elevator for the three floors but we never waited long. Maybe in the summer the wait would be worse.
We didn't use the pool because of the weather but it looked very nice and there was a hot tub as well.
The absolute only negatives I could say about the hotel, and this is stretching it, would be that the room was kind of dark - didn't look beachy at all. The walls were a light color but the furniture was dark wood and the prints on the sofa and chairs were also dark. But there were certainly enough lights in the room to make up for this! Also be careful in the shower. Whatever cleaner they use on the tub makes it slippery.
Before we left home I had looked at some restaurants we wanted to try but once you come across the bridge at the end of a sightseeing day, you don't feel like going back into town again and we didn't. We ate at the Kingfish Grill which is halfway across the bridge to Vilano Beach and Cap's which is also on the hotel side of the bridge. Both were good. We ate lunches in town and with the free breakfast and the Publix we were fine with food.
Don't know if we'll get back to St. Augustine again but we would certainly try another Hampton Inn based on our experience at this one.

This was our first trip to St. Augustine and came upon this jewel of a hotel very close to the beach. We wanted to be close to downtown but then be able to get away from the noise and hubbub. The room was nice with a small bar area with a fridge and coffee center. (The only exception was the bath tub was not in very good shape - but it was clean.) We will definitely go back again!

This was a very good place to stay for a night or two. It is just across the parking lot and the street from the beach, so good for a walk on the beach in the morning before we left. The front desk staff was very friendly and efficient. Breakfast had a good variety of items and the staff was polite and helpful, if not overly friendly. Our room was large, clean, and well-maintained and had a nice view of the ocean if we leaned over our balcony and looked over a couple of low roofs! Be aware that this property is NOT within walking distance of downtown St. Augustine - you have to drive 5 - 10 minutes to get there. But it is quiet and a good place to rest. We would return if we're in the area again.

This hotel is not your typical Hampton Inn. It property was part of the Clarion Choice Hotel. The rooms are large and most have a balcony. The beds are ultra comfortable and the breakfast area has an old charm quality. The only drawback is that it not located on St.Augustine's main area, and about 15 minutes drive from I-95, but if you are looking for tranquility, this is the place to stay. We always make a point to stay there whenever we are in the area.