The Best Resorts to Book in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Battery neighborhood is a colorful part of St Johns
The Battery neighborhood is a colorful part of St John's | © Paul McKinnon / Alamy Stock Photo
Siobhan Grogan

Established in the 16th century, St John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America and is renowned for its rainbow-painted townhouses, winding streets and picture-perfect harbor – dotted with icebergs in winter. The city’s thriving university and outdoorsy lifestyle keep it lively, with independent galleries, dedicated craft beer bars and a booming food scene, along with coastal hikes in every direction. Sound good? Whether you want a historic inn, world-class spa or boutique hotel, St John’s top places to stay are bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Alt Hotel St John's

Hotel

Two single beds in a room at Alt Hotel St Johns with desk, chair and armchair
Courtesy of Alt Hotel St John's / Expedia

The only thing better than Alt Hotel St John’s cool, modern rooms, light-filled restaurant and friendly staff is the drop-dead-gorgeous view. Overlooking St John’s Harbor with sweeping views of the Narrows, it’s the perfect place to linger with a latte and make plans to explore the city. The room that awaits you is generously stocked with a Nespresso, Chromecast TV, a yoga mat, Bella Pella bath products and a heavenly rainfall shower.

2. JAG Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Two double beds, desk, armchair and coffeemaking facilities in a cream-and-brown room at Jag Boutique Hotel
Courtesy of Jag Boutique Hotel / Expedia

There was never going to be anything ordinary about a hotel lined with pictures of Iggy Pop and the Grateful Dead. Located in downtown St John’s, this property is devoted to music, with everything from coasters to cushions adorned with musical details, and curated JAG radio playing throughout the property. What’s more, the staff believe in treating every guest like a rock star. And of course, if you want to hear some tunes in person, George Street’s bars and pubs are right outside.

3. The Murray Premises Hotel

Hotel

Double bed facing TV on wooden chest of drawers by an armchair in a room at the Murray Premises Hotel
Courtesy of the Murray Premises Hotel / Expedia

The Murray Premises is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Built in 1846 and now a National Historic Site, it is the oldest collection of fishing industry mercantile buildings in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its historic character is now preserved in the exposed brick walls, 19th-century wooden beams and timber-slanted roofs of each cozy bedroom. The hotel also has two atmospheric restaurants, including the Gypsy Tea Room, focusing on seafood specialities, and EVOO in the Courtyard, offering Mediterranean cuisine.

5. Ryan Mansion

Hotel

Double bed with cushioned bedhead in a room at Ryan Mansion
Courtesy of Ryan Mansion / Expedia

When only the very best will do, this five-star boutique hotel will wow even the fussiest visitor. Moments from the city’s restaurants and galleries in the heritage district, the mansion’s main draw is its ornate staircase, built by the same craftspeople who fitted the grand staircase on the Titanic. The hotel echoes the famous ship’s opulent style, with heated marble floors, therapeutic tubs for two with plasma TVs in the bathroom, Frette linens, in-room fireplaces and original works by local artists.

6. Blue on Water

Hotel

Large bed, blue sofa, table and chair in suite at Blue on Water
Courtesy of Blue On Water / Expedia

Make sure you check in hungry to this charming 11-room boutique hotel, which is devoted to local and organic ingredients and grows the restaurant’s produce in its very own backyard. The hotel also has its very own gourmet food truck, while its legendary brunch menu is served all day, every day and includes a lip-smacking seafood chowder. Fancy a drink after? The hotel bar has over 35 single malt scotches to work through, if you have time on your hands.

7. The Roses Heritage Inn

Inn

It’s hard to miss this brightly coloured inn in the heart of St John’s historic district and within walking distance of all the city’s major attractions. The property is the longest-running bed and breakfast in St John’s and offers staggering views of the sunrise over the ocean from its upper floors. With just 12 bedrooms, it’s also famous for its à la carte breakfasts, with a different special served each day, such as home-made French toast or Newfoundland berry pancakes.

8. Monastery Spa

Spa Hotel

Double bed, two lamps and an armchair in a room at Monastery Spa and Suites
Courtesy of Monastery Spa and Suites / Expedia

If complete R&R is calling, this elegant hotel is the ultimate escape from the world. Located in the center of historic St John’s, the newly renovated suites include exclusive guest access to the largest Aveda spa in Atlantic Canada. There is also a glass-enclosed indoor gym, a vitality room with thermal tub and sauna, a spa boutique and an intimate cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Specialty treatments available include Himalayan rejuvenation therapy, cupping and non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including tattoo removal and teeth whitening.

9. Leaside Manor Suites and Executive Apartments

Suite Hotel

Single bed with two lamps and footstool in room at Leaside Manor
Courtesy of Leaside Manor / Expedia

Couples and business travelers alike will find a room to suit at Leaside Suites, set across five properties in the Waterford Valley area. Rooms include several contemporary suites with their own jacuzzi, as well as furnished apartments with between one and three bedrooms for longer rentals. Guests in the suites benefit from mini-fridges, multimedia entertainment systems and breakfast served in their room whenever it suits.

10. Gower Guest House

Guesthouse

Double bed facing TV, table and armchair in room at Gower Guest House
Courtesy of Gower Guest House / Expedia

Get out and see the city from this fantastically located restored town house in the colorful center of St John’s. The city’s restaurants, the harbor, the East Coast Trail and the nightlife of George Street are all within 15 minutes’ walk, while popular breakfast spot the Bagel Cafe is right on the doorstep. Rooms have traditional wooden floors, skylights and distinctive curved windows, and all guests have access to a full-size fridge, cookware and microwave.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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