Hotel Saint Augustine

Arrival at the hotel was pleasant- with a campus of low modern airy buildings set amidst lush new gardens and outdoor seating areas that will someday be exquisite.That was the big disconnect- as our first room was dismal and dark, entering from a hallway so dark, we couldn’t see the door. They changed us from a street level room with no privacy to a second floor with balcony so small that you could only squeeze one chair. Don’t ask for room 2200. Most other rooms appear to be more spacious. ( we weren’t there on a discount) Excellent staff, with friendly service for every need. The physical rooms, however, are highly disappointing. Weird color and style choices, but worse functional layout. The closet and hidden dresser were totally inadequate for 2 people staying several nights. The size of the room is not an issue. The designers simply opted for style over function. And that style is a total disconnect from the pleasant exterior. The sofa is uncomfortable, more suited as a stiff suitcase holder. It certainly doesn’t work to watch the tv, which is hidden behind a silly curtain. The bathroom is spacious, which is why one wonders that they didn’t provide anywhere for keeping toiletries. They have to all be squeezed on the pedestal sink edges. With so much space, they could easily have provided 2 sinks so that we weren’t tripping over each other at the sink. The towels were apparently intended to be hung on poorly located hooks, so one had to drip across from the sink to wipe one’s face. Not a room I’d ever want to pay for again. The public spaces were much more peasant. The lighting was soft and inviting rather than too dark. The furniture seemed comfortable, thus encouraging one to not stay in their rooms. The restaurant and bar are inviting. We partook of their breakfast, and had lovely service as well as tasty omelet and pancakes. The location suited us, as it was across the street from the Menil museum complex. Ubers had no trouble picking and dropping us off. The neighborhood felt safe, although the street with entry and drop off faces a mud lined transition lot. Someday, the hotel might be more attractive. For now, I’d say the landscape needs to grow, and hopefully someone will make the rooms more functional.

This hotel has great potential--comfortable room, responsive staff, exceptional restaurant--but had some flaws unacceptable at this price point. The phone didn't work, there were no instructions for a complex thermostat, the "hot" water in the shower was lukewarm, and there was no shelf in the shower for shampoo/soap so the bottles were just left on the floor. Also a design problem--the rooms are only accessible from the lobby via a large open courtyard which was really inconvenient in the rain.