Pub Life Inn over Ann O’Malley’s

It was my hubby’s BIRTHDAY and, well, you only turn 33 once! I surprised Chris with a Birthday Beer Weekend and it all started at Ann O’Malley’s Pub Life. This great little Inn is perched above Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub and offers a perfect base for a Historic St. Augustine beer getaway.

At check-in, Chris received a Park Now Card for free parking in the garage, tokens for beer and tokens for 2 sandwiches downstairs at Ann O’Malley’s! We hadn’t even stepped into our room yet and the hospitality was flowin’!!

Check out our spacious suite-

Say “buh-bye” to cramped hotel rooms; Pub Life is spacious and comfortably decorated. A queen bed takes center stage in the large bedroom, the bathroom boasts a claw-footed tub and you’ll enjoy a tv, microwave & mini-fridge in the comfortable living room. I peeked in a closet to discover a cache of board games!! Next time we need to plan some down time just to enjoy games on the private balcony of Pub Life. {You can view a video tour of the whole place here: Pub Life Inn}

Back to the bedroom… We unpacked and I was about to put my clothes in the dresser {yes, I do this even for one night stays- go ahead and make fun of me, Chris does} when I spotted these on the dresser:

LuLi’s cupcakes!!! What a sweet surprise! We took a bite- just one because we were headed out to dinner- then another- then another… these are seriously tasty cupcakes! Thank you, Ann O’Malley’s!

Now, you must keep in mind that Pub Life is nestled above a bustling {read: loud} pub that closes at 2 am! In fact, we enjoyed the band from our room almost as much as if we were in the pub downstairs. So you book Pub Life for a party weekend, not a relaxing writer’s retreat.

Protip: Pub Life staff had playing music when we arrived in our room {sweet!}. We turned it off when we were listening to the downstairs band but next time I’ll remember to put it back on before bed. It’d help mask some of the “cleaning up in the middle of the night” noises.

That being said, Saturday morning was peaceful and quiet. I woke up before my hubby and poured a goblet of OJ from the fridge {another thoughtful touch!} opting out of the champagne that was chilled beside it.

What a view to wake up to!!!! I sat back in a chair and breathed in the brisk air we enjoy in October here in St. Augustine. I love waking up to crisp cool breezes but wearing a tank top by lunchtime. #spoiledfloridagirl

Check out the view of the inlet through my zoom lens!! That’s the Atlantic Ocean! Man, I love St. Augustine! What a beautiful view of God’s amazing creation!

You have to check out the blue bucket hanging over the far rail. It kind of blends into the trees here, but it’s the coolest thing ever. Room Service!!! You call downstairs and place your order then lower the bucket. Ann O’Malley’s puts your food or beverages inside and sends the bucket upstairs!

Another super-cool thing about this balcony… I’ll be standing here St. Patty’s Day as the parade goes by! Yep, yours truly will be one of the judges of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Can’t wait.

We already love Ann O’Malley’s- and after a night in the adorable Pub Life we like it even more! Nothing was overlooked by our hosts, we truly look forward to returning for more memories and car bombs!

Ann O’Malley’s and Pub Life
23 Orange St
904.535.6853

Casa Monica

Casa Monica isn’t just a hotel… it’s an experience!

{Experience via video review at the end of this post…}

It’s valet parking and a uniformed doorman upon arrival. It’s triple-sheeted beds, bohemian decór and tufted velvet headboards with nailhead trim. Casa Monica is cabanas by the pool, an abundance of fresh towels and ordering lunch poolside. It’s a gourmet restaurant and lounge with live music on the weekends and a cafe with freshly baked pastries and Starbucks coffee.

Four stars. Understated elegance. The Casa Monica Hotel embodies the luxe of St. Augustine in 1888 updated for today. Welcome to St. Augustine’s gem- the Casa Monica Hotel.

We’ve stayed in many rooms at the Casa Monica- the premium rooms boast breathtaking views of the nation’s oldest city. This shot of Flagler College was from our first visit on our 13th wedding anniversary. ♥

There are so many things to do in St. Augustine - and the Casa Monica is in walking distance to most. It’s location in the midst of historic St. Augustine makes it a favorite tourist destination.

But, since we’re local, sometimes my hubby and I just want to relax together. That’s why we always make Casa Monica’s cabanas part of our time at this romantic St. Augustine hotel. Sometimes we forego lunch “in town” and just spend the afternoon poolside. We like to order the Hunter’s Plate for a light lunch and I drink lots of water and an occasional Cape Fizz. The servers have always been friendly and flexible. It’s like ordering room service, but infinitely better because I get to eat with my fingers and splash in the pool while getting a tan.

There is so much I love about Casa Monica. You can read more about their gourmet food and 95 Cordova’s menu <-here and enjoy touring the hotel virtually through my video review below.

Are you drawn to hotels with quiet, posh rooms? Is knowledgeable, attentive, friendly service important to you? How about location- walking distance to attractions, great food and the waterfront? For these reasons and many more, you’ll love St. Augustine’s Casa Monica Hotel… just like I do!

Casa Monica Video Review: