Where to Stay in St. John's
St. John's is a compact, walkable city, but the neighbourhood you choose still shapes your trip. Some visitors want to be steps from George Street's nightlife, others prefer the quiet of a historic fishing village, and some want space, privacy, and a driveway to park the car. Here's an honest look at the main areas to stay in, and the kind of accommodation that suits each one. For a broader overview of things to see and do while you're here, our St. John's visitor guide is a good companion to this page.
Downtown & Water Street
Water Street is one of the oldest streets in North America and remains the heart of the city — a tight grid of colourful "jellybean row" houses, restaurants, pubs, and shops climbing the hill from the harbour. Staying here puts you within walking distance of George Street's nightlife, the harbourfront, and hiking trails up to Signal Hill.
- Best for: first-time visitors, nightlife, walkable sightseeing
- Typical stays: boutique hotels, downtown condos, and inns tucked into heritage row houses
- Trade-off: can be busy and noisy on weekend nights, and parking is tight
Quidi Vidi
Just a short drive or a longer walk from downtown, Quidi Vidi is a small, historic fishing village folded into the city, with brightly painted fishing stages, a working harbour, Quidi Vidi Lake, and the well-known Quidi Vidi Brewery. It has a slower, more scenic pace than downtown while still being close to everything.
- Best for: photography, a quieter waterfront feel, brewery visits
- Typical stays: a handful of small inns and vacation rentals, though options are limited compared to downtown
- Trade-off: fewer restaurants and shops right on-site; you'll likely head into downtown for meals
West End & Waterford Valley
The west end, including the Waterford Valley area, is a quieter, mostly residential part of the city that still sits within walking distance of downtown's restaurants, shopping, and trails. It's a good fit for anyone who wants more space and privacy without losing easy access to the historic core.
This is where you'll find The Westport Manor, a whole-home stay set on a half-acre lot at the west end of Water Street, right next to the Waterford Valley area. The property offers complete privacy away from downtown noise while keeping guests within walking distance of the city's top restaurants, shops, and walking trails — it's also been noted by guests as one of the most-loved homes on Airbnb, hosted by Seamus, a Superhost for over eight years.
- Best for: families, groups, weddings, or anyone wanting a full house rather than a single room
- On-site features: a heated 12-person swim spa, an indoor/outdoor entertaining space with a fire pit, loungers, and a play house for younger guests
- Suites include the Grand Master Suite, Garden View Suite, and Study Suite, along with shared spaces like the Grand Living Room, Gourmet Kitchen, and Fireside Lounge
Choosing the Right Type of Stay
Beyond location, the type of accommodation matters just as much. If you'd like to compare smaller, more traditional options alongside whole-home stays, our bed and breakfast guide for St. John's covers those choices in more detail.
- Hotels & inns downtown: convenient for short stays and solo/couple travel
- Bed and breakfasts: a personal, hosted experience, often in heritage homes
- Whole-home rentals (west end): best for groups and families needing multiple bedrooms, shared living space, and privacy — such as The Westport Manor
Is it better to stay downtown or in the west end of St. John's?
It depends on your priorities. Downtown puts you in the middle of the nightlife and historic streetscape, while the west end/Waterford Valley area offers more space, quiet, and privacy while still being within walking distance of downtown's restaurants and trails.
Is Quidi Vidi within walking distance of downtown St. John's?
Quidi Vidi is close to downtown but it's a longer walk than most people expect, especially with hills along the way. Many visitors drive or take a short taxi ride between the two.
Is a whole-home rental a good option for a family visiting St. John's?
Yes — a whole-home stay gives families or groups separate bedrooms and shared living space rather than a single hotel room. The Westport Manor, for example, offers multiple suites plus shared areas like the Grand Living Room and Gourmet Kitchen, along with a swim spa and outdoor entertaining space for downtime between sightseeing.
If you're after privacy, space, and a west-end base that's still an easy walk from downtown St. John's, take a look at The Westport Manor's availability and book your stay.