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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Franklin Hotel

Stay at The Franklin Hotel in St. John's, NL. Enjoy warm rooms, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly comfort, and easy access to Signal Hill, The Rooms, and Cape Spear.

195 Water St #193, St. John's, NL A1C 1B4, Canada View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 94 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Air-conditioned Pet-friendly Kid-friendly Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

A convenient, clean stay in downtown St. John's

Visitors appreciate the location and comfortable rooms of this cozy, family-run hotel, though some note practical limitations and urban noise.

Guests often praise

  • Central location close to lively Water Street, George St. bars, and major attractions.
  • Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained rooms with a modern, minimal style.
  • Easy and fast self check-in process with friendly and responsive property managers.
  • Quiet rooms despite proximity to nightlife, allowing restful sleep.
  • Thoughtful touches like local soap amenities and stocked coffee supplies.

Worth knowing

  • No elevator access, with only three floors, which may be inconvenient for some guests.
  • Bathrooms lack ventilation fans, causing occasional air circulation concerns.
  • No free breakfast, on-site restaurant, parking (except underground parking with pass), or fitness facilities.
  • Check-in and communications are done entirely via text, without in-person staff interaction.
  • Hotel is smoke-free, air-conditioned, pet- and kid-friendly, but not fully accessible.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a central, convenient base near cultural sites and nightlife in St. John's.
  • Travelers comfortable with self-service check-in and minimal staffed interaction.
  • Guests valuing cleanliness, simplicity, and quiet rooms despite urban surroundings.
  • Families and pet owners looking for a welcoming, kid- and pet-friendly environment.
  • Those planning short stays not requiring full hotel amenities like pools or breakfast.
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About this property

Welcome to The Franklin Hotel

Housed in a redbrick building on Water Street, this hotel offers cozy, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, appealing to guests looking for simple yet comfortable accommodations in downtown St. John’s. The absence of elevators and the compact layout reflect the building’s historic character, while self check-in through text messaging provides a modern convenience, appreciated by many visitors.

The property is pet- and kid-friendly but does not provide parking, breakfast, or an on-site restaurant, though a casual bar/restaurant nearby offers dining options. Guests have noted the location’s convenience for exploring local attractions like The Rooms cultural centre, George Street’s nightlife, and scenic sites such as Signal Hill and Cape Spear Lighthouse.

Rooms have been described as clean and well-maintained, with some feedback mentioning minimal noise from the vibrant surrounding area and occasional concerns such as limited air circulation in bathrooms. The straightforward style and practical amenities suit travelers seeking affordability and a functional downtown base rather than luxury or extensive facilities.

Close proximity to St. John’s International Airport and a variety of nearby hotels makes this property a suitable choice for visitors prioritizing easy access to the city’s cultural and historic highlights. The friendly and responsive hosts contribute positively to its welcoming atmosphere.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Free breakfast
Parking
Accessible
Pool
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

DE
Duane Ensing Apr 11, 2026
8.0

The room we stayed in was nice, clean, minimal and contemporary in style. We liked it but glad we only had one night to stay. You could definitely hear the nightlife on Water Street. We did fall asleep quick enough even with it. : )

NB
Neyla Bouayad Mar 27, 2026
10

Stayed there through Airbnb, the rooms are nice and simple. I had everything I needed. Self check-in was easy and fast. It’s very well located. Note that there are no elevators, only 3 floors.

MV
maria vazquez Mar 21, 2026
10

Loved the hotel! We had a beautiful and relaxing 5 days The rooms were impecable and super comfortable. The staff ere friendly and very helpful. The location was fantastic! Definitely will book again. Perfect for a relaxing stay .

EM
Emily Mack Mar 21, 2026
10

Everything was lovely - and the hosts were exceptionally helpful with our late departure flight! The only thing we found hard was air circulation, as the bathrooms did not have a fan. We would definitely stay again tho!

AM
Anthony McGann Mar 17, 2026
10

Price was the best I found for St Johns at this time of year. I've stayed here before several times in the past. I think ownership has recently changed hands. I've never had an issue staying here. They text you a check in code. You don't get to meet any hotel staff, if that's, what you want. It's all done thru text. No waiting to check in is what I like. Room (303) was very clean. Free underground parking is awesome for downtown area. You get a parking -pass in your lock box. Bedding and towels good. Free coffee and cream. Appliances, cups , mugs etc. all looked new (2023). Felt like I was first to use the Kettle / Coffee Carafe. Mini fridge had cream in it, and we stored our own drinks there too. Local East Coast Glow (soaps & shampoo) is a great touch - said my wife. There is a selection of drinks, snacks in the hallway. Not sure how it worked, payment wise, so we did not touch it. No info how to use remote for heater, so could not adjust room temp. Didn't ruin our night. Close to many local eateries & pubs and 10 minutes walk from George street on the main drag. Did not hear a sound in the hotel for from the street. Wife absolutely loved it. That's the all important factor. Will be staying here again..... Hope they keep prices reasonable.

KS
Kim Stockwood Feb 03, 2026
10

Nina is awesome, hotel is amazing!! Suites are extremely clean and the location is, well you can't get any better if you want to be in the heart of beautiful downtown!! Family owned hotel suites. And this lady has heart and is so kind, SHE saved a baby sea gull and helped reunite her with her family on the rooftop suite!! Can't wait to return again

ER
Erica R Jan 19, 2026
10

Self Check-in was easy, property managers were really friendly and easy to communicate with. Rooms were clean and spacious. Fantastic location. Overall a great stay, and wouldn't hesitate to book for future trips to the area!

L
Lulu Jan 08, 2026
10

The Franklin Hotel is one of the best places to stay in St. John’s. Stylish, comfortable, and perfectly located. Easy self check in. Highly recommend!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Franklin Hotel

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Charming area on the harbour with The Rooms cultural centre, George St. bars & Signal Hill views.

  • Water Street civic 179 Gallery Shoes 1 min Walk
  • Water Street civic 196 Courthouse 1 min Walk
  • Water Street civic 215 Atlantic Place 3 min Walk
  • St. John's International Airport 14 min Car · 46 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Newfoundland and Labrador. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Signal Hill National Historic Site 6,174 reviews

Signal Hill National Historic Site

230 Signal Hill Rd, St. John's, NL A1A 1B3, Canada

4.8 · Historical Landmark
The Rooms 2,639 reviews

The Rooms

9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John's, NL A1C 5P9, Canada

4.7 · Museum
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site 3,943 reviews

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Blackhead Road, Cape Spear, St. John's, NL A1C 5H2, Canada

4.8 · Historical Landmark
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