Jag Hotel: A Fusion of Rhythm and Blues in Downtown St. Johns, Newfoundland

July 17, 2025

Bold, colourful, and centrally located in downtown St. John’s is JAG Hotel, a boutique property with 169 rock and roll-themed rooms divided up between two towers: RHYTHM (the hotel’s original wing) and the newly-opened BLUES.

While Rhythm houses Exile, the hotel’s signature restaurant and lounge, Blues contains JAG’s musical soul. JAG Soundhouse, JAG Java, Zimmy’s and Mojo offer guests a variety of options for dining, drinks, and tunes.

The third floor also includes Revival, an urban escape with lap pool, sauna, fitness area, and a spa for manicures, waxing, luxurious facials and massage services (by appointment).

Rock, punk, new wave and blues fans alike will rejoice at the stunning variety of tunes that can be heard from elevators, dining spaces, cafés, and bars, with an excellent variety of music posters and photos curated from owner John Steele’s personal collection.

It’s a beautiful ode to the music world, and the vibe carries on to the guest rooms.

Rooms

I’ve got an Elvis Presley-themed junior suite in the Rhythm wing, complete with a framed tour poster, print, and photos adorning the deep burgundy-textured wallpapered walls. The muted beige furniture contrasts nicely with the wallpaper. And close to my harbour-view windows is a couch and work desk.

Amenities include room service, blackout drapes, a Keurig coffee maker, mini fridge, safe, wellness centre access, wifi, and a Chromecast-enabled HD TV.

Sleep

The blackout drapes really do block out the harbour lights, and the comfortable bedding allows for great sleeps in the heart of downtown. Just make sure to get a room away from the harbour side as Oceanex’s container ship operation runs 24/7.

Dining, Bars, Nightlife

Exile has a decidedly black and red-themed decor complete with rock posters and portraits much like other spaces in the hotel. Unfortunately most of the cool red upholstered seating height falls short of the tables, so try to reserve one of the regular tables along the windows.

[Exile’s delicious braised short rib, tumeric rice, and root veggies]

Exile’s well-rounded menu includes seafood, pastas, meats and a daily feature. Together with their signature cocktails, wines, and sprits, Exile offers a tasty cap to a day of touring or business while in St. John’s.

At the hotel entrance is Zimmy’s a lounge named after Bob Dylan (née Zimmerman). Dine on Maggie’s Farm (fresh salads), Shelter From the Storm (soups), Gotta Serve Somebody (shared plates), Blonde on Blonde (classic sandwiches), and Desire (burgers, pork chops, Arctic Char or short ribs).

The drink selection is equally Dylan-sectioned: The Bootleg Series (cocktails), The Freewheelin’ (mocktails), in addition to a varied selection of wines, draft and bottled beer, and assorted spirits. Zimmy’s gets underway beginning at 11 am through midnight (until 2 am on Friday and Saturday), plus a Thursday to Sunday happy hour from 4-7 pm.

For city views and stylish vibes, check out Mojo on the Blues tower’s 8th floor. Expertly crafted cocktails, bold spirits, and a varied selection of wines add to a relaxing catch-up with friends or post-show bevvy.

And just off the main lobby is JAG JAVA, for your daily cup, plus pastries and sandwiches (6:30 am to 4 pm). Here you can tuck into a freshly-baked pastry or midday sandwich for a cozy break between meetings or sightseeing.

For live music, JAG Soundhouse’s two-story venue (second and third floors) contains state-of-the-art sound technology and cutting-edge lighting to complement the hotel’s schedule of performances. The program ranges from acoustic sets to full bands, right in the hotel’s heart.

In the Hood

Within walking distance are a range of shops, cafés, and landmark sites, including the Newman Wine Vaults, as well as George Street pubs and a great variety of shops, cafés, and eateries dotting both Duckworth and Water Streets.