Casa Monica Resort & Spa Autograph Collection® is one of the oldest hotels in the United States and it is filled with history and architectural gems. It has a long story of ups and downs over the years of its existence. The hotel was built and opened in 1888 by Franklin W. Smith and was sold to Henry Flagler right away. the hotel formed then part of several high-end hotels in St Augustine and hosted balls and fancy dinners. Later on, it went through dark times of being neglected and mistreated as a government building until it was purchased by Richard Kessler, restored to its previous glory and proudly added to Kessler Collection
Today it is a beautiful hotel. if you arrive by car you will enter a huge gateway to a valet area. from that first step, you will feel as you are diving into the history of this building.
If you are coming on foot you will appreciate darkened fresh lobby which will receive you with cooling and calming sounds of a water fountain, that is the moment when your mind gets set for a deep relaxation.
Head to a bar area for your welcome toast of cold sangria and ask your bartender about the place. you will get a story possible even better than through a tour guide.
Rooms are decorated in a Spanish style following the overall feel of the place.
Deep-toned woods with a wonderful aged patina on historic pieces of furniture all over the hallways and unexpected items as a wall phone to call room service (I didn’t try if it worked but was cool to see it there)
There are 2 haunted rooms as we were told. they are available for guests per request and subject to availability. so if you are an adventurer and lover of paranormal ask for a stay in one of those rooms.
Casa Monica is located in the city and it is far from the beach. however, it offers a beach and private club passes. there is a shuttle that will take you there in the morning and then bring you back in the afternoon.
However if you are more as me, a freedom lover, and thanks to Uber and Lyft you don’t have to stick to their hours. Also, parking is free in the resort on the beach so you can drive your own car if you came on one.
The resort offers 2 pools. one, on the lower level, is a family pool, for families with kids and the upper-level pool is more of an adult pool with deeper levels of water, quieter if you want to take a nap and drinks and food on the border of the pool. The beach is several steps away. For me, a Miamian girl the water was a little cold to go in, and I really missed the sand to sit on it but we did enjoy to walk along the waterline and to see through crystal clear water.
For my Instagrammers friends and readers, that is a great spot for pictures.
The best part is that we could put all our food and drinks bill in our hotel rooms and not care about asking for bills.
Tip: bring some cash for tips. Service is very good and always with a smile, you will want to tip your waiter or waitress.
The hotel building is surrounded by history and wonderful architecture, neighboring with a Lightner Museum and Flagler College (which also were hotels before) right in front you will find a charming garden with water fountains, treasury across the street and the oldest street, Aviles street.
Casa Monica is located at: 95 Cordova Street St. Augustine Florida tel:+1 904-827-1888
