07/01/2026
The final stop on our Florida summer road trip was… the beautiful, historic Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine (Preferred Partner with perks)! This property is one of Florida’s oldest operating hotels, first opening in 1888! It has survived a name change, the Great Depression, a decades-long life as a courthouse, and a modern revival as a luxurious Kessler Collection property.
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We were lucky enough to have a full, guided site visit with the amazing Sales Team on property! The showed us so many of the great private spaces that guests normally don’t see, fabulous public spaces, as well as all some of the room category options available. The hotel is currently undergoing a massive renovation of all 138 rooms this summer with their goal of be finished and ready for guests in time for the start of St Augustine’s famous “Nights of Lights” this winter!😳
I can’t wait to visit again and see the refreshed updates!
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Fun Facts about this historic property:
- Built by Franklin W. Smith, an ardent abolitionist and pioneer in pouring concrete for buildings.
- Railroad tycoon Henry Flagler bought it just months after it opened for $325,000, renaming it the Cordova Hotel.
- The hotel closed during the Depression and served as the St. Johns County Courthouse from 1968 to 1980. The judge’s bench was once a bed in the bridal suite.
- The building is a rare example of Moorish Revival architecture in the U.S. and features chandeliers custom-made in Morocco🇲🇦
- Artist Tina Guarano Davis hand-painted the intricate, gold-leafed details on the lobby arches and beams.
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Ready to book your next adventure? I’d love to assist! Please DM, call, or email for more details.❤️ . .
