Best Historic Stays: Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine
The most iconic place to stay in the nation’s oldest city is Casa Monica Resort & Spa. You wouldn’t know it now, but this luxury hotel has been overlooked, shuttered, and even used as a government building during its 130+ year history. Thankfully, in recent decades, it’s been restored to its original grandeur and is now one of the most sought-after places to stay in St. Augustine.
The History of Casa Monica
Casa Monica’s grand opening back in 1888 didn’t go quite as expected. Only three guests checked in! Competition in the growing city of St. Augustine was tough, and the hotel’s original owner, Franklin W. Smith, ended up selling it to oil and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler after just four months.
Flagler renamed it the Cordova and used the hotel to expand his footprint in St. Augustine, which already included the Hotel Ponce de León (now Flagler College) and the Alcazar Hotel (now the Lightner Museum).
The hotel closed in the 1930s following the stock market crash, marking the start of three decades of abandonment. In the late 1960s, it was transformed into the St. Johns County Courthouse and remained a government building until the late 1990s, when Richard Kessler purchased the property. Kessler fell in love with its history and restored its signature Moroccan-style design.
Casa Monica Resort Today
Today, Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a Kessler Collection property & part of Autograph Collection Hotels, feels like stepping into a piece of art.
Sink into a velvet chair in the lobby and take in the details, including hand-stenciled and painted ceiling beams, lush plants, thought-provoking art, and chandeliers custom-made in Morocco.
Guests are welcomed with a glass of champagne at check-in before heading up to one of the 138 unique guest rooms.
I recommend the premium king guest room. It has a plush bed with a large velvet headboard, dark wood furniture, a cozy seating area, and a beautiful view overlooking a fountain and square.
It’s the perfect place to unwind before taking advantage of the resort amenities, including Poseidon Spa, considered the city’s most elevated spa, as well as the pool. If you’re craving a beach day, the resort offers a shuttle and other perks to make your time on the sand seamless.
The on-site art galleries are also worth exploring, and dining at the hotel’s restaurant is a must.
Dining at Cordova Chophouse & Bar
Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar is one of St. Augustine’s top dining destinations, and a stay at Casa Monica isn’t complete without a meal there. The atmosphere is just as impressive as the dishes.
Start dinner with something light and fresh, like the Melon & Stracciatella. While Cordova is known for its steak and fresh seafood, I ordered the Braised Lamb Gnocchi with pistachio mint pesto, lamb shank sugo, lemon, and manchego. It was absolutely delicious and so filling.
But there’s always room for dessert! The key lime pie had just the right amount of tartness and was easily one of my favorites.
Dinner is served daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are also offered daily, and brunch is available on weekends.
What to Do in St. Augustine
There’s no shortage of things to do in St. Augustine, especially for history lovers. Here are a few of my favorites:
Get an overview of the city on the hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour. It’s a great way to see the sights and plan where you want to spend more time.
Visit Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the United States and the only standing 17th-century military structure.
Learn about more than 500 years of maritime history at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and climb to the top for panoramic views.
Spend time at Anastasia State Park, known for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife.
If you’re visiting near the holidays, keep in mind the timing of Nights of Lights. The city gets especially busy during that season, particularly on weekends. Casa Monica puts you right in the heart of it all, making it the perfect place to stay during the holidays and throughout the year!
