· Open -

1888

· 1st Owner -

In 1887 Henry Flagler (Co founder of Standard Oil and the man who opened up Florida with train lines and hotels) sold the land to Franklin W Smith (Major founder of the YMCA) who built the hotel and sold it back to Flagler four months after opening due to financial difficulties

· AKA -

Cordova / Alcazar Annex

· Stars - ****

· Guests -

King Juan Carlos l and Queen Sophia of Spain / Desmond Tutu / Bill and Hillary Clinton / John Fogerty / Ring Starr imposter

· History -

Built in 1887 it was later connected to Flagler's neighbouring Hotel the Alcatraz by bridge. It closed in 1932 due to the depression and the bridge was taken down.

In 1962 it became the County Courthouse after being abandoned for 30 years.

In 1997 it was purchased and turned back into a luxury hotel which opened in 1999 as the Casa Monica Hotel.

· Signature -

Moorish revival and Spanish Baroque architecture

· Rooms -

138 rooms and 14 suites @ $424 - $1064

Tales -

The Hotel is named after St. Monica the mother of the man the city is named after St. Augustine of Hippo who's travel quote is on the homepage of this website

In 1964 the lobby housed police dogs which were used against civil rights demonstrators in Dr. Martin Luther King's rallies

It is known as one of the most haunted hotels in Florida - a guest hung themself in Room 511 and strange things are rported here and in Room 411 directly below.

· Claim to Fame -

The Nation's Oldest City September 8th  1565

4 Diamond Award

A famous USA travel agency - Ask Mr Foster was based at the hotel

Often called the most haunted hotel in Florida

· Innovations -

Bose sound systems in the rooms

The huge flagpole on top of the hotel is a lightening rod

· Feature -

Poolside cabanas / Valet Parking

· View -

Downtown St. Augustine / King Street / Flagler College / Lightner Museum

· High Tea -

Starbucks

· Facilities -

Spa / Fitness Centre / Heated Outdoor Pool / Whirlpool / Weddings

· Unique -

It is one of the most historic resort hotels in all of Florida

The Kessler Suite takes up 4 storeys of one of the towers

· Restaurants -

Costa Brava - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Mediterranean

· Bars -

Cobalt Lounge - Jazz and Cocktails

· Sights -

San Sebastion Winery / Castillo de San Marcos / Old Town Trolley Tours / The Fountain of Youth / St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum / Ghost Tours / World Golf Hall of Fame / The Original Ripley's Believe it or Not / Lightner Museum (the old Hotel Alcatraz building) / George Street

· Extra -

Check out  Key West to New York ( #50 The Appalachian Way) in USA in 'Countries M - Z'.