Florida is famed for its beaches but also has a rich and colorful history. The sunshine state played a pivotal role in the Seminole Wars and the American Civil War. Florida has several hotels that date back to the early 18th century and have incredible backgrounds. While travelers are lured by Walt Disney World Resort and the spectacular Floridian beaches, a stay at some of these historic hotels in the state will be an experience in itself! Some even have histories of hauntings and if you don’t spot a ghost, simply marvel at the Victorian architecture! Here’s a look at the top 10 historic hotels in Florida.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection (from USD 369)
Reasonable pricing for a luxurious historic hotel in downtown St. Augustine.
Central location, valet parking, pet-friendly, and association with Serenata Beach Club.
Perfectly situated near main attractions, shopping, and restaurants in the Historic Downtown area.
Marvelous in-house restaurant, superb breakfast, but limited dinner menu and high spa service costs.
Visit one of the oldest hotels in the US opened in 1888 by a Victorian architecture enthusiast. It is today popular as Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. For more than 120 years, even after restorations, it maintains the original artwork, striking Moorish columns in a sophisticated style. It still serves the splendid Spanish Mediterranean-inspired menu along with the modern Starbucks Coffee, Cobalt Lounge crafts cocktails and pastries all through the day. Castillo de San Marcos is only a 12-minute walk from here. Flagler College is just a minute’s walk, and Fountain of Youth at 2.5 km (1.5 miles) away. Enjoy the heated outdoor pool or hit the gym with weights and cardio machines along with meeting facilities.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Address: 95 Cordova Street
217.85 km (135.4 mi) from Common Ground Playground
2. Lakeside Inn on Lake Dora (from USD 179)
Reasonable rates for a lakeside location in the heart of the city.
Historic property with beautiful grounds, pool, and a pool bar. Tour boats leave from the property.
Conveniently situated on Lake Dora, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
Delicious breakfast and impressive lunches and dinners. Some areas for improvement in breakfast quality and service.
The 132-year-old Alexandra House with 10 rooms is now Lakeside Inn in the historic town of Mount Dora. Located on the eastern shores of Lake Dora, Lakeside Inn is the best hotel to enjoy a drink on the 200-ft (61 m) long veranda and cherish the sun setting behind Mount Dora. It has become a popular place for wedding and receptions and also has conference and meeting facilities. Stroll through Victorian Tea Garden or visit Antique Twin Markets only 2.7 km (1.6 miles) away.
Lakeside Inn on Lake Dora
Address: 100 North Alexander Street
92.19 km (57.3 mi) from Common Ground Playground
3. The Don CeSar (from USD 399)
High prices for food, drinks, and amenities
Beautiful beach, complimentary kayaks, live music, heated pool, spa services, beach and pool towel amenities, paddle boarding, yoga
Stunning beachfront location in Florida, close to shops and attractions
Limited restaurant options, overpriced food, small menu variety, high drink prices, disappointing dinner experiences
For nearly a century now, The Don CeSar hotel has been the Kohinoor of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Being the favorite hotel from the golden age of Jazz, it hosts the richest and some of the most famous people. It is also is known as the Pink Palace and was the location for Robert De Niro’s “Once upon a time in America” and many TV shows. The Don CeSar is located in St. Pete Beach and has 241 guest rooms and 36 suites to help guests connect with the sun, sand, and sea. It also has a large spa, two heated outdoor pools, and a wedding and event space.
The Don CeSar
Address: 3400 Gulf Boulevard
84.8 km (52.7 mi) from Common Ground Playground
4. La Concha Hotel & Spa (from USD 349)
One of the oldest hotels in the island city of Key West is La Concha Hotel and Spa. For nearly a century since its inception in 1928, it is known for its luxurious decor, marble floors, private baths, and modern conveniences. Being a major landmark of Key West city, it has an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, fitness center, and many other facilities. The rooftop spa is its most attractive feature from where you can enjoy sweeping ocean views. Forty-two inches TV in the rooms and the variety of Jamba juices make the stay here a memorable one.
La Concha Key West
Address: 430 Duval Street
384.54 km (239.0 mi) from Common Ground Playground
5. Park Plaza Hotel Orlando - Winter Park (from USD 249)
The best hotel in the heart of Winter Park, Orlando, is only 400 steps from Rollins College, Winter Park History Museum, and many shops and restaurants. The hotel offers laundry services and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms have air conditioning and heating. Universal Studios is a short drive away from this hotel. Morse Museum of American Art and Hannibal Square Heritage Center are within walking distance from Park Plaza Hotel. Virginia S.Nelson Rose Garden and Cornell Fine Arts Museum can also be reached on foot from here.
Park Plaza Hotel Orlando - Winter Park
Address: 307 South Park Avenue
87.13 km (54.2 mi) from Common Ground Playground
6. Cassadaga Hotel and Spiritual Center (from USD 125)
Reasonably priced historic hotel with a rustic feel.
Charming old hotel with a peaceful atmosphere and a large outside deck.
Conveniently located near Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, with easy parking and a quaint, peaceful setting.
Delicious food at the restaurant, but limited options and closed on certain days.
Many mysterious secrets surround this historical hotel for being built at a place that got torched in 1926. It is in the Psychic Capital of the World, and the hotel maintains its traditional look and provides the best modern facilities. All the rooms have a private entrance and an alarm clock, and thousands of Cassadaga visitors stay and enjoy in this hotel located off Interstate 4. This hotel is only 30 minutes’ drive from Daytona Beach city center.
Cassadaga Hotel and Spiritual Center
Address: 355 Cassadaga Road
126.7 km (78.8 mi) from Common Ground Playground
7. Terrace Hotel - Lakeland (from USD 299)
The cost of building Terrace Hotel in 1924 was USD 750,000, and it was one of the States’ first year-round hostelries. After many changes, it is now one of the historic hotels overlooking Lake Mirror. It still has antique windows and restored ceiling at Terrace Grille that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Polk Theater, Polk Museum, and Munn Park are within walking distance from here. Lakeland Amtrak station is also near the hotel.
The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Address: 329 East Main Street
3.64 km (2.3 mi) from Common Ground Playground
8. Pensacola Grand Hotel - Historic Downtown (from USD 132)
The 1882 old Vintage Louisville and Nashville passenger union station was replaced in 1912 to become today’s Pensacola Grand Hotel. Built on such an architectural landmark in downtown Pensacola near the Civic center and airport, it is the first choice of Florida visitors. It is because of its proximity to the other historic landmarks like Old Pensacola Village. The hotel is also near White Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola Beach Pier, Veterans Memorial Park, Pensacola station, and also the culturally opulent Saenger Theater. This hotel has an outdoor pool, round the clock business center, a dance floor, and antique furnishings.
Pensacola Grand Hotel - Historic Downtown
Address: 200 East Gregory Street
576.61 km (358.3 mi) from Common Ground Playground
9. The Chesterfield Hotel Palm Beach (from USD 375)
The 1926 European Lido-Venice hotel was renovated into The Chesterfield Hotel Palm Beach in 1937. This historic hotel is a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Worth Avenue, Atlantic Ocean waterfront, and at the heart of the Palm Beach residential area. The popular PGA National Golf Club is only 15 minutes’ drive away from the hotel. International cuisine with music on all days is the specialty of its Leopard Lounge and Leopard Bar. An outdoor pool and seating for a casual atmosphere give a soothing effect to the hotel.
The Chesterfield Hotel Palm Beach
Address: 363 Cocoanut Row
237.81 km (147.8 mi) from Common Ground Playground
10. The Historic Peninsula Inn (from USD 179)
The 1905 Bay View hotel with 40 rooms became transformed into Cedar’s Hospital after World War II and then to a nursing home and now the famous Peninsula Inn. Located at the heart of Gulfport, Florida, it is only five minutes’ walk from the Historic Waterfront District. Dolphin Watch is only 1.6 km (1 mi) and City Center is 8.8 km (5.4 mi) from this hotel. A short drive will take you to Boyd Hill Nature Park. All rooms in the hotel are individually styled with en suite bathrooms, ironing facilities, seating area, and also classic southern cuisine.
Peninsula Bed & Cocktails
Address: 2937 Beach Boulevard
80.84 km (50.3 mi) from Common Ground Playground
Soak up some sun in Florida
The chilled lifestyle of Florida makes the state one of the top holiday destinations in USA. The sunny weather and warm sand make Florida very appealing for a beach vacation. Make your vacation extra special in Florida and stay in one of the historic hotels full of charm.
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