Casa Monica, St. Augustine
Casa Monica is a majestic, Moorish-influenced, historic hotel built in 1888 by Franklin W. Smith who sold it to Henry Flagler who used it as a stopover for his guests on their way from the north to his playground at the Breakers in Palm Beach. It presides over America’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Fully restored by the Kessler Collection in 1999, Casa Monica hosts 138 timeless guestrooms, some of which have Spanish wrought iron balconies overlooking historic downtown and others facing onto the exotic pool area outfitted with oversized chaise lounges and a Moroccan draped tent. The lobby features glittering chandeliers, frescos, fountains, and colorful tapestries, contributing to Casa Monica’s mystique and air of romanticism. Mark Kessler, Senior VP of Marketing for the Kessler Collection, explained all the exciting improvements to the property that should be ready this fall including a new luxurious Titan branded spa, expanded Cobalt Lounge, and enlarged Grand Bohemian art gallery featuring nationally and locally recognized artists.
