Last Updated on March 12, 2024
Are you looking for a great place to stay in the Sunshine State? Why not choose one of the historic hotels in Florida? These hotels have been popular places to stay for travelers for many years. They continue to give guests both modern conveniences and vintage style.
If you’re a history buff or just looking for unique accommodations, these historic hotels are for you. Plus, some of these hotels are in areas chock full of fun things to do across Florida.
Historic Florida Hotels
Here are just a few of our favorite historic hotels in Florida.
1. The Belleview Inn – Belleair
The Belleview Inn was constructed in order to attract business to the area after the railways first arrived in the St. Petersburg area. Henry B. Plant built the hotel in 1897, and it quickly become popular as a getaway for the rich and famous Hollywood celebrities. At 400,000 square feet, this building was once the largest wooden-frame structure in all of Florida.
The Belleview Inn Address: 25 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, FL 33756
2. The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables
Inspired by a medieval tower in Spain, architects Schultze and Weaver designed the Coral Gables Hotel (now called the Biltmore Hotel). At the time, it had the largest pool in the world. George Merrick and hotel tycoon John McEntee Bowman built “a great hotel…which would not only serve as a hostelry to the crowds who were thronging to Coral Gables but also would serve as a center of sports and fashion.”
The Biltmore was once the tallest building in Florida. Learn more about the Tallest Buildings in Florida.
The Biltmore Hotel Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134
3. The Breakers Hotel – Palm Beach
Located in Palm Beach, the Breakers Hotel was first opened in 1896 by the business tycoon Henry Flagler. He wanted a place to stay for travelers on the Florida Eastcoast Railway. The original hotel burned down in 1903 and reopened the very next year in 1904.
At that time, the rooms were $4 per night, and guests were transported around the grounds in wheeled chairs powered by the employees.
The Breakers Hotel Address: 1 S County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480
4. Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant – Jacksonville Beach
The Casa Marina Hotel has been an iconic landmark of Jacksonville Beach since it opened its doors in 1925. Ironically enough, the hotel opened the exact same day as the day the town was renamed from Ruby to Jacksonville Beach. Early hotel guests included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, John D. Rockefeller, President Harry S. Truman, F.D.R., and Al Capone.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss our favorite things to do in Jacksonville: Our Top 7 Authentic Things to Do in Jacksonville.
Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant Address: 691 1st St. N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
5. Casa Monica Resort & Spa – St. Augustine
Another historic hotel in Florida also came to be through the work of Henry Flagler. For the Casa Monica Resort in St. Augustine, Henry Flagler sold the land to Franklin W. Smith to build a hotel in the area due to the new railway. The hotel opened on New Year’s Day in 1888, but unfortunately, within months Smith was in financial trouble. Flagler bought the hotel back from Smith in order to save space.
The hotel operated under Flagler for some time. Then it closed and sat dormant for 30 years. It was eventually bought by St. Johns County to become a courthouse. Finally, in 1997, Richard Kesler bought the hotel for $1.2 million and transformed it back into the magnificent and celebrated hotel it once was.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa Address: 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
While you’re visiting, check out: Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine.
6. Colony Hotel & Cabana Club – Delray Beach
Another historic hotel built in the height of the roaring 20s, the Colony Hotel & Cabana Club opened in 1926 in a romantic Mediterranean architecture style. Even today, the hotel features the original elevator, telephone switchboard, flooring, and hand-woven Ficks Reed wicker furniture.
In 1935, the hotel was bought by newlyweds George and Agnes Boughton, and generations of their families have continued to work at the hotel.
Colony Hotel & Cabana Club Address: 525 E Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483
7. Driftwood Inn – Vero Beach
Waldo E. Sexton, the original architect of the Driftwood Inn, built several historic places in Vero Beach – one of them being the McKee Jungle Garden.
First built as a family home in 1937, the space eventually operated as a small resort hotel with Mrs. Sexton cooking breakfast for the guests in her family kitchen. More buildings were eventually added to this Beachcomber hotel to make it what it is today.
Driftwood Inn Address: 3150 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach, FL 32963
8. Fenway Hotel – Dunedin
Built in 1924, the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin was an icon of the jazz age and hosted many amazing guests like explorers, artists, musicians, and more. The resort has always been popular, due to its location on the St. Joseph Sound, facing Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands.
Interestingly enough, the Fenway Hotel was the home of the county’s very first radio station from 1925 – 1927. The hotel continues its dedication to music to this day, with live music and a mantra of “the carefree Floridian spirit of figuring it out as you go”.
Fenway Hotel Address: 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, FL 34698
9. Florida House Inn – Fernandina Beach
The Florida House Inn is not only on the National Register of Historic Places but is the oldest surviving hotel in all of Florida. The hotel was originally meant to be a railroad boarding house when it first opened in 1857, but today it serves as a charming and unique bed and breakfast.
You’ll be able to stay in one of 17 rooms and dine in an English pub, parlor room, or breakfast room amongst a beautiful and lush garden and courtyard.
Florida House Inn Address: 22 S 3rd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
While staying here, check out: 7 Top Things To Do on Amelia Island.
10. Floridan Palace – Tampa
A member of the National Register of Historic Places, the Floridan Palace is known to locals as just the “Floridan”. In 1925 when the hotel was built, the cost was $1.9 million dollars. At 204 feet tall, the Floridan Palace, or Floridan Hotel at the time, was the tallest building in all of Tampa. It held that title until 1966 when it was dethroned by the Franklin Exchange Building.
Floridian Palace Address: 905 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
Don’t miss: Our Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida.
11. Island Hotel – Cedar Key
Another member of the National Register of Historic Places, the Island Hotel in Cedar Key was originally used as a General Store, Post Office, and Customs House in the 1860s. It is even rumored that the building housed both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War, as the town changed hands a number of times.
It eventually become a hotel in 1946, and is even said to be haunted to this day.
The restaurant at the hotel is incredible. Don’t miss the Clam Island Hotel pasta if you want to try a fan favorite.
Island Hotel Address: 373 2nd St., Cedar Key, FL 32625
Check out our favorite things to do in the Cedar Key area: Old Florida Charm: Authentic Cedar Key and don’t miss the annual Cedar Key Springs Art Festival.
12. La Concha Hotel & Spa – Key West
Another historic hotel made famous during the 1920s is La Concha Hotel & Spa in Key West, built by businessman Carl Aubuchon. He knew that opening a hotel in the Keys was a great opportunity, and built that hotel in a luxurious Colonial Spanish style. In fact, it cost almost a million dollars to complete the floor with marble floors, private baths, and an elevator, which at the time was a luxury.
The hotel became one of the most popular attractions in Key West, and was visited by Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Harry S. Truman.
La Concha Hotel & Spa Address: 430 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
Don’t miss this article: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West.
13. Lakeside Inn – Mount Dora
Opened in 1883, the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the state of Florida. This is slightly different from the Florida House Inn, which had to shut its doors at some point during its tenure. At its conception, the Civil War had just ended and people were ready to travel. They wanted to go to the warm sunshine of Florida where guests could bird watch, fish, or have picnics.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel has been visited by many prominent guests, including President Calvin Coolidge.
Lakeside Inn Address: 100 Alexander St., Mt Dora, FL 32757
While you’re staying there, make sure to check out: 10 Ways to Experience Charming Mount Dora.
14. Plantation on Crystal River – Crystal River
While this historic hotel is newer to the state of Florida, it is just as magnificent and important as the rest on the list.
Source: Plantation on Crystal River/Facebook
While this historic hotel is newer to the state of Florida, it is just as magnificent and important as the rest on the list.
Built in 1962, this hotel is nestled along Crystal River and was renovated and improved until it came to be what it is today in 1997. Plantation on Crystal River is a truly peaceful spot for golfers and vacationers alike.
Plantation on Crystal River Address: 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
Check out all of our favorite things to do in the Crystal River area. Discover New Adventures in the Manatee Capital of the World and Swim with a Manatee and Experience the Authentic Crystal River, the Soul of Florida.
15. The Don CeSar – St. Pete Beach
One can’t possibly reference Pass-a-Grille without mentioning the famous Don CeSar Hotel. The towering pink “castle” opened in 1928 and became the pampered playground for celebs like F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Known as “the Pink”, this beautiful hotel has been the backdrop for many Hollywood films and sets the stage for a first-class romantic getaway. Even if you don’t stay, treat yourself to ice cream at Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor or take a seat at the outdoor beach bar for the ambiance.
The Don CeSar Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Check out: 10 Authentic Things to Do in St. Petersburg & St. Pete Beach.
16. The Gasparilla Inn & Club – Boca Grande
The hotel is a member of both the National Register of Historic Places and the Historic Hotels of America. The Gasparilla Inn was built in the early 20th century when Florida first became a premier vacation destination.
Unfortunately, the original hotel was destroyed by a hurricane in 1921, but was rebuilt in 1928 with a golf course added as well. We personally resonate with their mantra – “Experience the feeling of Florida as it was meant to be”.
The Gasparilla Inn & Club Address: 500 Palm Ave., Boca Grande, FL 33921
17. Wakulla Springs Lodge – Wakulla Springs
We all owe our thanks to Edward Ball, an early conservationist and visionary, who in 1934 purchased the property and preserved the habitat. Later, he built the Wakulla Springs Lodge in Mediterranean revival architecture with 27 spacious rooms.
Be sure to look up at the ceiling when you walk into the lobby to view the beautifully painted wood beams with Florida wildlife and art. Also, don’t miss the marble checker tables, huge fireplace, and “Old Joe,” a stuffed 11 ft. alligator that lived in the park.
The Lodge has a lovely dining room, where we ate baked grouper stuffed with crab meat. Don’t miss the fried chicken and the famous navy bean soup. Yummo.
Wakulla Springs Lodge Address: 550 Wakulla Park Dr., Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
To learn more, check out: Our Favorite Things to Do in Wakulla Springs.
18. The National Hotel – Miami Beach
Built in beautiful Art Deco style in 1939, The National Hotel in Miami Beach is said to bring timeless elegance and an oceanside view to guests visiting. Not only does the hotel feature newly renovated rooms, but you can also still enjoy many of its original features like chrome light fixtures and terrazzo flooring.
The biggest draw, however, is the 205-foot infinity pool, which is an iconic landmark of the Miami Beach area.
The National Hotel Address: 1677 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Don’t miss our favorite things to do in the Miami area: 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami.
19. Terrace Hotel – Lakeland
The Terrace Hotel in Lakeland was one of the first of its kind, known as a “year-round inn”. This meant the hotel was open for the entire year, rather than closing after the season had completed. At that time, guests used to enter the hotel via a beautiful tropical garden.
Today, the Terrace Hotel has gone under renovations, but still wows visitors with its unique vintage Art Deco style. The hotel restaurant, the Terrace Grille, even features elements from the original hotel like the iconic arch windows, cypress-patterned ceiling, and more.
Terrace Hotel Address: 329 E Main St., Lakeland, FL 33801
20. Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa – Captiva
Guests of the beautiful Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa can thank the fishermen of the past for making this hotel what it is today. In 1931, Tween Waters opened in the Captiva area due to its great location for fishing – within just minutes you could head to Pine Island Sound or the Gulf of Mexico.
Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa Address: 15951 Captive Dr., Captiva, FL 33924
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Sanibel, Captiva & Cayo Costa Islands.
Where is the Gibson Hotel in Apalachicola?
Hi Chuck! The Gibson Inn is in the very heart of downtown Apalachicola. The address is: 51 Ave C, Apalachicola, FL 32320. Their website is https://www.gibsoninn.com/.