Casablanca Inn on the Bay

The Casablanca Inn, originally named The Matanzas Hotel, was constructed in 1914 by the architect known as Mr. Butler. The 2-story Mediterranean Revival style building and its carriage house are located on the Matanzas Bay, the same bay Pedro Menendez had traveled through to found the city of St. Augustine centuries prior. The Casablanca Inn played a major role during the prohibition era of the 1920s. The Inn’s original operator Ms. Bradshaw helped bootleggers smuggle alcohol into the city. On nights when ships were scheduled to bring in their cargo, Ms. Bradshaw would take a lantern up to the second story window and wave it back and forth to notify the bootlegger’s ships that no government officials or law enforcement were in the area. It is said that she was greatly compensated for helping facilitate these imports. Just a few years later, the Inn changed hands and officially became The Casablanca Inn. Today, the Inn offers 22 luxurious rooms and suites which have all been updated with modern amenities without compromising its original charm and history. It has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Its close proximity to the bay and historic St. George Street makes it the ideal location for visitors. St. Augustine’s rich history is still very alive today in the cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved Victorian-era style homes, and 18th and 19th-century Spanish architecture.

With a commanding view of St. Augustine’s beautiful Matanzas Bay, Casablanca holds a premier location in the nation’s oldest city.

The scene is tranquil with passing boats, jumping fish, magnificent sunrise reflections, and the distant beacon of St. Augustine’s Lighthouse across the bay. The promenade along the water’s edge provides great people-watching, bustling with activity day and night. Decorative horse and carriages begin their old city tours just across the palm-lined Avenida Menendez. Hear the clang of the sight-seeing trains, the cries of the sea birds, and the peaceful rustle of the palm fronds swaying in the breeze.  You’ll have a front-row seat for the spectacular annual July 4th fireworks show, launched from a barge on the bay. During the holiday season, thousands of sparkling white lights decorate the palm trunks like candy cane sticks, and the historic Bridge of Lions dazzles.  Watch ghost tour hosts in period dress lead their patrons by a lantern light past the Inn.

The Inn is within the historic Old City, with narrow brick-paved streets just outside the door. It’s an easy walk to historic pedestrian-only St. George Street, to the Castillo de  San Marcos National Monument, to the central Plaza for concerts. The area is full of historic churches, museums, and homes; unique shops, art galleries, and antique stores. Restaurants range from casual to exquisite, mingling with candy makers, coffee shops, and ice creameries.