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Whether you’re a thrill-seeker who thrives on spine-tingling experiences or a curious traveler ready to delve into Florida’s mysterious past, buckle up! We’re about to journey through a list of historic Florida hotels—places where the past lingers in every shadowy corner and creaking floorboard.
The allure of these storied accommodations isn’t just about their history or architecture; it’s the allure of the unknown, the tantalizing possibility that you might encounter something—or someone—from another era. Science says it’s all about the rush of hormones like adrenaline and dopamine that catapult us into a heightened state of awareness, almost like a superhero in disguise. And once the spooky scenario subsides, you’re often left with an exhilarating sense of accomplishment. It’s like tackling a roller coaster, but instead of loops and drops, you get ghosts and legends.
My own experience? I’ve bunked at two such hotels right here in Florida. While I didn’t encounter any translucent figures wafting through walls, we did have a toilet that couldn’t stop flushing all night long. Eerie? Sure. Enough to keep us awake? Absolutely. Was it a plumbing issue or something more mysterious? I’ll let you be the judge. Knowing the haunted history before our visit, we couldn’t help but wonder if it was all in our minds, playing tricks on us as the clock ticked towards midnight.
These unique hotels may hesitate to shout from the rooftops about their ghostly guests, fearing it might deter more timid travelers. But for those of you daring enough to dip your toes into the world of the paranormal, this list is for you. Here are 10 of Florida’s most intriguing, possibly haunted, historic hotels. Ready to explore? Pack your bags and your courage—this is one adventure you won’t soon forget. ????????
Now, how’s that for adding a dash of excitement to your next Florida getaway?
9 Historic Florida Hotels
Artist House Bed & Breakfast
534 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
TripAdvisor: Traveler’s Choice 2020 #1 of 79 B&Bs / Inns in Key West
This 1890 Queen Anne Victorian owned by Robert Eugene Otto is believed to be haunted by his doll and his wife that hated the doll. Robert’s beloved doll, also named Robert, was given to hi when he was 4. He would often blame bad things that happened on the doll and kept it in his presence throughout his life. The home now operates as a bed and breakfast and Robert the Doll is on display in a museum in Key West.
Belleview-Biltmore Hotel
25 Belleview Blvd, Belleair, FL 33756
TripAdvisor: Traveler’s Choice 2020
This hotel opened in 1897 and was constructed by Henry B. Plant as a resort destination. Part of the hotel has been relocated and restored as the Belleview Inn. Numerous tales of strange sightings and happenings include moans, sighs, malfunctioning equipment, and a distraught bride.
Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
TripAdvisor: #2 of 13 Hotels in Coral Gables
A colorful history including the murder of a gangster, Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, at a loud party on the 13th floor of the hotel; used as a military hospital during World War II; the grounds of the University of Miami in 1952; abandonment in the 1960’s; a rebirth into a world famous hotel with one of the largest swimming pools in the Continental U.S.
Casa Monica
95 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
TripAdvisor: #33 of 82 Hotels in St. Augustine
Built in 1887 by Franklin W. Smith, in Moorish Revival and Spanish Baroque Revival style. Within 4 months of opening, he had to sell it to Henry Flagler after running into financial difficulties. During its lifetime it has housed historically famous guests and even was purposed as a county courthouse. Tales of hauntings include shadowy figures, voices, children playing in the halls, electrical equipment malfunctioning.
Florida House Inn
22 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
TripAdvisor: #6 of 6 B&Bs / Inns in Fernandina Beach
The oldest surviving hotel in the state of Florida. She serves as the matriarch of the historic district of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1857, the Inn was originally constructed as a railroad boarding house. It has since been restored into an eclectic mix of vintage charm and southern hospitality making the Inn a very unique bed and breakfast.
Herlong Mansion Bed and Breakfast
402 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667
TripAdvisor: Traveler’s Choice 2020 #1 of 2 B&Bs / Inns in Micanopy
19th Century mansion, circa 1845, believed to be haunted by its former owner, Inez Herlong. The original home was a cracker style farm home but grew through expansions into a brick classic Greek Revival mansion.
Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
100 Palm St, Marco Island, FL 34145
TripAdvisor: #7 of 12 Hotels in Marco Island
Originally, a 20-room inn built in 1883. For a very special treat – book the 3BD Penthouse for rent with private wrap around lanai and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and Marco River. Haunting reports of voices, footsteps, and cold drafts.
Safety Harbor Spa Resort
105 N Bayshore Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
TripAdvisor: #1 of 3 Hotels in Safety Harbor
The housekeepers at this resort have claimed to hear their name being called from the women’s bath area of the spa, but when they go to check who it is, no one is there. In the mid-90’s the location was renovated, and the front desk would receive phone calls from the empty guestrooms in the middle of the night. When security would go to investigate, they would hear voices throughout the empty building.
The Vinoy
501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
TripAdvisor: Traveler’s Choice 2020 #10 of 45 Hotels in St. Petersburg
Created in 1925 after a bet made a wealthy Pennsylvania businessman $170,000 richer. He used the winnings to buy the land and built the hotel in just 10 months. The hotel was popular with the wealthy and famous until it shut down in 1942 to be used as military housing for the U.S. Army Air Force. During the 1970’s, it was also a low-rent boarding house renting for as little as $7/night. Now, it once again lures celebrities as part of the Marriott Renaissance Collection. Several baseball players have reported disturbingly spooky experiences while staying here. Read more about the Vinoy.
Look here for more Haunted Rooms in the U.S. https://www.hauntedrooms.com/
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