Fodor's Expert Review Casa Monica Hotel

Hand-stenciled Moorish columns and arches, handcrafted chandeliers, and gilded iron tables decorate the lobby of this late-1800s Flagler-era masterpiece. A retreat for the nation's wealthiest until the Great Depression put it out of business, it returned to its perch as St. Augustine's grande dame in 1999. The turrets, towers, and wrought-iron balconies offer a hint of what's inside. A complete renovation of the rooms was completed in 2012, and the luxurious Poseidon spa opened in 2015. The downtown location is within walking distance of many attractions.