Casablanca Hotel St. Augustine, Florida

Send us Fan MailHistory in BriefThe hotel was built in 1914, originally called the Matanzas Hotel, then later renamed the Bayfront Boarding House before becoming the Casablanca Inn.  During the Prohibition era (1920s–1930s), it was involved in rum-running / smuggling alcohol, often helping smugglers bring in goods from the bay.  Ghosts, Legends, and Paranormal PhenomenaThese are the main stories people tell about what’s allegedly haunted at the hotel:The Lady with the LanternA widow who owned the hotel is said to have helped rumrunners. When government agents were nearby, she would climb to the roof and wave a lantern to warn the smugglers offshore.  Many report seeing a strange, swinging light or lantern atop the roof in the dark—as if someone is still signaling.  Sounds and PresencesGuests and staff report hearing footsteps, whispers, voices in empty hallways.  Unexplained cold spots (sudden drops in temperature) in certain rooms.  The feeling of being watched or touched (shoulder touches, etc.), even when no one is there.  Children’s ActivityPeople claim to hear children playing or laughing when no child is present.  Visual/Ethereal ManifestationsWispy fog-like apparitions seen in hallways or rooms.  Occasional sightings of a female figure (presumed to be the widow/innkeeper) inside, or sometimes in photos.  Room 11 (specific room)Reports say that Room 11 is one of the more active rooms, where people have felt fear or fled. Some accounts attribute strange events in that room to “Mr. Butler,” a spirit who tries to reassure people, but whose presence unsettles many.  Scent of OrangesSome guests smell oranges unexpectedly. It’s said this is linked to “Mrs. Bradshaw,” possibly another spirit or alias for the widow, though details are vague.