Historic Beachside Hotel in Florida The Casa Maria was our second stop on our southeastern road trip. Don and I were excited when we pulled up to the Spanish Mediterranean hotel from 1925. The awning and palms, stucco and tile, looked inviting. Little Lobby Once inside, the hotel had a homey feel. There was no grand lobby, just a corner office for checking in. I wonder what the interior looked like in 1925, when Florida was in the height of its land boom and this hotel was bustling. Hall of Photos I could get a little bit of an idea about the hotel's past by studying all the old photos in the halls. Jacksonville Beach must have been quite the place with boardwalk and carnival rides. In Back Just off the lobby there were doors to the patio area. I could see strings of lights and a wooden walkway leading to the beach. Palms and Stucco The courtyard on the ocean side, looked fairly impressive with some outdoor seating. The wind was pretty fierce on that January afternoon, so the buildings did a good job of blocking the wind. To the Beach The afternoon light was glowing on the surf. I took a quick walk out toward the beach. Pool Anyone? I didn't see a pool, but evidently there was one in the past. I liked this old postcard image of the colorful umbrellas. There were probably a few swim caps in that pool. Heading Up Don and I asked for a room with a view, but turned down the $40.00 upgrade. Our check in host said she could give us a partial view, so we headed up the stairs, happy. Corner Room - 208 It's hard to get too much of a view, with a 2-story building, but at least we had more than one window. Corner rooms are always a perk. The side window even had a side view of the beach. However, the aged window screen was so loose and wavy, that I had a hard time seeing the view! Amusing. Curious Set Up The bed with unusual frame, was squeezed in next to one bedside table. There was some extra space outside of the bathroom, with a sink built into a dresser. I liked that. But there was no chair and the TV was on an awkwardly low table, beside a dusty bible. Making Do So we helped ourselves to one of the chairs in the hall and brought it into our room. Then I made a luggage rack out of a wobbly ironing board. The bathroom at least had good light from a window. Exploring The north end of the building showed the entrance to the restaurant. Event Space Once inside, we discovered a nice dining area with wood beams and white tablecloths. Unfortunately, there was no dining for us. The area is now an event space, so just took the stairs on up a few levels, where food was available. The Penthouse Lounge From a distance you can see the covered stairs, leading up to the Penthouse Lounge. The third floor was added in later years and in recent years has become a popular gathering place for locals. Too Cold on Deck! The outdoor deck had a great view of the beach and pier. The photo doesn't reveal how fiercely that wind was whipping. We opted to stay in the indoor bar and enjoyed drinks and appetizers, where we still had a decent view. Tempted by the View I kept looking out at the view and finally could not sit any longer. I just grabbed the camera and headed down the staircase, from the outdoor terrace. Bridge to the Beach I headed down the wooden walkway, away from hotel. Haunted? The further away I got, the more the hotel looked its age. It made me think more about the famous people who stayed in the early years, from Al Capone to Charlie Chaplin. The Colorful Days I wanted to see all the people who romped in the waves over the years... in all the various styles from the modest 1920's to the bikini days. But instead, I saw this lovely old hotel, with the sun sinking behind. Quiet Beach There were no sunbathers on a cold January day, but I did spot some brave souls with surfboards. What a a lovely spot this hotel has held, for over 90 years. Morning In the morning I finished studying the last of the old photos in the hallways. Then, we headed towards the lobby bar, where a complimentary breakfast awaited. Determined to make use of our little beach hotel's location, we moved outside with our coffee and rolls. What's Notable? We enjoyed a night in 23-room Old Florida Hotel, right on the Atlantic. It was not squeezed in between tall resort buildings, but stood alone with all its history. I guess it just amazes me that this sweet hotel has managed to hold onto its spot, without being overly renovated and remodeled. Our room was dated and imperfect, but I was okay with that. I love a hotel that puts a spotlight on its past. CM did that well!
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A Night at the Depot I sort of moaned and chuckled, when I took this photo of the L & N Depot, built in 1912. There was no way to get a picture without that ridiculous wall of windows behind. Don and I have stayed at a few train station hotels. We love the history and we also like the train sounds, that often come with a stay. We decided to go for a night at the Pensacola Grand Hotel, even though we knew we wouldn't be staying in the historic station itself. Grand Hotel We spotted the modern building, as we approached the heart of the old city. The depot was squeezed in, between the towering hotel and a tangle of raised highway. I laughed. Nearly a Century Ago The setting for the station was very different, a century ago. The Louisville & Nashville passenger depot was a hopping place, with a lovely park nearby. The park is gone, but at least the ocean hasn't moved. An Odd Connection When we arrived on a Thursday afternoon, the brick and stucco station looked lovely. The connected hotel (once a Crown Plaza Hotel) looked less charming, but the price was cheaper than the Holiday Inn Express. Approaching We parked on the street for free and headed towards the entrance. I studied the green doors, imagining the people who passed through, until the depot's closing in 1979. Depot Lobby Once inside, I was relieved to see glimpses of the past. I could imagine the old depot. Details The original floors were covered with wood and numerous tile designs. I loved the snowflake design best. I spotted marble baseboards and white marble, framing a sweet pair of stained glass windows. Green! The big focus in the depot lobby was a Chinese jade table and a long, drop cast solid bronze light... about 3 feet in diameter. Neither of these green pieces was original to the depot, but they were old and curious. Stepping into the Future To check in, we had to pass out of the old station and into the modern hotel lobby. I looked back towards the doorway and realized that is where passengers once stepped outside, towards the tracks. The threshold tile was a reminder of the past depot. The antique clock above the doors, was brought in during the renovation years. Room 1115 At check in I asked if we could have a room with a view. The very serious check in woman insisted, "Oh you're going to like your room." I knew from reviews that rooms were dated, so I didn't expect luxury. However the size of the room, plus our view, kept us happy. Highways, RR Tracks and Ocean We didn't fret over the old Mr. Coffee maker and the "vintage" TV. We had a ball with our corner room, which was basically all floor to ceiling windows! I was totally entertained looking towards the ocean. I was like a little kid watching cars and trucks and trains, below. Exploring Old Luckily our 15-story hotel had an elevator, but I loved the stairs in the 2-story station best. I found more marble and dark wood. New Stuff I shouldn't be a hotel snob, but I did sort of roll my eyes when I saw the fountain and library, at the north end of the new building. I love a hotel library, but this one did not lure me to sit a spell. I had no desire to sit on one of those parlor chairs and read any of their encyclopedia sets! Library of Rejected Books? Dine & Drink The Lobby Bar looked curious... ...but it was closed. Restaurant 1912 and Cavu Club It was early when Don and I started thinking about dinner. We had 2 options in the train station. The restaurant looked too quiet and formal, when the doors opened at 5. The bar looked more welcoming. Navy Focus As we entered, the beautiful stained glass over the bar caught my eye. I hate bar TVs, so I was happy to realize the blue and white glow, was really an illuminated Navy symbol of some kind. In corner filled with Navy Aviation photography, a jeweled ceiling dome glowed. Don and I had a nice chat with our very friendly bartender, while we split a mighty good club sandwich. It was a cozy atmosphere, but the antiques weren't original to the station and the Navy focus was more about airplanes than trains. I wanted more train focus! Morning at the Station In the morning I found the Fitness Room, hidden in an upstairs corner of the old station. I walked through the heavy door, with glass transom. I spent a while on a treadmill, while peering out an old window with a marble sill. That pleased me. On my way back to the room, I found a lounge in the station that I hadn't seen before. The walls were covered with black and white photos of Pensacola and the L & N Depot, in past decades. That pleased me more.
What's Notable? Honestly, my expectations had been low. I knew we weren't going to have the "old hotel" experience that we love, while staying at modern hotel with dated decor. But Don and I enjoyed the station and our sprawling room with the views. I finally got to see my vintage train depot photos to help me imagine the past. It was a great stay for $116. |
Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
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