Ghost Friendly Hotels in St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida, is famous for its rich history and haunted reputation. In this haunted St. Augustine – the nation’s oldest city – ghost stories lurk around every corner of the historic streets. Tourists flock here not only for the sunny beaches and Spanish colonial charm, but also for the spine-tingling St. Augustine ghost tours that illuminate the city’s eerie past. But beyond the guided walks and trolley rides, some of the most immersive paranormal experiences await in the city’s ghost-friendly hotels. For those seeking the best haunted stays and haunted accommodations in Florida, St. Augustine offers a handful of historic inns and hotels where you can sleep alongside centuries of history – and maybe a ghost or two. Each of the following five (plus a bonus) haunted hotels comes with its own chilling legends, verified tragedies, and atmospheric allure. Read on, and dare to check in for a night you won’t soon forget.

St. Francis Inn – The Legend of Lily’s Room

On a quiet, narrow lane in the heart of the historic district stands the St. Francis Inn, a quaint bed-and-breakfast that dates back to 1791. With its ivy-draped courtyard, wraparound balconies, and cozy fireplaces, the St. Francis Inn exudes romance and Southern hospitality. Yet this lovely old inn also harbors one of St. Augustine’s most famous ghost stories – the tale of Lily and her ill-fated love.

Historical Timeline & Tragedy: In the mid-19th century, the inn was owned by Major William Hardee. According to local lore, Hardee’s young nephew fell desperately in love with a beautiful Black servant girl known as Lily. The two would secretly meet in the rooms of the inn to carry on their forbidden romance. When the Major discovered the affair, he was furious – he dismissed Lily from service and forbade his nephew from ever seeing her again. Heartbroken and inconsolable, the nephew took his own life shortly after. Some say he hanged himself in the attic (today known as “Lily’s Room”), while others claim he leapt from a third-floor window. Lily herself disappeared from record, but many believe her spirit never left the inn.

Ghostly Reports & Legends: Ever since that tragedy, guests and staff have reported unexplained phenomena, especially around Lily’s Room. The apparition of a young woman in a white dress is often glimpsed wandering the halls or standing quietly by windows. Many presume this ghostly figure to be Lily, eternally searching for her lost lover. Guests who spend the night have also experienced playful but puzzling pranks: bedcovers tugged off in the dead of night, personal items moving on their own, and even the feeling of a cold hand gently touching a shoulder in an empty room. One housekeeper reported that while cleaning Lily’s Room, she left the television playing music videos, only to return and find it mysteriously switched off – joking that “perhaps Lily didn’t like the music.” Other visitors have found their bags inexplicably emptied onto the floor, or woken to strange noises with no source. On a more intimate note, one newlywed woman sleeping in Lily’s Room awoke to a soft kiss on her lips – only to find her husband fast asleep and an unseen presence lingering beside the bed. None of these encounters has caused any harm; in fact, Lily’s ghost is described as friendly, if a bit mischievous.

Atmosphere & Architecture: The St. Francis Inn itself is a charming two-story structure of coquina stone and wood, its architecture reflecting the Spanish colonial era and later Victorian touches. The inn’s age is evident in the slightly creaky wooden floors and narrow staircases, but that only adds to the ambiance. In the evenings, gas lanterns flicker in the courtyard garden, where a small fountain trickles and cast-iron patio chairs invite guests to sit and share stories. The warm, intimate atmosphere can suddenly turn eerie when you notice a rocking chair swaying with no breeze, or faint whispering sounds by an empty stairwell. Still, the overall feeling is one of welcoming mystery – as if the past coexists comfortably with the present here.

Overnight Experience: Guests who check in to the St. Francis Inn often specifically request Lily’s Room in hopes of a spectral encounter. If you spend the night, expect a blend of cozy comfort and subtle thrills. You might drift off in a canopy bed by a crackling fireplace, and wake up at midnight to the soft sound of footsteps in the hall, or the antique doorknob gently rattling. Don’t be surprised if you feel a slight weight at the foot of your bed, as if someone unseen has sat down to watch over you. In the morning, you can swap ghost encounter stories with other guests over gourmet breakfast in the courtyard. The innkeepers even embrace their haunted reputation – they keep a log of guest experiences and can arrange ghost tours in St. Augustine or paranormal investigation packages for curious visitors. At St. Francis Inn, history and legend intertwine, offering an overnight stay that’s equal parts comforting and haunting.

Casa Monica Hotel – Gilded Age Glamour and Ghosts

Towering over downtown with its Moorish Revival spires and ornate facade, the Casa Monica Resort & Spa is one of St. Augustine’s grandest hotels – and also one of its most haunted. This magnificent 1888-built hotel has hosted guests from American magnates to visiting royalty. Beneath the luxury and opulence, however, linger stories of mysterious figures in empty rooms and otherworldly visitors roaming the corridors.

Historical Timeline: The Casa Monica’s history is as dramatic as its architecture. It was constructed in 1888 by Franklin W. Smith, an idealistic architect, in a Spanish-Moorish style that immediately catches the eye – think red-tiled roofs, intricate archways, and a sand-colored exterior reminiscent of a distant castle. Businessman Henry Flagler, the famous railroad and resort tycoon who was developing St. Augustine as a winter haven, purchased the hotel just months after it opened. He briefly renamed it the Cordova Hotel and later incorporated it into his luxury hotel network, even connecting it via a now-demolished bridge to his Alcazar Hotel across the street (today the Lightner Museum). Over the decades, the building has seen cycles of glory, decline, and rebirth: it closed during the Great Depression, served as a county courthouse mid-century, and was finally restored to its former grandeur and reopened in 1999 as the Casa Monica once again. With such a long timeline, it’s no wonder some spirits might have checked in and never left.

Verified Incidents & Legends: Though the hotel management stays discreet about ghosts, former staff and guests have shared chilling accounts. The fifth floor and particularly the fourth floor are rumored hotspots of paranormal activity. One local housekeeper swears that the fourth floor is the most active – colleagues would hear the unmistakable sound of children running and giggling in the hall, even late at night when no children were registered as guests (and sometimes when the entire floor was vacant). Imagine walking down a plush carpeted corridor, only to sense the patter of little feet and laughter echoing, yet seeing no one there. Some housekeeping staff were so unnerved that they refused to clean certain suites alone, especially after dark.

One oft-told tale involves Room 511, where legend has it a man tragically hanged himself decades ago. Guests in surrounding rooms have reported strange noises and an oppressive feeling in that area. On another occasion, a guest staying in Room 411 awoke in the dead of night with a jolt – he blinked in disbelief at the sight of several shadowy figures standing silently around his bed. They vanished as soon as he screamed, leaving him rattled but unharmed. The hotel’s posh suites have their share of spectral lore, too. In the two-story Ponce de Leon Suite, housekeeping staff have walked in to find the suite’s radio turned on full blast to static, seemingly on its own. That suite is also said to be frequented by the ghost of a lady in a white dress – a guest even claimed to have captured a photo of her on the staircase inside. Over in the lavish Flagler Suite, staff repeatedly found a small child’s handprint appearing on a mirror, despite the room being thoroughly cleaned and no children having entered. One former maid recounts knocking on the door of an empty suite, only to hear a cheerful voice from inside call, “We’ve been expecting you.” She opened the door to find no one there at all.

Atmosphere & Architecture: Walking into Casa Monica’s lobby is like stepping back into the Gilded Age. You’re greeted by soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers, rich dark-wood furniture, and gold-accented decor. The hotel’s style is a blend of Spanish-Baroque fantasy and elegant modern luxury. There’s a sense of drama in the architecture – heavy carved doors, a grand staircase, and long hallways lined with oil paintings and antique mirrors. At night, those hallways take on a different mood. The electric sconces cast low light on the patterned wallpaper, and every footstep on the thick carpet seems unusually loud. It’s not hard to imagine a ghostly gentleman in a 1920s suit strolling arm-in-arm with a spectral lady in white down these halls. In fact, several guests and staff have reported just that – the fleeting sight of an old-fashioned gentleman who appears around corners or in the lobby after midnight, dressed in a tailcoat as if on his way to a bygone gala. Is he a remnant of the hotel’s heyday, or perhaps a former guest still reliving a happy memory? The grandeur of Casa Monica certainly sets the stage for such lingering spirits.

Overnight Expectations: Spending a night at Casa Monica is luxurious, but it may also send a few shivers up your spine. The rooms are sumptuous, with plush bedding and all modern amenities – yet some visitors have noted odd occurrences that aren’t listed on the brochure. As you sink into the pillow, you might hear the faint laughter of invisible children in the corridor, or the soft clink of elevator doors opening on an empty floor. If you’re in one of the reputedly haunted suites, perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of that woman in white in your peripheral vision as you climb into bed. Brave guests have deliberately stayed up late, wandering the hotel’s public spaces hoping to encounter the roaming gent in 1920s attire. Even if you don’t encounter a ghost, the ambiance of history is palpable. Each room has heavy drapes that, when drawn, could trick you into thinking a silhouette moved behind them. The silence of the night is deep – any little creak can make your heart race. But by morning, with sunlight flooding through the arched windows and the aroma of fresh coffee from the lobby café, the night’s mysteries recede. Casa Monica offers an enchanting stay that combines five-star comfort with just a touch of the supernatural – a perfect choice for those who want a haunted St. Augustine experience without sacrificing luxury.

Casablanca Inn – The Bayfront’s Prohibition Ghosts

By day, the Casablanca Inn on the Bay is the picture of quaint elegance: a white two-story Mediterranean Revival inn overlooking Matanzas Bay, with a breezy veranda and swaying palm trees out front. By night, however, this century-old establishment earns its reputation as one of America’s most haunted hotels (a title even featured on TV specials). The Casablanca Inn carries a scandalous history from the Prohibition era, and it seems a few spirits from those rowdy times have remained to keep watch over the place.

Historical Background: The inn was originally built around 1914, known then as the Matanzas Hotel. During the 1920s and early ’30s, when Prohibition outlawed alcohol, the Matanzas Hotel was a well-known speakeasy hangout and a hub for rum smugglers. The story goes that the inn’s proprietor in those days, an elderly widow named Ms. Bradshaw, had a secret arrangement with liquor smugglers who ran boatloads of rum from Cuba into St. Augustine. To protect her bootlegging partners, Ms. Bradshaw would climb onto the roof of the hotel with a lantern in hand. If she spotted federal agents or police nearby, she’d swing the lantern, signaling the rum-runners’ boats to steer clear of the shore. Her covert warning system helped keep the whiskey flowing in St. Augustine’s underground bars – and also cemented her place in local legend. The inn survived long after Prohibition, later becoming a boarding house during the Great Depression to shelter struggling families. Over a hundred years, it has welcomed countless guests – some of whom apparently never checked out spiritually.

Ghostly Residents: The most famous ghost of Casablanca Inn is affectionately known as the “Lantern Lady,” believed to be the spirit of Ms. Bradshaw herself. Fishermen and boaters on the bay have reported seeing a strange light swinging on the inn’s roof late at night, as if an invisible sentry is still up there waving her lantern to incoming boats. Each time, when people get too close or try to investigate, the light abruptly disappears. Guests inside the inn have also met the Lantern Lady in more personal ways. She’s been known to wander the hallways in her spectral form and even slip into certain guest rooms. Those who encounter her describe an elderly woman in early 20th-century clothing, her figure faint but unmistakable, moving with purpose before vanishing around a corner.

Ms. Bradshaw isn’t the only ghost said to haunt the Casablanca. Another spirit often mentioned is Mr. Butler, who was the architect who built the hotel. Mr. Butler’s ghost has a peculiar habit of sticking to Room 11, the very room he designed for himself. Guests have woken to see a tall, well-dressed man suddenly standing at the foot of their bed or in the corner of Room 11, tipping his hat or smiling reassuringly. Frightened witnesses say that he actually spoke aloud, in a kindly manner, saying things like “Don’t be afraid” or “You’re safe here.” It seems Mr. Butler takes his role as host seriously even in the afterlife! Despite his comforting words, the shock of seeing a full-body apparition has sent more than one guest running out of the room in the middle of the night.

There are also reports of a child’s spirit within the inn, likely dating back to when the building was a boarding house for families in the 1930s. Housekeepers frequently hear the phantom sound of a child giggling and running through the hall, especially on the second floor, but they find no one when they investigate. Late-night staff have reported encountering an unseen child at play: a small shadow darting past a doorway or the echo of tiny footsteps upstairs after all guests have gone to bed.

Beyond these identifiable ghosts, Casablanca Inn has a host of unexplained phenomena. Staff cleaning rooms often feel cold spots that move with them – one moment a chill engulfs a corner of the room, the next it’s gone. Several have felt the sensation of being watched over their shoulder while making a bed, or even stranger – felt an invisible weight press down on a freshly fluffed mattress, as if someone just sat down. One startled housekeeper recounts trying to smooth the wrinkles on a bed, only to find an indentation that wouldn’t puff back up, as though an unseen guest was still perched there refusing to move! Additionally, an overpowering scent of oranges sometimes drifts through certain rooms and hallways. Oddly, the smell of fresh oranges was said to be a favorite of Ms. Bradshaw in life (she loved orange blossom perfume), so many take this sweet citrus fragrance as a sign that the Lantern Lady is nearby.

Style & Setting: The Casablanca Inn’s appearance is anything but spooky at first glance. It’s a beautiful example of 1910s Mediterranean Revival architecture, with white stucco walls, a red tile roof, and a long veranda facing the water where guests sip wine in the evenings. The rooms are decorated in an elegant Old Florida style – antique four-poster beds, floral upholstery, and vintage photos of St. Augustine on the walls. Staying here feels like stepping into the 1920s. At dusk, the bay breeze carries salty air and the distant sound of boat horns, creating an idyllic scene. But as darkness deepens and midnight approaches, the mood can shift subtly. The corridors grow still, and the only sounds might be the creak of an old floorboard or the hum of an ancient ceiling fan. In the silence, it’s easy for your imagination to run wild – was that a trick of the light on the veranda, or the Lantern Lady making her rounds? The contrast of the inn’s sunny daytime charm with its nighttime mystique makes it a thrilling place for ghost enthusiasts.

What to Expect Overnight: A night at the Casablanca Inn is likely to be peaceful… with a chance of paranormal. You might fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves across the street and the comfort of your vintage-inspired room. If you wake in the middle of the night, however, you could experience the unsettling quiet that blankets the inn in the wee hours. Listen closely and you may hear soft footsteps above, or a door closing in the hallway when no one is there. Some brave souls purposefully stay in Room 11 to test their nerve with Mr. Butler – will he show up to greet them? If you sense a sudden chill or catch a whiff of oranges in the dark, you just might have your answer. Don’t worry, the ghosts of Casablanca Inn are by all accounts friendly guardians. In the morning, any lingering goosebumps are easily chased away by a hearty breakfast on the sunlit porch, watching dolphins in the bay. But you’ll check out carrying a great ghost story to tell – a personal chapter from your very own St. Augustine haunted adventure.

Casa de Solana Bed & Breakfast – Centuries of Secrets

Tucked away on Aviles Street (the oldest street in the city), the Casa de Solana Bed & Breakfast immerses guests in over 250 years of history. This romantic Spanish-style inn occupies the seventh-oldest house in St. Augustine, with portions of the structure dating back to 1763. Through the centuries it has been a family home, a haven for travelers, and now a charming B&B. With such longevity come countless memories – and, if stories are to be believed, a handful of benevolent spirits who still call Casa de Solana home.

Historic Roots: The inn is named after Don Manuel Lorenzo Solana, patriarch of one of the city’s first Spanish families. The Solana house stood on this site in the late 18th century, during a time when St. Augustine was a tiny walled village on the frontier of the Spanish Empire. Early records say the property provided refuge to many: wounded soldiers recovering from battles, weary travelers seeking shelter, even locals in need during turbulent times. The building we see today has sections built and rebuilt over different eras – coquina stone walls from the 1700s, additions from the Victorian period, and modern restorations – creating a layered patchwork of architectural styles. Strolling through the house reveals original hardwood floors, exposed beam ceilings, and thick masonry walls. It’s easy to sense that these walls have witnessed countless lives and events, some joyous and some tragic.

Ghostly Guests & Legends: Unlike some haunted locales, Casa de Solana’s ghosts are described as peaceful presences, almost guardians of the inn. One frequently mentioned spirit is Fredrico, believed to be a Spanish soldier from the early 1800s. Legend has it that Fredrico died while guarding the building – possibly during one of the colonial skirmishes or perhaps from an illness while on duty. To this day, many guests and staff have reported a tall, silent figure in an old-fashioned military coat appearing briefly near doorways or in the flower-filled courtyard, as if still keeping watch. He’s often seen out of the corner of the eye – a shadowy man standing by the entrance, who fades away when you double-take. Far from being frightening, his presence is oddly reassuring, as if he’s protecting the house and its occupants.

Another ghostly figure occasionally seen is a mysterious lady in white. Visitors have spotted a woman in a flowing white gown on the staircase or peeking out from an upstairs window. She never interacts, just drifts silently and vanishes. Some speculate she might be connected to the house’s early years – perhaps a member of the Solana family or a guest from long ago. There’s a romantic local tale of a bride who died of fever on her wedding day in St. Augustine centuries ago; could this be her restless spirit enjoying the inn’s hospitality? No one knows for sure, but her appearances are rare and always gentle.

The inn’s staff have pinpointed a few areas where paranormal activity is most common. The courtyard is one – at night, when all is quiet, people sometimes hear soft whispers as if two people are having a conversation just out of earshot, yet no one is there. Another hotspot is the parlor (once called the Confederate Room): antique chairs have been found moved out of place in the morning, and on one occasion a heavy wooden door in the parlor swung open on its own while guests were gathered for wine hour. Two particular guest rooms also carry reputations: the Montejurra Room and the British Suite. The Montejurra Room, with its elegant canopy bed and private balcony overlooking the street, seems especially attractive to ghosts – one paranormal investigation group claimed they captured a faint image of a man in Spanish military garb sitting in the room’s armchair, as if relaxing by the fireplace. Meanwhile, in the cozy attic-level British Suite, a few guests have awoken to the feeling of a light touch on their shoulder or the distinct impression of someone sitting at the foot of the bed (when no one else was present). Items in these rooms occasionally go missing only to turn up later in a completely different spot, a classic ghostly prank. The good news is that everyone agrees the spirits of Casa de Solana mean no harm – they seem to coexist with the living quite amiably.

Ambiance & Architecture: Casa de Solana’s charm is palpable the moment you step through its old wooden gate. A lush courtyard garden with a gurgling fountain creates a tranquil oasis, shaded by banana trees and bougainvillea. At dusk, lanterns cast a warm glow on the coquina walls. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate – just a handful of guest rooms, each uniquely decorated with antique furniture, four-poster beds, and vintage art. The architecture reflects the inn’s Spanish heritage: think stucco and coquina exteriors, second-story balconies with wrought iron railings, and interior spaces with a blend of colonial Spanish and Victorian-era decor. It feels a bit like a time capsule. Sit in the parlor with its fireplace and period furnishings, and you might momentarily forget what century it is. This rich atmosphere enhances any ghostly experience; when you hear a floorboard creak behind you in an empty hall, you might imagine it’s just Don Manuel Solana himself taking a late-night stroll through his old home.

Staying the Night: Guests who stay at Casa de Solana often remark on how serene and comfortable it is – a true retreat. But if you’re hoping for a paranormal encounter, keep your senses sharp, especially after dark. Perhaps enjoy a glass of wine on the moonlit courtyard patio and watch for a flicker of movement by the fountain (Fredrico making rounds?). When you retire to your room, you might notice an unexplained breeze stir the curtains, even when the windows are closed. The inn is mostly quiet at night, so every tiny noise becomes pronounced – was that a whisper, or just the settling of an old house? If you feel particularly adventurous, try inquiring if the Montejurra Room is available, since it’s known for heightened activity. There, as you soak in the antique claw-foot tub or curl up in the loveseat, you may sense you’re not entirely alone – maybe a curious spirit is sharing the silence with you. Fortunately, any ghostly presence here seems to act more like a considerate host than an unwelcome specter. By morning’s light, the ghosts (if you met them at all) will have receded politely. You’ll wake to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee and a homemade breakfast, ready to greet another beautiful day in St. Augustine. Yet, you’ll carry the secret thrill of knowing you spent the night in one of the city’s oldest, most haunted accommodations – and lived to tell the tale of the friendly ghosts of Casa de Solana.

Casa de Sueños Bed & Breakfast – From Funeral Home to Fun Frights

Tucked into a quiet block just off Cordova Street, Casa de Sueños (House of Dreams) is an intimate bed-and-breakfast with a sunny Spanish-Mediterranean style. But don’t let the cheerful ambiance fool you – this inn has a distinctly spooky pedigree. Long before it offered fluffy linens and gourmet breakfasts, Casa de Sueños was a successful funeral home serving St. Augustine’s departed. With that kind of history, it’s no surprise that the inn today is said to be teeming with paranormal activity, from mischievous “prankster” ghosts to full-fledged apparitions. If you’re looking for a haunted stay that’s as engaging as it is eerie, Casa de Sueños might be your perfect match.

A Home for the Living… and the Dead: The building was constructed in 1904 as a private residence. By the 1940s, it found new life (so to speak) when an undertaker named William McGrath bought the property and transformed it into the Garcia Funeral Home. For nearly two decades, this was where local families came to say goodbye to loved ones – the parlor where today guests sip wine was once filled with polished caskets and lilies; the parking lot out back was the site of the mortuary’s embalming room. The funeral home operated through the 1950s and into the ’60s, handling countless final farewells. Eventually it closed, and after serving briefly as office space and even an association’s headquarters, the old house sat quiet until the 1990s. That’s when a woman named Kathleen Hurley saw potential in the charming building and decided to convert it into a B&B. Little did she know she was not really moving in alone.

Paranormal Awakening: From the moment Kathleen began renovations, odd things started happening. As she unpacked boxes in an empty room, she watched a stack of papers fly out of a box on its own, scattering across the floor. On another day, she placed a brand-new decorative candle on a table; to her astonishment, the candle leaped out of its box and landed at her feet as she walked away, as if an invisible hand had picked it up and tossed it. At first, Kathleen tried to rationalize these incidents – an open window causing a draft, perhaps, or her own tiredness playing tricks. But soon these occurrences became too frequent to ignore. Footsteps echoed through empty hallways at night, soft tapping sounds would wake her at 3 a.m., and small objects around the house seemed to vanish only to reappear later in the oddest places. It became clear that some spirits had “come with the house.”

One playful ghostly persona emerged, which Kathleen and her staff nicknamed “Randolph.” Guests would mention feeling watched by an unseen presence, or they’d email the innkeeper strange photographs of orbs and misty shapes in their rooms, asking if the place was haunted. To give all this unexplained activity a friendly face, the inn started referring to the ghost(s) collectively as Randolph. It’s not confirmed that any actual person named Randolph ever lived or died here – the name is more of a tongue-in-cheek identity for the multiple spirits that seem to linger. And linger they do. Guests have reported coming back from dinner to find the furniture subtly rearranged, or a door that they know they locked standing wide open. Some have heard light knocks on their room door late at night, but no one is there. Others describe a sensation of being gently nudged or poked while they slept, as if a curious specter were inspecting them.

In addition to Randolph’s pranks, there have been full-fledged sightings. A couple staying across the street once observed two solid black figures – a man and a woman – casually strolling through Casa de Sueños’ parking lot after midnight. They described the figures as distinctly human-shaped but completely dark, even in the streetlights. The two shadow people seemed to search for something near the back of the house (where, notably, the old embalming room used to be) and then vanished when the onlookers tried to get a closer look. Perhaps these were former funeral home patrons or even the spirits of the deceased who passed through, still tied to the location of their final rites.

Atmosphere & Amenities: You might expect a former mortuary to feel gloomy, but Casa de Sueños is anything but. The exterior is painted in warm hues of cream and terracotta, with a red tile roof and a small garden out front. It looks like a lovely Spanish villa. Inside, the décor is bright and welcoming – polished wood floors, lots of natural light, and eclectic furnishings that mix vintage pieces with modern comfort. The inn has only a handful of rooms, each with unique touches (one has a private porch, another a Jacuzzi tub). The common areas invite relaxation; the living room features plush sofas and a bookshelf, and the dining area often has snacks and wine out for guests. If you didn’t know its history, you’d think Casa de Sueños was simply a delightful little retreat. However, subtle hints of the past remain. Some guests say that on quiet afternoons, if they sit in the front room alone, they get an odd feeling of being observed, almost as if someone from a different era is peering over their shoulder curiously. The inn’s blend of cheerful hospitality with a side of ghostly mischief creates a one-of-a-kind vibe. It feels safe – the spirits here don’t give off malevolence – but there’s always that electricity in the air that anything slightly spooky could happen at any moment.

Overnight at Casa de Sueños: A stay here promises both rest and goosebumps. The beds are comfy, the rooms serene… until you hear a faint creak in the hallway floorboards during the still of night. If you’re inclined to experience the paranormal, keep your camera or voice recorder handy – guests have captured unexplained orbs in photos, and one or two claim to have recorded faint whispers on audio. You might wake up and discover the room’s antique rocking chair has shifted positions while you slept, or find that the novel you left on the nightstand is now mysteriously on the floor. The innkeeper is happy to share ghostly anecdotes over breakfast, and you’ll quickly realize you’re not alone in your strange experiences – many guests before you have had their own “Randolph” moments. Despite the occasional scare, people often describe their stay as fun and fascinating. It’s not every day you can say you slept in a former funeral parlor and had your toiletries play hide-and-seek with a ghost! Casa de Sueños manages to be both romantic and spooky, a place where you can celebrate an anniversary or honeymoon and also indulge in a lighthearted ghost hunt. By checkout time, you’ll have plenty of stories to tell – of how an inn once meant for the dead made you feel truly alive with excitement.

The Kenwood Inn – Victorian Elegance with a Ghostly Twist

Located on a peaceful corner of Marine Street near the bay, The Kenwood Inn is a picturesque Victorian-era bed-and-breakfast that has been welcoming guests since the 19th century. It’s actually one of St. Augustine’s oldest continuously operating inns (built circa 1865), known for its wraparound porches, antebellum-style balconies, and a small courtyard swimming pool. The Kenwood’s antique charm and gourmet breakfasts already make it a delightful place to stay – but for paranormal enthusiasts, it holds an extra allure. This inn is a favorite stop on local ghost tours, thanks to two well-known resident ghosts and the chilling love story that binds them to Room 10.

History and Tragic Love: The Kenwood Inn’s most famous ghost story is that of Lavender, a beautiful young woman who met a tragic end here around the turn of the 20th century. As the story goes, Lavender (her nickname, perhaps for her favorite color or perfume) was not a servant or local, but a guest – and secret lover to a prominent physician in town. The doctor was married, and their affair was a dangerous liaison in a society governed by strict morals. The lovers rendezvoused at the Kenwood Inn under the guise of “business trips” and quiet retreats. In a moment of desperation, Lavender pressed her lover to leave his wife and marry her. When he balked, she threatened to expose their affair publicly, giving him an ultimatum. The doctor, panicking at the thought of scandal ruining his career and social standing, made a horrendous choice: he decided to silence Lavender permanently. In the heat of the moment, he stabbed her to death in the very room they often stayed in – a room on the second floor that today is known by many as the “Lavender Room”. Some say the walls were repainted multiple times but a faint stain remained, as if the building itself remembers the crime.

Ghostly Encounters – Lavender and Raymond: Not long after Lavender’s untimely death, guests at the inn started whispering about strange happenings. The ghost of a sorrowful young woman seemed to linger, especially around Room 10 (Lavender’s Room). Over the decades, countless reports have emerged of a female apparition with long dark hair and an old-fashioned dress who appears at bedsides. Male guests, in particular, have described waking up to the sensation of a feminine hand gently caressing their cheek in the darkness. One man, who was staying in Lavender’s Room with his wife, awoke to a soft touch on his face and heard a whisper of a woman’s voice say, “I love you and I will never leave you.” Half-asleep, he murmured back to his wife, only to realize his actual wife was soundly asleep and certainly not the one whispering! He then saw the translucent figure of a woman standing over him. She glided to the foot of the bed and vanished near the door. In the morning, he learned that his wife had seen a womanly figure too on earlier nights, moving from her side of the bed to his, but hadn’t wanted to frighten him until he experienced it himself. It seems Lavender’s ghost still pines for love and occasionally mistakes visiting husbands for her long-lost doctor.

Lavender isn’t alone at the Kenwood Inn. There’s also talk of a male ghost, known by the friendly name of Raymond. Unlike Lavender, Raymond’s backstory is hazy – no one is quite sure who he was in life. Yet he’s become the inn’s most frequently encountered spirit. Guests and even the innkeepers have heard heavy footsteps pacing the hallways at night, long after everyone is asleep, which they attribute to Raymond making his rounds. Doors that were firmly shut will be found inexplicably open in the morning, as if someone quietly checked each room in the night. Some have even claimed to see the shadowy outline of a man in a brimmed hat reflected in a hallway mirror or standing on the upstairs balcony. Rooms 7, 9, and 10 are said to experience the most activity – 7 and 9 are adjacent to Lavender’s room, so perhaps Raymond keeps an eye on that area. Could Raymond have been a protective innkeeper or a caretaker in some past era, still looking after the property? Or maybe he’s a spirit drawn by the energy of Lavender’s tragedy, acting as a guardian? He certainly behaves like a benign overseer, doing his ghostly patrols. Guests often only learn of the name “Raymond” after mentioning these experiences; it’s a moniker given by local tour guides for convenience, but it has stuck.

Victorian Atmosphere: The Kenwood Inn itself is a feast for lovers of history. As you approach, the first thing you notice is the broad porch lined with rocking chairs and the second-story veranda draped in ferns – the epitome of Southern Victorian style. Inside, each room is decorated with a distinct theme (Country French, British Colonial, etc.), featuring antique four-poster beds, vintage art, and elegant wallpaper. The high ceilings, heart pine floors, and fireplaces hark back to the Gilded Age. There’s even a baby grand piano in one of the common sitting rooms, and a parlor filled with 19th-century books and a faint scent of potpourri. By day, sunlight pours in through stained-glass transoms, and the inn feels warm and inviting. By night, with old-fashioned lamps casting a low glow, the hallways take on a more mysterious air. The staircases and long corridors practically invite phantom footsteps. One almost expects to look out onto the moonlit courtyard and see a ghostly figure in a Victorian gown wandering by the pool. The Queen Anne architectural details (gingerbread trim, decorative woodwork) add to the sense that this place is from another time – a perfect setting for lingering spirits.

Experience of Staying: Spending a night at the Kenwood Inn is equal parts comfort and intrigue. The hospitality is top-notch: think homemade breakfast quiche, wine social hours, and plush bedding. But the real excitement might come after the lights go out. If you’re in Room 10, the famed Lavender Room, you might feel an extra tingle of anticipation (and perhaps a bit of nervousness) as you settle in. Many guests actually request this room specifically for a chance to meet its namesake ghost. Whether you stay there or not, remain attentive to subtle cues: a sudden temperature drop in an otherwise warm room, the faint sound of a piano key tinkling (did someone brush against the old piano downstairs?), or a light knock on your door with no one outside. Some adventurous visitors have conducted amateur EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) sessions here, later claiming they recorded a faint female voice when asking, “Is anyone with us?” The staff, well-accustomed to supernatural talk, might share with you the log of past guest encounters if you ask politely – it’s fascinating and may send chills down your spine before bedtime.

One thing’s for sure: an overnight at the Kenwood Inn will give you bragging rights. Where else can you luxuriate in a beautifully restored Victorian inn and potentially come face-to-face with a love-torn ghost? It’s the kind of experience that embodies St. Augustine’s unique appeal: history, mystery, and hospitality all in one. And if the idea of paranormal activity makes you uneasy, remember that the reports here, though spooky, have never been hostile. In fact, by dawn, as you savor French toast in the courtyard and hear the distant clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages passing by, you might reflect that the ghosts of the Kenwood Inn only made your stay more memorable. After all, a little friendly haunting is just part of the charm in haunted St. Augustine.

Final Thoughts: St. Augustine’s ghost-friendly hotels offer an unparalleled way to immerse yourself in the city’s supernatural side. Whether you choose a small inn with resident spirits or a grand hotel with mysterious occurrences, each of these historic properties invites you to step into a story where past and present mingle. The creaking floorboards, the flicker of a lamp, or that inexplicable chill on a warm night – it all becomes part of your travel tale. And beyond the accommodations themselves, remember that St. Augustine ghost tours are always available to deepen your experience. Many of the above hotels are featured on popular ghost tours in St. Augustine, so you might even hear your hotel’s ghost story told as you ride a trolley or walk with a lantern-led group through the moonlit streets. By staying in one of these haunted hotels, you’re not just hearing the legends – you’re living them. So pack your bags (and maybe a camera for evidence), and get ready for a haunted St. Augustine adventure where a good night’s sleep might include a few friendly visitors from beyond. Sweet dreams… if you dare!