With its this unique appearance, the Casa Monica Hotel would fit right in amongst the great castles of Europe. Fortunately, to experience the beauty and seduction of this Moorish Revival Castle, one's journey ends at the East Coast, as the Casa Monica Hotel resides in the heart of the nation's oldest city Saint Augustine, Florida.

Built in 1888 by Franklin W. Smith (founder of the YMCA), the 138-room hotel has a rich history. In 1997 the building was bought and fully restored to its original majesty and boasts intricate balconies, an arched carriage entrance, hand painted Italian tile, five majestic tower suites and red tile roof. The Casa Monica Hotel's luxurious accommodations are unique with no two rooms being alike. Many of the suites feature Spanish-style furnishings selected to reinstate the hotel's romantic past including wrought iron beds and mahogany tables. Other amenities include a 14 million dollar oceanfront beach club, antique car rides through downtown, and concierge services. Located within walking distance of all the attractions, museums, restaurants and shops, the Casa Monica Hotel caters to a wide variety of tastes.

For the ghost enthusiast, paranormal activity abounds. For those who just want a taste of the paranormal, St. Augustine offers a variety of evening walking tours. Ghost Tours of St. Augustine will provide a professional guide to take you to through the oldest sections of town, tell of St. Augustine's storied past and give you a list of places where the dead hang out. In a town steeped in history there are sure to be more than a few souls trapped somewhere between antiquity and modern time.

If you are feeling a little daring, ascend the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse tower. Is it haunted? You bet. Highly. All destinations are within a short driving distance of the Casa Monica Inn.

Not wanting to venture out? Casa Monica Hotel, by all accounts, IS extremely haunted. Many employees recall hearing strange noises as though someone were trying to say words, but the wind has carried their voice off into the distance. Other disturbances include shifting furniture, appearing/disappearing objects, and loads of EVP.

Now don't take my word on any of this. Stay in the Casa Monica Hotel, take the tour, visit the lighthouse. It will be a vacation you won't soon forget.