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Florida is famous for sunshine, but a few of its oldest hotels come with guests who never checked out. From a pink beach castle on the Gulf to a Victorian mansion in Key West, these places mix real history with ghost stories that staff and travelers have shared for decades.
Some are grand resorts with pools and spas, while others are small inns in quiet towns. Here are seven spots where you can book a room, enjoy the stay, and maybe share it with a resident spirit.
1. The Don CeSar, St Pete Beach, FL
You can spot the Don CeSar from miles away, and that bright pink color is only the start of its story. The hotel opened in 1928 and has stood on the sand at St Pete Beach ever since.
The resident ghost here is said to be Thomas Rowe, the original builder. Hotel lore says he still keeps an eye on the place he dreamed up, and with a building this striking, it is easy to see why he would stick around.
The living guests get plenty to enjoy too. The resort offers upscale rooms and suites, two pools, a spa, a gym, and several restaurants right on the beachfront.
I would save this one for a weekend where you want a classic beach stay with a side of history. It sits at 3400 Gulf Blvd, and even a quick drive past is fun for photos of that famous pink exterior.
2. Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country, so it makes sense that its ghost stories run deep. Casa Monica sits right in the middle of that history on Cordova Street.
The building looks like something out of a storybook, with a Moroccan-themed design and an ornate lobby that stops people in their tracks. Inside, guests find luxe rooms and a rooftop pool.
Tales of supernatural encounters have followed the hotel for years, which fits right into a town known for ghost tours. Staying here means the spooky side of St. Augustine is just outside your door.
This is the kind of place I would book for a history-heavy trip. You can walk to the historic district, then come back to a hotel that blends old charm with modern comfort.
3. Hotel Cassadaga, Lake Helen, FL
Most hotels quietly mention their ghosts. Hotel Cassadaga puts the paranormal front and center.
The hotel sits in Cassadaga, a small community near Lake Helen known for its spiritualist roots. It is an adults-only, paranormal-focused stay with humble rooms and suites, a cafe, and a spiritual center.
Guests can book psychic readings on site, which makes an overnight stay feel like a full experience instead of just a place to sleep. The whole property leans into what makes this town so unusual.
Do not expect fancy resort perks here. Expect a quirky, memorable night in one of the most unique corners of Central Florida, about a short drive from DeLand.
4. Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables, Coral Gables, FL
Gangsters, golf, and a grand old tower all share space at the Biltmore. The most famous ghost here is said to be Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, a gangster whose story is tied to the hotel’s wild early days.
Today the landmark is better known for its classic architecture and lush grounds. The hotel offers plush rooms, golf, fine dining, and a grand pool that gets plenty of attention on its own.
History feels close at every turn, from the soaring tower to the old-world details throughout the building. Ghost fans love the Walsh legend, and architecture fans love simply walking the property.
If you live in South Florida, this is an easy pick for a staycation with a spooky twist. Coral Gables itself is worth exploring before or after check-in.
5. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, St. Petersburg, FL
Baseball players have a long history with this pink waterfront resort, and some of their stories involve guests nobody could see. Visiting players and travelers have shared ghost sightings here for years.
The Vinoy is an iconic pink building near downtown St. Petersburg. It offers posh rooms and suites, five restaurants, a pool, a spa, and its own golf course.
That mix makes it a strong pick for travelers who want ghost lore without giving up resort comforts. You can spend the day by the pool and the evening swapping spooky stories.
Pair a stay with a stroll through downtown St. Pete and its waterfront parks. It also makes a fun double feature with the Don CeSar, since both pink landmarks sit in Pinellas County.
6. Marrero’s Guest Mansion, Key West, FL
A cigar maker built this Victorian home in 1890 and 1891, and Key West legend says his wife never really left. Her name was Enriqueta, and she is the resident spirit guests whisper about.
Today Marrero’s Guest Mansion is an upscale, adults-only bed and breakfast on Fleming Street. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool and a historic house full of character.
Small and personal, it offers a very different vibe from the big resorts on this list. You are staying inside a family home with real roots in the island’s cigar-making past.
Fleming Street puts you close to the heart of Old Town. That makes it easy to explore Key West on foot, then head back to see if Enriqueta is in the mood for company.
7. Gibson Inn, Apalachicola, FL
Out in the quiet Forgotten Coast town of Apalachicola, the Gibson Inn has been welcoming travelers since around 1907. Its wraparound porches and old-fashioned style make it a favorite with history lovers.
The best-known ghost legend here involves a figure called Captain Key. Stories about him have become part of the inn’s identity over the years.
Guests can choose from classic rooms and suites, and there is a casual restaurant on site. The building has been carefully restored, so it keeps its early charm while staying comfortable.
This is my pick for a slower Panhandle getaway. Apalachicola is a small, walkable town, and the inn makes a great home base for exploring it.
