More than a centuryof refined hospitality in Key West
<span style="font-weight:normal;">More than a century</span> <span style="font-family:Granville;">of refined hospitality in Key West</span>Opening on New Year’s Eve, 1920, Casa Marina is a legendary destination with guests including Hollywood celebrities, US Presidents, and dignitaries.
Concept and Architectural Design
Conceived by American railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, the resort was intended to accommodate wealthy customers of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, connecting Key West to the Florida mainland and the final branch of Florida’s East Coast Railway.
Casa Marina Key West was designed by architects Thomas Hastings and John M. Carrere, who designed New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, New York Public Library, and the Senate and House of Representatives office buildings in Washington, DC.
First Presidential Visit
Three days after the resort’s grand opening, President Warren G. Harding came to visit, establishing Casa Marina as an exclusive destination.
In 1942, the property was bought by the U.S. Navy and used as officer’s quarters for the duration of World War II. Casa Marina re-emerged as a luxury hotspot in the 1950s and played host to celebrities such as Gregory Peck, Ethel Merman, Ezio Pinza, Rita Hayworth, and Gary Merrill.
Cuban Missile Crisis
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the hotel was used by the U.S. Army’s Sixth Missile Battalion.
Soon after, Casa Marina fell into a period of decline, which was exacerbated by piecemeal renovations in 1978 and 1984.
Celebrities & Famous Guests
Band leader Guy Lombardo, actress Rita Hayworth, actor and singer Rudy Vallee, composer and conductor John Philip Sousa, James Jimmy Hoffa, poets Wallace Stevens and Robert Frost, Donald Sutherland, Helen Mirren, the late Aaron Spelling, musician and TV personality Ozzie Osbourne all visited Casa Marina.
Today, we continue to welcome athletes, musicians, actors, literary figures, politicians and journalists.
The History of Casa Marina Key West
1904
Henry M. Flagler commits to building his Overseas Railway linking Key West to the US mainland.
1912
Henry M. Flagler, upon completion of the railway, promises the town a luxury resort hotel.
1913
Henry M. Flagler passes at the age of 83.
1918
Construction begins under the guidance of a trusted Flagler aid, Louis P. Schutt.
1920
Casa Marina welcomes our first guests on New Year’s Eve and operated as a seasonal resort January through March for the first 10 years.
1935
Casa Marina survives The Great Hurricane of 1935 with no serious damage.
1942
The US Navy, by the law of eminent domain, buys Casa Marina and converts it to officers’ quarters. It would remain as quarters until 1946.
1946
The resort was purchased from the government and operated under several owners through 1962.
1962
US military commandeered the resort during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
1966
Purchased by Senator Spottswood, a 5th generation Key Wester who assisted his mother working the newsstand as a small boy. He leased the resort to the Westinghouse Corporation for training of 300 volunteers for the new Peace Corp.
1967-1976
The resort remained empty with the exception of the Birdcage Lounge and outdoor patio.
1976-1979
The resort was purchased and underwent an extensive renovation and expansion of guest rooms along Seminole Street.
1984
The suites building along Reynolds Street was added.
1984-2005
The resort underwent multiple purchases and hotel flags.
2008
The resort was purchased and underwent an extensive renovation and expansion of guest rooms along Seminole Street.
2009
Casa Marina converts to Hilton’s luxury brand Waldorf Astoria Resorts.
2017
Park Hotels & Resorts purchases Casa Marina.
2022
Casa Marina transitioned to Curio Collection by Hilton.
2023
2023Casa Marina undergoes a historic renovation to restore its timeless elegance.