More than a century of refined hospitality in Key West.

Opening on New Year’s Eve, 1920, Casa Marina is a legendary destination with guests including Hollywood celebrities, to 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.

Casa Marina Key West History As Army Headquaters For The Hawk Missile Battalion During October 1962
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.

Today, we continue to welcome athletes, musicians, actors, literary figures, politicians and journalists.

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.

The History of
Casa Marina Key West

Our “House By The Sea”

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, who became the resort’s manager until his passing in 1933. Designed by experts in Spanish Architecture, Thomas Hastings and John M. Carrere of New York, as a monument to Henry M. Flagler.

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 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; installed missiles directed at Cuba and surrounded the property in barbed wire. The US Military briefly considered using Casa Marina as their permanent headquarters.

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 by LXR/Blackstone.

2009

Casa Marina converts to Hilton’s luxury brand Waldorf Astoria™ Resorts.

2017

Park Hotels & Resorts purchases Casa Marina.

2022

Casa Marina transitioned to a collection of unique hotels, each with its own history and character in cities across the globe: Curio Collection by Hilton™.

2023

Casa Marina undergoes a historic renovation to restore its timeless elegance.