Light Up Your Life!

There might not be snow on the ground, but Casablanca is an enchanting place to spend the holiday season. The Inn is dressed in magnificent Christmas finery, inside and out, and the warm tidings of the season fill the atmosphere.

St. Augustine's NIGHTS OF LIGHTS celebration continues through the end of January, with millions of tiny white lights transforming the Old City into a winter wonderland. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting in St. Augustine reflects the city’s 443-year history while creating a beautiful setting for its visitors. The evenings are balmy and it's a wonderful treat to stroll around town after sunset.

With our "Light Up Your Life" special, guests of the Inn will receive a holiday gift of an exclusive private ride on the St. Augustine Sightseeing Train and a complimentary beverage at the Tini Martini Bar. With any 2 night stay Sunday thru Thursday from late November through late January (excluding holidays; check with our innkeeper for specific dates) guests can enjoy this very unique holiday gift. The Train Tour operates every Monday and Wednesday, excluding Christmas week and New Years week. In addition, the Tini Martini Bar is serving each guest a complimentary beverage pre-or post- train tour.

Hauntings at Casablanca

While her name remains secret, the "lady of the hotel" still makes her presence known. Anytime of year you can choose from several types of Ghost Tours in St. Augustine, but October is especially appropriate.

In the early part of the 20th century, St. Augustine became a hot bed of smuggling activity, due to the prohibition of the import and sale of alcohol. Much of the illegal rum clandestinely brought into the United States from Cuba entered along the St. Augustine waterfront. The fabled "G-Men" of Eliot Ness fame became frequent visitors to the Old City, and Casablanca Inn, then known as the elegant Matanzas Hotel, became the setting for much bootlegging activity.

The proprietor of the hotel was an enterprising widow of high breeding, who fell into league with the brigands, one of whom she took as her lover. The rumrunners set up shop in her boarding house and sold liquor to the guests and locals who were familiar with the operation. The rumrunners would stay here, right at the St. Augustine waterfront, for a few days at a time, then move along by sea to their next setup.

Apparently it was quite a lucrative business, and the government boys sought to put an end to all this activity. The widow was questioned, but remained silent as she worked out a plan. When the bootleggers were coming through the inlet, the lady would climb to the roof of the building – where you see the pillastered railing today – with lantern in hand. If the government boys were in town, she would wave her lantern back and forth several times. The bootleggers would then know to pass by and travel by the St. Augustine waterfront without stopping. When the contraband liquor could be brought ashore in safety, the infamous lady would reap her rich reward.

Since those days, many a shrimp boat or other watercraft has entered the inlet just after dusk on a moonless night to be greeted by an eerie lantern swinging in the darkness above the Casablanca Inn. Most witness only the light, but some swear they spy a dark figure on the distant rooftop. Perhaps the rumrunner's lady still paces the roof, signalling safe haven to her lover and his cohorts as they cruise by. And who knows...maybe Eliot Ness and his G-Men still roam the St. Augustine waterfront trying to catch them!

Tini Martini Bar October Entertainment

Our Tini Martini Bar has raised the "bar" on musical entertainment around St. Augustine! Jazz great Bob Fraioli is collaborating in October with such artists as world-class guitarist, arranger, and composer Barry Greene; jazz saxophonist and composer, John Ricci; Brazilian/American Monica De Silva whose music spans from jazz and Brazilian originals to upbeat rock and pop tunes; saxophonist Al Waters, former member of the Ray Charles band opened for and/or accompanied Milt Jackson, Frank Foster, Jackie Byard, Benny Carter, Ellis Marsalis, The Temptations, Rita Moreno, Florence Henderson, and Barry Manilow; and Peggie Black, a renowned singer of "The Great American Songbook" and has garnered rave reviews from audiences for her witty, sophisticated performances. Performances are from 5:30 til 9:30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visit Tini Martini Bar for details.