Florida's Grand Hotels From The Gilded Age

Images of America: Florida

by R. Wayne Ayers

Florida in the late 1800s was a paradise waiting to be discovered. During this period, two visionary tycoons of the Gilded Age set out on separate ventures that would transform the Sunshine State from America's last frontier into a destination for the rich and famous. The grand hotels that Henry M. Flagler and Henry B. Plant opened at their planned resort sites offered a fantasy stay surrounded by all the accoutrements expected by sophisticated, Gilded Age patrons. Florida's Grand Hotels from the Gilded Age provides a look at these magnificent structures during their glory years, along with the fashionable entertainment and social and recreational pastimes that engaged their gilded guests.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2005

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these Images of America books. They just drip with nostalgia. This is about the 5-star Florida resorts of the late 19th century. The most amazing photo is that of the swimming pool in St. Augustine's Alcazar hotel, where one could swim among beautiful stone columns. (The pool is dry now, alas.)

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome source of information and pictures to learn more about Historical St. Augustine and Flagler's dynasty.

[Zelda of Lothlórien + Hyrule · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book. I found out so much about Florida, Flagler, Plant, and the Gilded Age.

Highly recommended, from a true Floridian! 🌺