July 22, 2010 - By Gayle McCarthy

Driving up to the entrance of the Casa Marina Hotel, I thought the building must have been misplaced or left as a remnant of a Hollywood movie façade from years ago.

The quaint, Mediterranean-style hotel sits quietly along the oceanfront row of anonymous high-rises and tired strip malls in the sleepy community of Jacksonville Beach, an anomaly amidst the sprawl of urban blight, a throwback to simpler times when men wore suits to go fishing and drove their Model T Fords right up to the water’s edge.

The hotel originally opened its doors to the public in 1925 to much fanfare and regale; the town, formerly known as Ruby, was considered the vacation hotspot and welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Jean Harlow, John D. Rockefeller, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. And as you walk through the main entrance, you get the distinct feeling that they are still there: an understated, easy elegance and casual sophistication permeates the air. History undoubtedly surrounds you, yet the hotel is not caught in the past.

The ambiance and location—literally steps away from the sand—serve as the scenic backdrop for morning yoga on the beach, an evening sunset stroll, or a fabled wedding ceremony. Casa Marina holds the distinct honor of being voted top wedding venue by blushing brides in The Knot’s Best Of Weddings 2010, a respected industry guide for brides-to-be.

“There is no higher honor than being viewed as ‘one of the best’ by the guests who chose us to host one of the most important days of their lives,” said general manager, Mark Vanderloo. “We take great pride in setting a new standard for individual service and attention to detail.”

The spacious, art-deco suite that was my temporary respite offered a partial view of the ocean and pier and had recently been refurbished with new flooring, boutique fixtures and furniture, and a mini chandelier in the hallway. The convenience of the suite’s separate sitting area, complete with a mini-fridge, roomy couch, chair and TV, allowed for privacy from the main bedroom. Because Casa Marina is small—there are only 25 rooms in the entire hotel—it’s the ideal getaway from the noisy, stifling summer crowds of typical resort chains.

By far, the hotel’s signature spot is the rooftop Penthouse Lounge with sweeping ocean views and intoxicating salt-scented breezes. (Leaning over the balcony with the wind kissing my hair, I felt like Kate Winslet in Titanic, sans the sinking boat and DiCaprio side-kick.) It’s a taste of Miami Beach and a trendy hot spot for young professionals looking to kick back after work, grab some tapas, and indulge in martinis big enough to swim in; the drink list is longer than a phone call from your mother-in-law.

Weather permitting, opt for plein air dining in the courtyard, and listen (and dance with the maitre d’, Sterling) to jammin’ cover tunes performed by The Johnston Duo (Wednesdays at 6:30; also Tuesdays in The Penthouse). It’s a great place for a casual dinner date, and while the prices are a bit high ($27.95 for rack of lamb), expect generous portions, impeccably prepared food (best goat cheese salad, hands down), and prompt, attentive service- a perfect night out.

www.casamarinahotel.com

Rooftop and beach photos courtesy of Leigh Cort, Leigh Cort Publicity.