Flagler College (Ponce de Leon Hotel)
Explore the Gilded Age grandeur of Flagler College, a former luxury hotel boasting stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and Tiffany windows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Flagler College (Ponce de Leon Hotel)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Gilded Age grandeur of Flagler College, a former luxury hotel boasting stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and Tiffany windows.
"A must-see for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs, this former luxury hotel is a breathtaking glimpse into the Gilded Age."
Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for tours of this historic gem; they fill up quickly! :ticket:
Request a Quieter Room
Ask for a room away from train tracks to ensure a peaceful stay. :zzz:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tiffany Stained Glass Windows
Throughout the college
Marvel at the largest private collection of Tiffany stained glass windows, a breathtaking Gilded Age artistry.
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Spanish Renaissance Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a true masterpiece.
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The Rotunda and Dome
Main building
Experience the grandeur of the rotunda and its intricate artisan work, showcasing historical craftsmanship.
The 'Ladies' Bathroom'
Historic section
Explore the opulent 'ladies' bathroom,' a testament to the hotel's luxurious past and early adoption of electricity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Consider Train Noise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for tours of this historic gem; they fill up quickly!
Request a Quieter Room
Ask for a room away from train tracks to ensure a peaceful stay. :zzz:
Walk to Attractions
Save on parking and enjoy the city by walking to nearby sites like Castillo San Marcos. :walking:
Enjoy On-site Dining
The hotel's restaurant offers delicious food and a convenient dining experience. :knifeforkplate:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for tours of this historic gem; they fill up quickly!
Request a Quieter Room
Ask for a room away from train tracks to ensure a peaceful stay. :zzz:
Walk to Attractions
Save on parking and enjoy the city by walking to nearby sites like Castillo San Marcos. :walking:
Enjoy On-site Dining
The hotel's restaurant offers delicious food and a convenient dining experience. :knifeforkplate:
Capture the Details
Don't miss the intricate details in the architecture and Tiffany windows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Flagler College for its breathtaking architecture and the stunning Tiffany stained glass windows, calling it a must-see in St. Augustine. The hotel's convenient location and excellent on-site dining are also frequently highlighted. However, some guests note that the building's exterior could benefit from a refresh, and light sleepers may be disturbed by occasional train noise.
"I have been here before. I do not regret coming back. Mike L. Was very attentive. Hotel is a 20 minute walk from Castillo San Marcos saving you $20.00. Keeping away from so much tourist cluster, makes me happy to leave my car parked. Floors are tiled (I detest carpet). The pool is clean. There are train tracks that run along the back (there is a train) no big deal. There is a marsh beyond. There is a deck with chairs and tables. Enjoyed having my cup of coffee with nature. Room attendant was polite, room was nice. Will definitely return"
Edmee Caraballo
"If you are looking for a good place to stay while in St. Augustine, we can not recommend The Ponce enough. We recently took our first family vacation and stayed the weekend at the Ponce. On a basic level the hotel is perfect! It’s within 4-5 minutes of almost everything which made the entire experience so much more convenient. They have their own restaurant within the hotel as well which was such a nice accommodation. A lot of the places in the area are extremely busy with long wait times and difficult parking. Having the restaurant in the hotel made dining stress free. The restaurant is DELICIOUS. Our food was good quality food with excellent service. It was a semi-casual environment and it even has a full bar!! The pool is huge and completely enclosed with a privacy fence so you don’t have to worry about spectators. They have two “cabana” style structures on the pool deck and tables and chairs for comfort. They also have a super cozy couch set up with a Fire-pit coffee table in the middle for night time, and a hot tub! Our family really loved this amenity especially since it’s a smaller sized hotel so we were not overwhelmed by guests at the pool and were able to actually enjoy family time together. Now that….is just the basics. The best part about this hotel by far is the team that runs it !! When I say that they created a once in a lifetime experience for us….there is ZERO exaggeration there. The team at the Ponce worked hard to create a custom experience full of core memories for our family. They were in regular contact with us for days leading up to our trip. They hung personalized banners in our room with balloons and cards to help us celebrate our first family vacation and they took every opportunity possible to personalize our experience. Our room was incredibly clean and had EVERY amenity we could have asked for. For our family this was so much more than just a weekend trip….and we couldn’t have done that without the Ponce. If you are considering where to stay for your trip, we can not recommend The Ponce enough !! We will absolutely be back every year for our annual family vacation and we will continue to patron The Ponce. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a truly incredible experience and a core memory for a lifetime. Our family is forever grateful to your team for all your hard work and care. This right here is a hotel that is run by compassionate and hard working people who have your family in mind throughout your entire stay. What more could you ask for ??"
Ryn&Jeremy
"Absolutely loved our stay! The staff was amazing...especially Mikel. It may be one of the older hotels, but revamped very nicely, clean, close to everything, shuttle and trolley service right next door, restaurant inside was very good. Highly friendly and extremely customer friendly. Will stay again and Mikel made the experience even better with his kindness and thoughtful texts while we were there to make sure that we were doing well. Excellent!"
Bobbie Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Flagler College is centrally located in historic St. Augustine. If driving, parking can be challenging, so consider utilizing the hotel's proximity to trolley and shuttle services for easy access to attractions. Many visitors find it convenient to walk to nearby sites like Castillo San Marcos, saving on parking fees.
While the college itself is a historic landmark, the adjacent hotel offers parking for guests. For visitors only touring the college, it's often recommended to find public parking in the historic district and walk, as parking directly at the college can be limited.
Yes, St. Augustine offers trolley and shuttle services that stop near Flagler College, making it easily accessible without a car. These services are a great way to navigate the historic district and reach various attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but booking in advance is highly recommended. Check the official Flagler College Legacy website for the most current pricing and tour options.
It is strongly advised to book your tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Tours are typically offered daily, but specific times can vary. It's best to check the Flagler College Legacy website for the most up-to-date tour schedule when planning your visit.
While you can admire the exterior of Flagler College, guided tours are the primary way to experience the interior, including the historic ballrooms and the renowned Tiffany windows.
Yes, Flagler College tours are often led by knowledgeable student ambassadors who provide insights into the college's history and student life.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors are most impressed by the vast collection of Tiffany stained glass windows, the stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture, and the historic rotunda.
Originally built as the luxurious Hotel Ponce de Leon in 1888 by Henry Flagler, it was one of the first buildings in the U.S. wired for electricity and constructed with poured concrete. It became Flagler College in 1968.
Absolutely! It's a must-see for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in Gilded Age grandeur. The Tiffany windows alone are worth the visit.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on your feet for the tour. Dress is generally casual, but consider the Florida heat if visiting during warmer months.
Photography is generally allowed inside Flagler College during tours, but it's always a good idea to check with your tour guide for any specific restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Flagler College is an educational institution, the adjacent hotel (formerly the Hotel Ponce de Leon) has a highly-rated restaurant that offers delicious food and a convenient dining experience for visitors.
The hotel restaurant offers good quality food in a semi-casual environment, with a full bar available. Reviews consistently praise its delicious offerings.
Yes, the historic district of St. Augustine surrounding Flagler College is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The rotunda, the Tiffany windows, the grand staircase, and the exterior architecture are all prime photo opportunities. The 'ladies' bathroom' also offers unique shots.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside Flagler College during tours, allowing you to capture the stunning details of the architecture and stained glass.
Weekday mornings often offer fewer crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed photos. Afternoon light can also be beautiful, especially filtering through the Tiffany windows.
While general photography is allowed, always confirm with your tour guide about any specific areas or times where photography might be restricted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider booking a tour that focuses on the history and architecture to keep younger minds interested. The hotel's amenities, like the pool and on-site restaurant, can also make it a comfortable base for family exploration of St. Augustine. Remember to manage expectations regarding train noise if staying overnight, and ensure comfortable walking shoes for everyone.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to see the largest private collection of Tiffany stained glass windows in the world, a true artistic marvel. The guided tours provide in-depth historical context, bringing the era of Henry Flagler and his luxurious resorts to life.
+1📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1Aim for weekday mornings to avoid crowds and capture the best light. The rotunda, the stained glass, and even the unique 'ladies' bathroom' are iconic backdrops. Be sure to check tour schedules and photography policies to maximize your creative time.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gilded Age Grandeur of the Hotel Ponce de Leon
Today, this architectural gem serves as Flagler College, preserving its historical significance while providing a unique educational environment. Visitors can still experience the grandeur through guided tours, marveling at the intricate details that speak to an era of immense wealth and innovation. The building's design, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
+1The Artistry of Tiffany Stained Glass
Crafted using Tiffany's patented opalescent glass method, the windows fill the interior spaces with vibrant colors and ethereal light, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The collection includes a variety of designs, from intricate floral patterns to symbolic motifs, each piece meticulously crafted to enhance the building's aesthetic appeal. The sheer scale and beauty of these windows make them a highlight for any visitor, offering a glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of the Gilded Age. Exploring these luminous works of art is an essential part of the Flagler College experience.
+1Exploring Flagler College as a Student
Students live and learn amidst the same opulent halls that once hosted America's elite, creating a truly distinctive campus atmosphere. The college provides a range of undergraduate programs, fostering a close-knit community within its historic walls. The blend of academic rigor and the immersive historical setting makes Flagler College a sought-after institution for those who appreciate both education and heritage. The student ambassadors who lead tours often share personal insights, giving prospective students a real feel for life on campus.
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