Our relaxing 21-room hotel fosters the nuance of a 1920's Florida Beach Inn while providing new-world comforts, including:
|
 |
We are a sparkling new, entirely non -smoking, lovingly restored hotel in the old Florida style. We offer complimentary full breakfast served daily in our Florida room, with coffee and tea available throughout the day. We also provide a daily housekeeping service.
"We have loved everything about our stay. We wish you much success."
- P. & J. Crowder
History of the Port Inn- The original Port Inn was built just over 100 years ago, in 1907, at the crossroads of Highway 98 and State Route 71 in Gulf County, Florida. In the days before air conditioning, the sprawling Inn with its broad veranda and stately columns was a favorite getaway for those seeking a quiet retreat near the cooling breezes of Saint Joseph Bay. Early photos show Model T Fords lined up in front of the inn and cattle grazing in an adjacent field.
 |
By the time Port St. Joe became a city in 1913, the Inn had become the center of social life in the small town. "Excursion" trains transported hundreds of good-timers from neighboring towns on Sundays and holidays, packing the park in front of the Inn. A boardwalk from the Inn connected to a pier that reached far out into the Bay. |
High wooden slides shot thrill-seeking swimmers into the cool, aqua-green waters of the Bay, and merry-go-round swings in the water, pushed by wind-filled sails, were a delight for young and old alike. Early residents report that favorite visitor activities were boat rides to St. Joe Peninsula, scalloping, fishing, and bicycling.
In the early 1930s, Ed Ball and Bill Edwards acquired the Inn as part of a massive land purchase that included the entire city of Port St. Joe. The Inn is rumored to have been a guesthouse for the Balls' many visitors.
 |
During World War II, in 1944, tragedy struck the Inn. A great fire swept the building. Reportedly the heat caused an explosion that catapulted the Inn's boiler right out of the building. A series of photographs captured during the fire show the entire progression of the blaze from roofline to total destruction. Residents gathered about the grounds, helplessly watching the conflagration. |
A few pieces of furniture and luggage hastily rescued from the building and the Inn's chimneys jutting from the smoldering ruins were all that was left. The property sat vacant for three years.
In 1947, Red Gunn, an old-time contractor, purchased the site and rebuilt the Inn, which operated for many years as the St. Joe Motel. After several owners, however, the motel fell into disrepair and was eventually vacated.
 |
In recent years, it was rumored that developers were interested in acquiring the site and demolishing the Inn to make way for modern townhouses. Lifetime local residents Dave and Trish Warriner came to the rescue of the St. Joe landmark and have since lovingly restored and refurbished the old |
Inn, returning it to its rightful place as a centerpiece of Port St. Joe history and once again a retreat for those wanting to relax beside the Bay and reminisce about returning to an almost forgotten, bygone era.
