Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley’s Court.
Hi Haley’s, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Haley’s Court is a 16-room boutique motel in the heart of Vilano Beach, originally built in 1951 during the area’s tourism boom. It’s the last remaining art-moderne motor lodge on Vilano Road, and its iconic neon sign has long been a symbol of Old Florida travel culture.
Our family’s story with the property began in 1999, when it was purchased by Tommy Lee and renamed Casa De Vilano Motel. While it operated primarily as long-term rentals, he always envisioned it becoming something more. After his passing in 2008, the property remained in the family, quietly waiting for its next chapter.
That chapter began in 2023, when Tommy’s children, Damon and Stephanie, along with his sister Valerie and niece Shelby, made the decision to breathe new life into the property. Valerie—an interior designer and owner of Anastasia Design Group—began imagining what Haley’s Court could become from a design standpoint, knowing that thoughtful, intentional design would truly set it apart. A few months into planning, the team leaned fully into the property’s roots, reviving the original name “Haley’s Court” and using the iconic sign as inspiration for the design, branding, and overall vision. What followed was an 18-month renovation that thoughtfully updated the space while preserving its mid-century character, all with the mission to reimagine what a motel can be—creating a destination stay that blends nostalgic charm with modern comfort and offers guests a meaningful, memorable experience. Haley’s Court officially opened for bookings in November 2024.
Today, Haley’s Court is proudly family-owned and operated. It’s more than a place to stay—it’s our way of honoring Vilano Beach’s history, the place we’ve called home for generations, and preserving a local landmark while welcoming guests to experience a piece of Old Florida, reimagined.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not! One of our biggest challenges early on was realizing just how much work the property truly needed. It felt like every time we fixed one thing, we uncovered two more. None of us expected the renovation to take as much time—or money—as it ultimately did. But it was all worth it!
Another major challenge was that none of us came from a hotel or motel background. We assumed that because we were familiar with Airbnbs and long-term rentals, it would be fairly similar—or that we could run Haley’s Court like an Airbnb—but we quickly learned that wasn’t the case. From learning new systems and processes to navigating hotel-specific terminology and operations, there was (and still is) a lot to learn as we go.
And of course, being a family-owned business comes with its own challenges. Working so closely with people you’re related to means disagreements are bound to happen. We definitely had our fair share of family-style debates along the way—but in the end, those moments pushed us to communicate better and understand each other more, ultimately bringing us closer as a family and team!
As you know, we’re big fans of Haley’s Court – Boutique Motel . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Haley’s Court is a thoughtfully designed, family-owned boutique motel offering a relaxed, design-forward stay in Vilano Beach. With just 16 rooms, we focus on quality over quantity—creating an experience that feels intentional from the moment guests arrive. It’s a place meant for slowing down, gathering, and experiencing St. Augustine like a local. Whether you’re here for the beach, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, we want Haley’s Court feel like a destination in itself.
We’re known for our distinctive retro aesthetic, attention to detail, and cleanliness —and we’re proud our reviews reflect just that! Every room at Haley’s Court has its own personality—but all are curated to feel special rather than cookie-cutter. Our goal is for guests to feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem, not just booked a place to sleep.
What truly sets us apart is our brand identity and the way we’ve reimagined what a motel can be. We embrace our vintage roots while delivering a modern, seamless experience through contactless check-in, smart technology, and thoughtful amenities. At the same time, we’re a small, family-owned business, which allows us to be flexible, personal, and genuinely invested in every stay. Even without a traditional front desk, guests often tell us the experience feels more personal—because it is!
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how cohesive everything feels—from the room designs to our signage and the overall guest experience. Haley’s Court feels nostalgic without being dated, playful without being kitschy, and comfortable without being generic. It’s truly one-of-a-kind, and we trust it’s a place guests will remember long after they leave.
Above all, Haley’s Court was created with care. As a small team with deep family ties to the property, we each have a personal stake in both its success and the experience of every guest— and we think that genuine care shows in every stay.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a meaningful role in both our lives and our business. We’re fortunate to work together as a family and, in the face of the devastating loss of Tommy, to have been able to keep his property in the family and come together to continue his legacy. We’ve also been incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support and love Haley’s Court has received from our local community and from guests who’ve experienced it firsthand.
Pricing:
- Nightly rates start at $150, with pricing varying by season and dates
- Best rates are always available when booking direct
- Florida resident discounts available
- Full-property buyouts offered for weddings, retreats, and group gatherings
- Flexible booking options for weekend getaways or extended stays
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haleyscourt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyscourt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567532493634
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleyscourt
Image Credits
Iliana Ingram
Polina Pigulevsky
