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The Early History Of Our Carmel-By-The-Sea Hotel
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The history of La Playa Hotel and Cottages-by-the-Sea
is inextricably linked to California's colorful, romantic
and turbulent past. This legendary Carmel-by-the-Sea
hotel is a story in itself. The original building - a
part of which still stands today - had a star-shaped
stained glass window facing the street, and steps
leading up to a non-existent bell tower, another facet
inspired by the early missions. The potato fields said
to have flourished on adjacent property are long gone,
but the commanding view remains the same nearly 100
years later. It was this view and the Jorgensen's
hospitality that brought guests - including numerous
artists and writers - again and again to our Carmel
resort. Explore our legendary history:
Major refreshments to guest rooms and the public areas were completed in both 1997 and 2004.
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1905.
The original building was designed in 1905 by
artist Christopher Jorgensen as a luxurious home
for his bride, a member of San Francisco's famous
Ghirardelli chocolate clan.
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1906.
After a few years, however, the Jorgensen's chose to
leave Carmel and leased their former home to Agnes
"Alice" Signor, who brought an entirely different type
of personality, charisma and energy to the property.
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1920's.
La Playa remained in the Signor family many years,
adopted by the sons of Alice's favored niece -
Harrison and Fred Godwin.
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1930's.
In those days, La Playa guests would frequently arrive
by train in Monterey, to be met by Fred Godwin with a
pickup truck large enough to transport the steamer
trunks filled with enough clothing for a six-week visit.
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1940's.
While Carmel grew up around the property -- streets
becoming paved, more houses being built -- the Godwin's
continued to expand the hotel.
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1952.
Godwin leased La Playa to Ashton Stanley, son
of Carl Stanley of California Hotel fame and a successful
hotelier in his own right.
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1968.
Howard E. Bud Allen, who had known the hotel as
a child growing up in Carmel, had his eye on the
Grande Dame for years before he purchased it in 1968.
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1983.
when the Cope family of San Francisco
bought La Playa, the hotel had become somewhat run-down.
Dramatic Transformation Of This Historic Carmel Resort
The original mansion from which this time-honored
Carmel luxury hotel had evolved was connected to a
second building. The second building was constructed
in the 1920's and housed most of the guest rooms. A
two-level brick patio was installed and its wrought-iron
gazebo replaced with a larger one. The surrounding
gardens and landscaping were upgraded, expanded and
replanted. The guest rooms of this classic Carmel-by-the-Sea
hotel were repainted and refurbished to complement
the stunning views of the ocean, garden, patio and
residential Carmel. Many pieces from the Cope family
collection of European antiques, artwork and California
memorabilia were imported to enhance the property's
decor. In all the makeover cost some $5 million, but
required only an eight-month shutdown. La Playa
reopened on July 15, 1984.
The Cope Family has owned this unique property since May
1989, at which time a major renovation of the cottages and
the gardens took place. It is now like a brand-new facility, but with the same Carmel charm that has made the cottages
popular since the 1940's.
Experience the "Grande Dame of Carmel" at La Playa Hotel
and Cottages-by-the-Sea - traditional, refreshing, and
perfect in every detail.
Book your reservations at this intimate Carmel luxury hotel online today for exceptional rates.
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Call (800) 582-8900 for Reservations
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