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The Early History Of Our Carmel-By-The-Sea Hotel
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.
 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.
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.
1920's. La Playa remained in the Signor family many years, adopted by the sons of Alice's favored niece - Harrison and Fred Godwin.
1930's. In those days, La Playa guests would frequently arrive by train in Monterey, to be met by Fred Godwin with a pick-up truck large enough to transport the steamer trunks filled with enough clothing for a six-week visit.
1940's. While Carmel grew up around the property -- streets becoming paved, more houses being built -- the Godwin's continued to expand the hotel.
1952. Godwin leased La Playa to Ashton Stanley, son of Carl Stanley of California Hotel fame and a successful hotelier in his own right.
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.
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 purchased the Cottages-by-the-Sea in 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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