The Hotel Del Monte first opened its doors on 3 June 1880, and it was an immediate luxury resort success. It was the idea of Charles Crocker, railroad pioneer, to create a luxury resort that was accessible by train. The opening of the hotel led the way for Monterey’s modern-day tourism industry and an innovation in the development of sports and recreation.
The first iteration of Hotel Del Monte would last until 1887 when a fire destroyed the hotel. The second version was quickly constructed with more detail and architecture, ensuring it remained as a top leisure destination. In 1919, the hotel had new ownership in Samuel F.B. Morse, and he established the Del Monte Properties Company. On 27 September 1924, the hotel suffered another fire that destroyed the central Victorian architecture of the hotel. Reconstruction began again to bring the hotel back to working condition, and it reopened in May of 1926 with a celebration that had more than 3,000 guests in attendance.
The esteemed clientele included Presidents, leaders of industry, royalty, heads of state, and the upper class. The social standing of its guests, combined with the success of Hotel Del Monte, earned it the titles of “Queen of American Watering Places”, “The Most Elegant Seaside Resort in the World”, and “California’s Best Loved Resort”.
At its peak, Hotel Del Monte encompassed 20,000 acres across the Monterey Peninsula. This included the famous 17-Mile Drive that is still around today. Originally, the hotel was the starting and end point of the famous drive, going through local historical sites, forests of black cypress, oak, pine, and the coastline that is today’s Pebble Beach. Initially 18 miles long, the hours long carriage excursions were shortened and called what is now known as 17-Mile Drive.
Looking to deep dive more into the history of the hotel? Articles, video essays, and historical images can be found here and here.