Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LA PLAYA HOTEL
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The Spanish influence in California began with the very first explorers who landed here in 1602.
Friar Sebastian Vizcaino named this area for his patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. When
they started building missions along the California coast, the mission at Carmel became the sec-
ond in a series of 21 embassies to be erected. Father JunÃpero Serra, who supervised the entire
mission-building project, was so impressed with the beauty of the Carmel area that he made it
his headquarters and his home. Built in 1770, it was named the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de
Carmelo.
The inspiration for all of the early construction in Alta California derived from Spain. Adobe
buildings, haciendas, and virtually every structure built for any purpose was modeled after the
grand churches and missions in Europe.
When Christopher Jorgensen married into the famous Ghirardelli chocolate clan from San
Francisco in 1905, he felt the need to build a home in Carmel for his new bride. Today, the section
of that structure still standing is part of La Playa Hotel. The original building had a star-shaped
stained glass window facing the street and steps leading up to a nonexistent bell tower, a style in-
spired by the design of the missions.
The Jorgensens enjoyed this home for several years. When they chose to leave Carmel, the
property went to Alice Signor. La Playa remained in her family for many years, and they converted
it into a small hotel for area visitors. Guests often arrived by train into the Monterey station, to be
met by the hotel's pickup truck to carry steamer trunks full of clothes.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, originally started as an artist community in 1904, soon attracted people of
all kinds. As the city grew, the hotel was expanded to accommodate an increasing number of guests.
Connected to the original mansion, the second building, erected in the 1920s, housed most of the
guest rooms.
La Playa eventually passed through several owners until the Cope family bought it in the 1980s.
They installed a two-level brick patio and replaced the old wrought-iron gazebo with a larger one.
The surrounding gardens and landscaping were upgraded and expanded. Guest rooms were re-
painted and refurbished to complement the stunning views of the ocean, garden, and patio. Numer-
ous pieces from the family collection of European antiques, artwork, and California memorabilia
were imported to enhance the property's decor.
