By the late 1920s, the city of San Bernardino had grown to a population of more than 37,000. As the city expanded, its downtown district became a popular destination for travelers, with several prominent hotels serving visitors. The Antlers Hotel offered 150 rooms, while the Stewart Hotel offered 100. Both featured amenities such as restaurants, barbershops and lounges.
The city’s crown jewel was the California Hotel. The Spanish-style hotel, built in 1927 at the corner of Fifth and E streets, was located near Pioneer Park and featured 100 guest rooms, 20 apartments, a dining room, a ballroom, a rooftop garden, 20 office suites and 13 shops. Its elegant design and central location made the hotel one of San Bernardino’s most important social gathering places. Hollywood celebrities were frequent visitors, and many of the city’s galas were held there.
In 1941, California Gov. Culbert L. Olson was honored at a banquet at the California Hotel during the dedication of the 31st National Orange Show.
After the United States entered World War II, the hotel took on a new role. Gen. George S. Patton used the California Hotel as his headquarters while overseeing military training operations in the Mojave Desert. During this period, the hotel also housed a studio for radio station KFXM. A young announcer named Ernie Ford worked there before later becoming nationally known as Tennessee Ernie Ford.
The California Hotel changed ownership several times over the following decades before closing in 1972.
The information in this historical feature was originally part of a video series produced by the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office.
Additional County Update News – July 16, 2026
- Documentary reflects on remembrance, resilience and hope following the Dec. 2 attack
- Updated analysis shows proposed stormwater mandates will cost San Bernardino County and cities $11 billion
- Trained. Ready. Called when needed: Meet San Bernardino County’s Community Emergency Response Team
- FIRESCOPE Conference ensures agencies are on the same page
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center advances surgical capabilities and launches ambient AI technology
- Red Cross seeks blood donors amid declining blood supply
- Adult Protective Services: Supporting safety, independence and dignity
- Explore San Bernardino County services: Make a splash at Regional Parks this summer
- Summer Social brings together more than 100 youth to promote mental wellness and leadership
- Library shifts into high gear with inaugural Read, Write & Cruise Car Show celebration
- County Library invites the community to explore the wonders of the night at Galaxy Nights: Wildlife After Dark
- Applications for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury due July 31
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Cucamonga Wilderness
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Sky