The Escondido Inn a grand hotel once stood proudly on this very spot. Its story begins long before its bricks and mortar. It’s a tale woven into the fabric of Escondido itself.
In the 1880s a group of ambitious businessmen had a vision. They purchased the vast Rancho Rincon del Diablo. This land was destined to become the thriving town of Escondido. The Escondido Land and Town Company ELTC as they were known didn’t just dream they acted. Their plan involved more than just selling land.
To attract buyers they needed a showplace. They built the Escondido Hotel a magnificent three-story structure boasting 100 rooms. It was a symbol of their ambition. It housed prospective land buyers. The hotel quickly became a landmark. It stood as a beacon of progress and opportunity.
This wasn’t just a real estate venture. The ELTC established a newspaper. The Escondido Times advertised the benefits of settling in Escondido. They paid for its nationwide distribution. The newspaper showcased Escondido’s lush climate and fertile soil. They called it the “sunkist vale”.
The ELTC also convinced the Santa Fe Railroad to build a line to Escondido. This transportation link was key to Escondido’s growth. It boosted trade and tourism. The Escondido Hotel even offered a free shuttle service to the new train depot. They organized “Booster Excursion” tours. These tours brought many visitors to Escondido.
The ELTC’s plan worked exceptionally well. Escondido was incorporated as a city in 1888. The Escondido Hotel played a crucial role in its early success. It stood for years a testament to the vision and hard work of the ELTC. The hotel eventually made way for Palomar Medical Center. The Escondido Inn however carries on the legacy. It stands as a reminder of Escondido’s remarkable journey from a rural land grant to a thriving city. The spirit of that first grand hotel lives on in this building.