At the start of the Edwardian era, nearly all scenic and accessible cities along the Pacific Coast were able to offer architecturally stylish resorts. Santa Cruz had the Boardwalk and Sea Beach Hotel, for instance, while Monterey attracted vacationers to the Del Monte. Capitola, a village open only in the summertime, opened the Hotel Capitola, 160 rooms with a spectacular view just a few steps away from the ocean.

First built in the late 1870s at the base of Depot Hill, the inn at Capitola gradually evolved into the Colonial Revival and Queen Anne style hotel that was the showpiece of Frederick Hihn’s vacation retreat. From the time of its construction in 1895-1897 until it burned in 1929, the four-story structure designed by architect Edward L. Van Cleeck was the heart of the village and a source of pride.

One of the joys of history is reading and writing about stories that are never too old to revive and relive. Now it’s your turn to check into the Grand Hotel Capitola. Enjoy your vacation!
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All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to the Capitola Historical Museum.