Cosmopolitan Hotel " The Cosmo" in Old Town, Then and Now

Cosmopolitan Hotel " The Cosmo" in Old Town, Then and Now

The original structure was a 12 room one story adobe mansion constructed by Juan Bandin in the early 1800's. It was referred to as the Casa de Bandini. In 1859 the residence had fallen into great disrepair and Bandini who was financially destitute sold the structure to his son-in-law in 1859. In 1869, the residence was sold agian to an Albert Steeley who transformed the property into a fashionable 2 story hotel and stage stop.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel as it appeared In 1869

As the railroads moved into the area and stage travel declined, in 1887 the hotel was sold off and for some 80 years the building was used for various purposes from a store , pickle factory, motel and boarding house before becoming part of the Old Town San Diego Stage Historic Park in 1968.

The hotel restoration was just completed and the historic landmark was transformed back into a hotel. The original 12 room adobe structure , the first level ( at least 80% of it) is now as it was when it was constructed.

When I was there to take Photos, I was greeted by the " Mayor" of the Cosmo and he was most gracious as the hotel guests were serenaded on the patio with music from the era. The original hotel dining room was also restored and shows the styling of the by-gone era.