Since 1928

Classic roots, modern vibes, and unmatched hospitality

The Padre Hotel first opened its doors in 1928, during the booming oil era in Bakersfield, and quickly became renowned as the finest hotel “west of the Rockies.” Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the building featured 198 guest rooms, a grand banquet hall, a coffee shop, and, according to some accounts, a swing suspended from the lobby ceiling where a beautiful woman would graciously pour champagne for arriving guests.

A Building With A Large Door And Statues On The Front

Grand Opening

The Padre Hotel's grand opening was on April 12, 1928. It was originally constructed as a luxury hotel by renowned architect John M. Cooper, who designed the eight-story, 196 room building. The Padre Hotel was built on former judge Benjamin Brundage's former estate, at an estimated cost of $600,000 at Truxtun and K Street in the City of Bakersfield. When it was completed, it was the largest and tallest building in Bakersfield, making the hotel the number one choice for the 1928 tourist season.

Talk of the Town

For decades, the Padre Hotel was the social hub of Bakersfield, frequented by high society and notable visitors like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.

Earthquakes of 1952

The hotel withstood the test of time, even surviving a series of devastating earthquakes in 1952, which were reported at the time to be as powerful as 2,000 atom bombs. While the quakes dramatically altered the skyline of downtown Bakersfield, the Padre Hotel remained standing, though it fell into a period of decline in the years that followed.

A Large White Building With A Sign On It

Spartacus Miller

In 1954, the hotel was purchased by a local figure, Milton “Spartacus” Miller, who would become legendary for his colorful personality and battles with the City of Bakersfield. For over 45 years, Miller waged a spirited fight against the city over code enforcement issues.

A Room With A Large Painting On The Wall

A Large Room With White And Black Checkered Flooring

Eat.Drink.Sleep.

In 2008, the San Diego-based developer Eat.Drink.Sleep. purchased the hotel with a vision to restore it to its former glory. Under the guidance of Graham Downes Architecture, the hotel underwent a meticulous restoration, preserving many of its original architectural features while modernizing the space to appeal to a new generation of guests.

Supernatural Encounters

Since the 1952 earthquake, which devastated much of downtown Bakersfield, rumors of paranormal activity at the Padre Hotel have been whispered among locals. Ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts alike have reported eerie encounters within the hotel's walls.

Noteworthy Tales

- Theresa Caputo, star of Long Island Medium, recounted a spirit of a young girl speaking to her, saying, “People think we like to haunt… but we don't, we just like it here.”
- Some guests claim to have noticed a child's handprint preserved under the varnish on a wooden pillar in the coffee shop.
- Jack Osbourne, host of Portals to Hell, reported spotting a shadowy figure in the hotel's kitchen