U.S. Grant Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Grant Hotel
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Facade of the U.S. Grant Hotel
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 Location in San Diego
Location in San Diego County, California
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 326 Broadway, San Diego, California |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | Harrison Albright |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000523 |
| Added to NRHP | August 27, 1979 |
The U.S. Grant Hotel is a famous old hotel located right in downtown San Diego, California. It is part of the Marriott International hotel family. This historic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important landmark. The hotel is 11 stories tall and has 270 rooms for guests. It also has many meeting spaces and a large ballroom for events.
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History of the U.S. Grant Hotel
The story of the U.S. Grant Hotel began in 1895. A woman named Fannie Chaffee Grant bought an older hotel called the Horton House. She decided to tear it down in 1905 to build something new.
Her husband, Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., helped oversee the building of the new hotel. He was the son of former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. The hotel was named after his famous father. Architect Harrison Albright designed the beautiful building.
The hotel cost $1.5 million to build. Ulysses S. Grant, Jr. needed more money to finish it. So, the people of San Diego voted to help! They raised $700,000 to make sure the hotel could be completed. The U.S. Grant Hotel officially opened its doors on October 15, 1910. It even had two swimming pools and a ballroom on the very top floor.
The hotel's special restaurant, the Grant Grill, opened in 1952. It quickly became a popular spot for important business people and politicians to have lunch. For a long time, women were not allowed in the restaurant before 3 PM. But in 1969, a group of brave local women protested this rule. They held a "sit-in" at the restaurant. Because of their actions, the restaurant changed its policy and allowed women at any time.
The hotel was updated in the 1980s. However, it faced tough times in the 1990s due to money problems. The hotel was sold several times during this period. In 2003, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation bought the hotel. They closed it for 21 months to give it a big makeover. The hotel reopened in October 2006, looking brand new. Today, it is managed by Marriott Hotels & Resorts as part of their Luxury Collection. Its full name is The U.S. Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego.
Famous Events at the Hotel
For almost 35 years, until 1974, the U.S. Grant Hotel hosted a special annual dinner. This was for the "Great White Fleet Association." This group was made up of sailors who sailed around the world on 16 white battleships from 1907 to 1909. These dinners brought together military leaders and guests from all over the world.
The very first San Diego Comic-Con International was held at the U.S. Grant Hotel. Back in 1970, it was called "San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con." This huge event, now famous worldwide, started right here!
Notable Guests and Presidential Visits
Many famous people have stayed at the U.S. Grant Hotel. These include brilliant scientist Albert Einstein and famous pilot Charles Lindbergh. Former President Woodrow Wilson also stayed here. In fact, 12 different U.S. Presidents have been guests at the hotel!
The hotel even has three special "presidential suites." These rooms are designed to meet the strict requirements of the United States Secret Service for when presidents visit.
See also
In Spanish: U. S. Grant Hotel para niños
