Ocean Avenue's most famous hotel dates back to the efforts of Carmel-By-The-Sea's founders Frank Devendorf and Frank Powers. In l889, the Hotel Carmelo was built in a new and undeveloped section of the village near the corner of Ocean and Junipero, then named Broadway. The hotel was built in the style of a simple but elegant country inn, incorporating wood from the old Tivoli Opera House that had been demolished in San Francisco.

Sixteen years later, the hotel moved west down Ocean Avenue, four blocks closer to the white sands of our renowned beach. The north wing was dismantled and the main building with its remaining rooms was rolled down a dampened slope on pine logs, slowly and carefully traveling the four dirt blocks, while a few onlookers gawked in amazement.

During its first year, a sun room was added to the main building, so that guests could look out towards the sparkling bay. With the help of M.J.Murphy, a local contractor now honored for the many early Carmel buildings he helped erect, the Hotel Carmelo was refurbished and named the Pine Inn Today a meticulously restored home, where Murphy once lived, and an adjacent park named for him, are popular tourist destinations directly behind the Pine Inn. The park, with its scenic platform, stands where the old Pine Inn once provided stables.

The new Pine Inn officially opened its doors on July 4, l903, with the village's first gala community event, a town dance, celebrating the dedication of this new social center for both residents and visitors. Over the next few months, an overwhelming number of guests came to Carmel, led here by the reputation of the elegant hotel, for its excellence in both meals and accommodations. The crowds grew so large that the owners didn't want to turn visitors away when the rooms were full, so they directed them to a nearby campground where they provided canvas tents and lanterns.

During the next few years, the Pine Inn was Carmel's most renowned architectural feature. The Carmel Missionary Society, now All Saints Episcopal Church, worshipped in a section of the hotel while they raised funds for a building across the street. Shakespeare and poetry readings were held throughout the month, and the sun room became a popular place to relax and discuss the cultural events and political controversies of that colorful era.

In 1915, actress Lola Crabtree stayed at the Pine Inn after being toasted by the City of San Francisco. As the guest of honor at the Thanksgiving Day dinner, she beamed her appreciation for the more than one-hundred fans who turned out for the gala event.

John Jordan, an actor with wide cultural interest in the new community, bought the hotel in l920. He supervised the building of guest cottages, a tennis court, and putting greens located nearby. The hotel closed temporarily while Jordan directed workmen to remodel the facade and interior to resemble Spanish styles, then very much in vogue up and down the coast.

Shortly before World War II, the Pine Inn was bought by Harrison Godwin. Once again closed for remodeling, it opened on April 1941, featuring twelve new stores, outside garden dining, rooftop gardens, and the rooms decorated with a Victorian flair reminiscent of the southern coast of France.

The next owner, Carroll McKee, modernized the hotel and simplified some of its ornate features. The garden dining area was enclosed beneath a unique glass dome, creating what was known as the gazebo.

The next owner, Richard Gunner, began his leadership of the hotel staff in l986, bringing back the touches reminiscent of France's finest inns. He continues the century-long tradition of friendly service, with his staff making sure that every detail involving his guests are happily memorable.