Our History

El Paso de Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks” was originally part of a 25,000-acre Spanish land grant. It was a rest stop for travelers on the Camino Real Trail and was known for its mineral hot springs. After local railroad service started in 1886, the area began getting more visitors, and in 1889, Paso Robles was incorporated as a city.

Dating back to the city’s founding in 1889, and anchoring its main square, El Paso De Robles Hotel was born as a Victorian spa whose healing waters, saloons, and parlors were frequented by both the noteworthy and the notorious. Over the years, it played host to U.S. presidents, Hollywood stars including John Wayne and Clark Gable, and outlaw Jesse James—who famously hid out in the hotel and its underground tunnels.

In December 1940, a fire destroyed the entire hotel except for the building housing the Grand Ballroom. Fortunately, all hotel guests escaped the blaze that night thanks to a heroic night clerk.

By 1942, construction was completed on the hotel recognized today, using bricks salvaged from the ruins of the original structure. Designed with a new concept to cater to motoring travelers, the Paso Robles Inn became a popular stop on the mid-century California road trip. Guests’ cars were garaged behind each room while allowing for central garden views and other fine features.

Over the next few decades, the City of Paso Robles experienced significant growth and developed a reputation as a charming and friendly community. The area’s wine industry also began to flourish alongside the Inn’s popularity.

In 1999, an extensive renovation took place at the Paso Robles Inn, revitalizing many of its interior spaces and returning much of its turn-of-the-century grandeur. The Inn continued to thrive, welcoming generation after generation of adventurers to the historic heart of our happening city.

The Paso Robles Inn has been redesigned yet again, to bring its iconic status into the 21st century—and better meet the needs of today’s Paso, deemed by those in the know as “the next great California wine destination.”

Today’s Inn is a relaxed, graciously upscale retreat that celebrates and echoes the beauty of the local landscape. You’ll also notice architectural touches drawing from all eras of our past, including Victorian, Mission-style, and ranch-inspired elements. And, throughout the property, we pay tribute to locally sourced ingredients, artists, and makers.

In other words, the Paso Robles Inn is the perfect spot for enjoying the region’s authentic nature, food-and-wine scene, and cultural energy. We can’t wait to welcome you to this living landmark.