Spring 2024

C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 151 to purchase land on the block, adding to her grounds over the next sev- eral years. By 1922, she had added on to the house as well, creating a full- service hotel with over 20 rooms, but she died just one year later and the Godwin brothers took over the business. In December of 1924, the hotel was almost destroyed by fire and the Godwins hired Carmel’s most important master builder—Michael J. Murphy—to rebuild, adding 30 additional rooms with private baths. Fred Godwin (who was also mayor of Carmel from 1946-1950) became the sole owner of La Playa in 1940 (his brother Harrison went on to own the Pine Inn). In the early 1950s Godwin renovated the hotel in the Spanish Revival style, which has gracefully persisted to present day. He also added on significantly, bringing the room count to 80. During this time, La Playa became a popular destination for Hollywood elite and San Francisco socialites. The La Playa Hotel bar has been a favorite local watering hole since it opened in the 1960s under Bud Allen's ownership. The recent renovation added personal liquor cabinets for the “Cabinet Society”—a highly sought after honor. Photos: Chris Mottalini, Courtesy of La Playa Hotel Photos: Chris Mottalini, Courtesy of La Playa Hotel Photo: La Playa Hotel Archives