San Diego · Old Town
The Cosmopolitan Hotel
Juan Bandini's Old Town adobe, a hotel since its wooden second story went up in 1869; ten rooms with period antiques and no TVs or phones.
- Built
- 1827–29Adobe Casa de Bandini built c. 1827-1829 by Juan Bandini (OHP says 'about 1827'); second story added in 1869 when it became the Cosmopolitan Hotel. City HRB register gives 1829.
- Style
- Adobe with 1869 Monterey-style wood second story
- Type
- Inn
- Rooms
- 10
- Area
- Old Town
- Credentials
- Inside a National Register historic district; Local landmark
The story
Juan Bandini built a U-shaped adobe home off the Old Town plaza between 1827 and 1829, and it became a social center known for his fandangos. In 1846 it served as Commodore Robert F. Stockton’s headquarters, where Kit Carson and Edward Beale delivered their call for reinforcements for General Kearny. In 1869 a wooden second story was added and it opened as the Cosmopolitan Hotel and stagecoach office; it later served as an olive cannery and a Mexican restaurant before State Parks restored it to its 1870s look.
The ghost story
The hotel's own history says the ghost of Ysidora Bandini, youngest daughter of Juan Bandini, is thought to visit Room 11, turning lights on and off. It is told as house lore.
Source: oldtowncosmopolitan.com
Good to know
- Breakfast: included
- Address: 2660 Calhoun St, San Diego, CA 92110
Things to do
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Sources (3)
Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.