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Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for August 18, 2024

by Jeff Cambra On In Alameda Life | Comments Disabled

Special Report – The Alameda Hotel

Alameda Post - Two views of the Alameda Hotel, one vintage, one from the present [1]

I must admit that I have walked by The Alameda Hotel numerous times, but it never occurred to me to explore this historic Spanish Colonial Revival period building which was built in 1926.

Alameda Post - Landscaping at the Alameda Hotel [2]

Alameda Post - miniatures found on the grounds of the Alameda Hotel [3]

I have previously reported [4] on the landscaping and curious collection of curios that grace the section of the garden at the corner of Central Avenue and Broadway, but I completely overlooked the architecture and the treasure inside.

Alameda Post - the lobby of the Alameda Hotel [5]

I called the Alameda Hotel Apartments and arranged for permission to wander around and explore the first floor.

Alameda Post - gold columns inside the Alameda Hotel [6]

Alameda Post - leaded windows inside the Alameda Hotel [7]

The first thing I noticed when entering the lobby is the striking red beams, the gold trim on the columns, and the sun coming through the leaded glass windows.

Alameda Post - a fancy glass doorway inside the Alameda Hotel [8]

Alameda Post - twin staircases inside the Alameda Hotel [9]

There are so many hand-crafted details! I suggest you walk around the perimeter and check out the large, rounded doors with rippled glass and the twin staircases leading to the second floor.

Alameda Post - detail of one of the wrought iron handrails inside the Alameda Hotel [10]

There is some excellent ironwork on the railing, too.

Alameda Post - the gate to the ballroom of the Alameda Hotel [11]

Speaking of ironwork, don’t miss the gate leading to the massive ballroom.

Alameda Post - inside the Ballroom of the Alameda Hotel [12]

This must have been quite the party location back in the day. It is available to rent if you are looking for a place to have a wedding or other large celebration.

Alameda Post - exterior detail of the Alameda Hotel showing multiple columns [13]

Alameda Post - the patio outside the Alameda Hotel [14]

There is a large patio area loaded with comfy chairs and market umbrellas. The word on the street that this might have been the location of a swimming pool back in the day.

Alameda Post - Mouf the dog visits the Alameda Hotel [15]

The next time you find yourself in the 1400 block of Broadway, please take a moment to notice the building and imagine what it was like back in the 1920s. Do you have a memory of being in this hotel or maybe a photo of a relative that attended one of the many parties that took place in this grand building?  Please feel free to share the photo or the memory.

Special thanks to Steve Gorman [16] for directing my HC to a post he made in The Little City of Alameda Facebook group to find the original photo, which came from https://alamedainfo.com [17].

On to the next report.

Bear's paws

Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda

Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected] [18]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/ [19]. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.