The Cosmopolitan Hotel is a registered national landmark, located within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It was built as a home for a prominent rancher in the early 1800s, and served as a stagecoach stop and olive factory throughout its history. In 2010, the hotel was renovated, and restored to its original Victorian Era glam.
Centered in Old Town, the hotel and surrounding area are quaint and charming. The Cosmopolitan hosts a bed and breakfast experience, with only ten rooms available for an intimate stay. The rooms are all unique, furnished with antique furniture and other timely pieces.
Guests will appreciate the historic details and authenticity of the decor. There is a choice of a king, queen or full bed, and although every room is unique, you can expect to find four poster beds, deep copper bathtubs, porcelain door knob and pull chain toilets. To remain true to the motif, there are no TVs at the hotel, but there is WiFi, should you choose to connect your personal device.
Take a Ride on the Dark Side
According to the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, the Whaley house is the most haunted house in the United Sates. Also don't forget to take one of Old Town's most famoust Ghost Tours at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
There is a historic saloon and restaurant on-site. A continental breakfast is included with each stay, and served in the saloon. Guests start their day with hot coffee, hot tea, and homemade sweet pastries and biscuits.
A hallmark of the hotel is the daily Victorian tea on the veranda, consisting of small bites, sweet treats and a variety of teas, all with a Mexican influence as a throwback to the property's history. Weddings on the premises are also popular, for those seeking an old time themed wedding. There are often live music events for guests to enjoy as well.
The hotel is often visited by guests seeking to experience paranormal activity, as many of the rooms, namely four, five and eleven, are rumored to be visited by the spirit of Ysidora Bandini, the daughter of the original proprietor.
Reports have included flickering lights, doors opening and items moving around, all harmless tricks by the "Lady in Red”. Keep an eye out for the resident spirit cat, who has been spotted roaming the hallways at night.
Staying at the Cosmopolitan is truly a unique experience, for those looking to relive the Victorian Era, or those looking to encounter a spirit from the past! The Cosmopolitan is actually featured in our Most Haunted Places in San Diego as well as in our Best Things to do in San Diego articles!