It was built by Joakim Berg, a noted artist of the 1890s in the region.

A horse carriage called a tallyho took guests from downtown Los Angeles to the hotel.

[3] The hotel's original owner, Charles M. Pierce, became operator of the Los Angeles Pacific Railroad's Balloon Route in 1904.

The hotel, a stop on the line that went from downtown Los Angeles to West Los Angeles and the west side beaches, was used by the route as lunch stop.

[3][4] D. L. Allen later took over management of the Glen-Holly Hotel, and added a billiard hall, bowling alley, and livery service.