Juan Bandini (1800 – November 4, 1859) was a Peruvian-born Californio public figure, politician, and ranchero.

After the revolution, his father's family moved to San Diego, arriving on September 1, 1834, on the brig Natalie.

They had three sons, Juan de la Cruz, Alfredo, and Arturo, and two daughters, Dolores and Victoria.

Originally the house and hotel were not stuccoed—that was added in modern times to make it look "Spanish Colonial".

Bandini served various public offices such as member of the assembly, sub-comisario of revenues, and substitute congressman.

He was known as a charming public speaker, fluent writer, excellent dancer, fair musician, and fine horseman.

Richard Henry Dana Jr. in Two Years Before the Mast said of him: He had a slight and elegant figure, moved gracefully, danced and waltzed beautifully, spoke the best of Castilian, with a pleasant and refined voice and accent, and had throughout the bearing of a man of high birth and figure.