It was built in the 1920s in a Spanish Colonial Revival–style that is known for views of La Jolla Cove, and its historic associations with early 20th century Hollywood glamor.

[1][better source needed] Founded as Los Apartmentos de Sevilla, it changed to its current name in 1928, two years after it opened.

[2] It was an original (1989) member of the Historic Hotels of America,[3] and has been expanded from the original, and remodeled and modernized throughout its history; as of January 2022, it continued in operation as a full service lodging and hospitality venue with historic status.

[1][4][5] Its original design—by architect Reginald D. Johnson[5]—combined stylistic elements from the Spanish school of architecture and included "iconic pink hues",[1] its rose-colored exteriors leading to its becoming known as "The Pink Lady of La Jolla".

[2] Throughout its early years—it opened just a few years before the Great Depression, and survived it—the hotel was known for its drawing "locals and Hollywood stars alike" (including Gregory Peck),[1][6] and its Whaling Bar, which operated from 1945 to 2013,[6] drew writers, including Raymond Chandler, Theodor Geisel, Norman Mailer, and Gore Vidal.