Lester Hotel

Historic hotel building, San Diego, California, U.S.

32°42′41″N 117°09′39″W / 32.7112650728366°N 117.16079362539838°W / 32.7112650728366; -117.16079362539838Opened1905

The Lester Hotel building is an historic structure located at 417 Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, California.

Built in 1906, the original architect was William Quayle who also designed the Granger Building at 964 5th Avenue. This building was white pressed brick with a composition roof, basement and exterior stairway on the east side. The building was renovated and enlarged in 1914 by architects Charles and Edward Quayle, sons of William Quayle.^[1]

To the right of the entrance, the Gaslamp Quarter Historic Building marker inscription reads (marker number 5): "The first floor of this building has a colorful tenant history. The Goodwill Bar operated from 1906 to 1945. In 1945, Mike McIntosh and Sam Dini purchased the business. They were responsible for the 'McDini' corned beef sandwich of local fame. In 1923, Aurelis Abito opened the International Pool Hall. Abito was a pioneer member of San Diego's Filipino Community. The second floor was known as Hotel Lester from 1915 to 1984."^[2]

During the 1920s Bertha “Bonnie” White transformed the first floor into a "respectable" brothel within the Stingaree Red Light District. From 1930 to 1940, Bonnie was the proprietress of the Hotel Lester and operated the successful business. A wire or creaking mechanism under the 13th step alerted the ladies upstairs to police raids so they could escape down the back stairway. This ended in 1940 when a new police chief led to the closure of the brothel.^[3]^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b "The Hotel Lester – Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation". Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. March 2, 2018. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
^ "Lester Hotel, 1906 Historical Marker". Historical Marker Database. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
^ "Madam Bonnie's and the Fascinating History of Hotel Lester - Gaslamp Speakeasy Restaurant". Madam Bonnie's. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.