398 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602)966-1700
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"The Sunshine Hotel"
Casa Loma
The coming of the railroad to Tempe in 1888 spearheaded the building of the Hotel Casa Loma. Unfortunately, the original two-story hotel burned to the ground on 1894. A group of citizens led by Tempe attorney, W.J. Kingsbury, decided to rebuild the hotel in 1899. THe Arizona Magazine said that Kingsbury "has probably done more than any other man towards bringing the city to its present thrifty and growing condition," The Grand Opening was April 7, 1900, with raves about the Wonderful dinner served by "Chef Harry." The hotel was called the "Atwood" after the lessee, C.E. Atwood.
In November 1901, the name was changed to the Hotel Casa Loma. From 1901 through 1910 the lease changed hands six times with the dining room called the "Casa Loma Cafe" and "Casa Loma Saloon."
During the early years of operation, two of the mroe famous guests were President William McKinley in 1901 and Buffalo Bill Cody in 1911.
The Casa Loma at one time was known as the "Sunshine Hotel" because of its policy not to charge its guests for days on which there was no sunshine.
During the 1940's the Casa Loma was the winter residence of the Brooklyn Dodgers during spring training.
The hotel was totally remodeled in 1927 from the turn-of-the century brick building to its present Spanish colonial style with Mediterranean arches. The Casa Loma is one of the two three-story buildings constructed prior to statehood and was the dominant focal point of Tempe's business district. The hotel and dining room operated for about 40 years before being converted to apartments.
Now, after 40 years without a restaurant in the Casa Loma, the Mill Landing Associates are carrying on the original tradition of the building.
We hope you enjoy your dining experience and the ambiance of this historical structure.
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