The Rancho Bernardo Inn

 

Rancho Bernardo was not just for residents to enjoy; by virtue of its relatively central location within San Diego County, it also

became a tourist and stopover point. It was for this purpose that the Rancho Bernardo Inn, originally called the Rancho

Bernardo Inn and Country Club, became the first lodging establishment in the burgeoning community.[1] Although it has seen

some remodeling and revisions over the years, its general mission has remained the same: to provide tourists with a relaxing

place to stay in the northern San Diego area, yet relatively central within the county and thus a reasonable drive to other

attractions.

 

When people traveled to the city of San Diego prior to the mid-1960s, the only places they could stay overnight were in small

motels or large hotels, mostly in downtown San Diego. With the building of the Rancho Bernardo Inn, however, another option

sprang up, and people did not have to drive as far south if they wanted to remain in the city. The RB Inn also provided private

dining and banquet areas, as well as meeting rooms with hookups for audio and video equipment.[2]

 

As you can see in the photographs below, the overall architectural design takes some of its cues from the “Spanish colonial”

style, including a red tile roof and light-colored stucco exterior walls; however, it also blends elements from other styles, such as

brick pillars, “basket-handle” archways, and wooden overhead beams and balcony railing. The Rancho Bernardo Inn, therefore,

could be considered a type of architectural hybrid.

This is the main entrance sign to the Rancho Bernardo Inn. It is a white stucco sign, gradually sloping downward from left to right in a curve, with brown metal lettering. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

This is the main entrance sign to the Rancho Bernardo Inn. It is a white stucco sign, gradually sloping downward from left to right in a curve, with brown metal lettering. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

 

Here is the front entrance to the Avant, a restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Note that the entrance has stairs directly in front of it, but there is a ramp on the side for people with physical disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

Here is the front entrance to the Avant, a restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Note that the entrance has stairs directly in front of it, but there is a ramp on the side for people with physical disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

 

This particular block of suites at the Rancho Bernardo Inn contains three stories, with the ground level having an open front area and the other two having railings. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

This particular block of suites at the Rancho Bernardo Inn contains three stories, with the ground level having an open front area and the other two having railings. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

 

One rather neat touch that the Rancho Bernardo Inn provides is outdoor light posts suspended from trees. Not only does it give the place charm, it also provides safety at night. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

One rather neat touch that the Rancho Bernardo Inn provides is outdoor light posts suspended from trees. Not only does it give the place charm, it also provides safety at night. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

 

References

[1] Tom Bishop, “Many Contributors Make a Blend” (San Diego Union, Sunday, May 12, 1963), F15.

[2] “The Inn at Rancho Bernardo” (Bernardo Brandings, Vol. 3, No. 3, March 1970), 10-13.

 

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Early Planning and Promotion

A Community Takes Shape

Other Important Places in the Community

Rancho Bernardo Today and in the Future

Timeline of Major Developments in Rancho Bernardo