55045 Shoal Creek
La Quinta, CA 92253

Many years later, wealthy San Francisco businessman Walter H. Morgan became enchanted with the area and commissioned renowned architect Gordon B. Kaufman to build a secluded hacienda-style hotel at a cost of $150,000.  La Quinta Hotel opened during the Christmas season of 1926 and drew enthusiastic praise from both guests and the press.  Ever the visionary, Morgan built a nine-hole golf course on the hotel grounds.  Designed by Norman Beth, it would be Coachella Valley's first golf course and boasted green fees of $1.00. 

Word quickly spread about this charming hideaway that would become a retreat for Hollywood stars and celebrities from around the world.  Regulars included Bette Davis, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Katherine Hepburn, Eddie Cantor, Greta Garbo, and Shirley Temple.  Frank Capra would declare the hotel his lucky charm for it was here that he wrote the higly successful movie script It Happened One Night.  He and his wife, Lucille, would return to the same casita year after year. 

La Quinta became the only incorporated city from a hotel.  Both the celebrated La Quinta Resort & Club and the vibrant City of La Quinta continue to enjoy phenomenal growth, yet their quaint charm goes undisturbed as new shopping, restaurants and cultural events are introduced.