Photo Credit: La Jolla Playhouse founders (L-R) Mel Ferrer, Dorothy McGuire, and Gregory Peck. Photo courtesy of La Jolla Playhouse.
For more than a century, the Grande Colonial Hotel has welcomed travelers to the heart of the Village of La Jolla. While guests today come for ocean views, award-winning dining at NINE-TEN Restaurant, and coastal charm, many are surprised to learn that this historic boutique hotel also played a memorable role in Hollywood history.
During the early years of the renowned La Jolla Playhouse, the Grande Colonial became the preferred home away from home for celebrated actors, writers, and performers. Their stories helped shape both the hotel's legacy and La Jolla's reputation as one of Southern California's premier cultural destinations.
The Birth of the La Jolla Playhouse
In 1947, following the end of World War II, actor and La Jolla native Gregory Peck returned home with a vision: to create a summer theater that would bring exceptional live performances to the community he loved. Together with fellow actors Mel Ferrer and Dorothy McGuire, and with support from the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, Peck helped establish what would become the legendary La Jolla Playhouse.
While building excitement for the new theater, Peck famously reassured the community: "We have no idea what plays we'll present or who's going to be in them, but we guarantee you ten plays a year and our word that they will be good."
He was right. The Playhouse quickly earned national acclaim, attracting both theater lovers and Hollywood's biggest names to this picturesque seaside village.
A Summer Tradition of Stars
The Playhouse's inaugural production, Night Must Fall, was staged in the auditorium at La Jolla High School, where fewer than 500 guests gathered for performances. Temporary risers and simple seating created an intimate atmosphere that audiences embraced.
Opening nights quickly became some of La Jolla's most anticipated social events. Elegant garden parties brought together local residents with celebrated actors including Olivia de Havilland, James Mason, Ginger Rogers, Vincent Price, and sisters Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor. Between acts, guests mingled under the stars, cocktails in hand, creating a glamorous tradition that Gregory Peck later recalled as one of the highlights of every summer season.
With a new production opening every few weeks, La Jolla enjoyed a steady stream of performers arriving from Los Angeles, many of whom chose the Grande Colonial Hotel as their residence during their stay.
Where Hollywood Stayed in La Jolla
Long before boutique hotels became fashionable, the Grande Colonial offered something Hollywood valued most: elegance, privacy, spacious accommodations, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Its suites became temporary homes for actors appearing at the La Jolla Playhouse, providing a peaceful retreat within walking distance of rehearsals and performances.
Among the hotel's most colorful guests was Groucho Marx, whose legendary wit often extended beyond the stage. A frequent visitor, Groucho was known for convincing the overnight staff to join in his practical jokes and playful antics. When first invited to perform in La Jolla, he reportedly joked, "Oh, I don't know. That's a very strait-laced community down there."
Another regular guest was David Niven, whose charm and mischievous personality made him equally memorable among hotel staff.
Over the years, the Grande Colonial also welcomed acclaimed actors including Charlton Heston, Pat O'Brien, Eve Arden, and Jane Wyatt, all contributing to the hotel's enduring connection to Hollywood's Golden Age.
National Recognition for La Jolla
Gregory Peck's vision soon earned recognition far beyond Southern California.
In 1949, Time magazine described the La Jolla Playhouse as "the nation's most star-studded summer theater," noting that opening-night audiences resembled a Hollywood premiere.
The Playhouse also inspired future generations of performers. Before becoming an international film star, Raquel Welch, then known as Raquel Tejada and a student at La Jolla High School, appeared in the chorus of Pal Joey.
What began as a local theater company had quickly become one of America's most influential regional theaters.
A Legacy That Continues Today
The Grande Colonial's connection to notable guests did not end with the Playhouse's early years.
Throughout its history, the hotel has welcomed celebrated entertainers, political leaders, authors, artists, and business visionaries seeking the relaxed sophistication of La Jolla. More recent guests have included Jane Seymour, Robin Leach, Cheech Marin, Robin Wright, and Will Ferrell, continuing a tradition that spans generations.
Meanwhile, the La Jolla Playhouse has grown into one of the country's most respected regional theaters. Recipient of the prestigious Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, it has launched numerous productions that later found success on Broadway, including Jersey Boys, Memphis, Tommy, and many others.
Experience a Piece of Hollywood History
Today, guests can still experience the timeless elegance that attracted Hollywood legends to the Grande Colonial decades ago. Located in the heart of the Village of La Jolla, just minutes from the La Jolla Playhouse, the hotel continues to offer gracious hospitality, beautifully appointed accommodations, award-winning dining at NINE-TEN Restaurant, and one of the most distinctive historic stays in Southern California.
Whether you're attending a performance at the Playhouse, exploring La Jolla's vibrant arts scene, or simply looking for a historic boutique hotel by the sea, the Grande Colonial invites you to become part of its continuing story: One that has been more than a century in the making.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Grande Colonial Hotel & Hollywood History
Was the Grande Colonial Hotel a favorite of Hollywood celebrities?
Yes. During the early years of the La Jolla Playhouse, the Grande Colonial Hotel became a popular home away from home for many Hollywood actors, writers, and performers. Its spacious accommodations, ocean views, and private setting made it an ideal retreat for stars appearing in La Jolla productions or vacationing along the Southern California coast.
Which famous celebrities have stayed at the Grande Colonial Hotel?
Over its 100-plus-year history, the Grande Colonial Hotel has welcomed numerous notable guests, including Groucho Marx, David Niven, Charlton Heston, Eve Arden, Pat O'Brien, Jane Wyatt, Jane Seymour, Robin Leach, Cheech Marin, Robin Wright, and Will Ferrell. The hotel continues to welcome distinguished guests from the worlds of entertainment, business, and public service.
What is the connection between the Grande Colonial Hotel and the La Jolla Playhouse?
The Grande Colonial Hotel has a long-standing relationship with the La Jolla Playhouse dating back to its founding in 1947. Many actors and performers appearing in Playhouse productions chose to stay at the hotel because of its convenient location in the Village of La Jolla, elegant accommodations, and welcoming hospitality.
Did Gregory Peck help create the La Jolla Playhouse?
Yes. Gregory Peck, who grew up in La Jolla, co-founded the La Jolla Playhouse in 1947 with fellow actors Mel Ferrer and Dorothy McGuire, along with support from the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla. The Playhouse quickly became one of America's leading regional theaters and has launched numerous productions that later moved to Broadway.
How close is the Grande Colonial Hotel to the La Jolla Playhouse?
The Grande Colonial Hotel is located in the heart of the Village of La Jolla, just a short 3.5-mile drive from the La Jolla Playhouse. Guests can easily enjoy a performance before returning to the hotel for dinner at NINE-TEN Restaurant or an overnight stay by the ocean.
Is the Grande Colonial Hotel one of the oldest hotels in La Jolla?
Yes. Originally opened in 1913, the Grande Colonial is the oldest continuously operating original hotel in La Jolla. For more than a century, it has welcomed generations of travelers while preserving its historic charm and timeless elegance.
Has the La Jolla Playhouse produced Broadway shows?
Yes. The La Jolla Playhouse is internationally recognized for developing productions that have gone on to Broadway and beyond. Acclaimed musicals and plays including Jersey Boys, Memphis, Tommy, and numerous Tony Award-winning productions began their journeys at the Playhouse.
Can guests experience Hollywood history during their stay?
Absolutely. While the Grande Colonial has been thoughtfully updated with modern amenities, guests can still experience the same historic hotel that once welcomed some of Hollywood's biggest stars. From its elegant architecture and ocean-view accommodations to its proximity to the La Jolla Playhouse, the hotel continues to celebrate its rich connection to the arts and entertainment.
