Sunset Hotel

Sunset Hotel
Historic postcard of the hotel
Sunset Hotel Location within Florida Sunset Hotel Location within the United States
General information
Status	Operating as Crystal Bay Hotel
Architectural style	Mission/Mediterranean Revival
Location	St. Petersburg, Florida, 7401 Central Avenue, United States
Coordinates	27°46′17″N 82°44′28″W
Opened	1915
Technical details
Floor count	3
Design and construction
Architect	George Feltham
Designations	St. Petersburg Local Landmark (2007), National Register of Historic Places (2014)

The Sunset Hotel is a historic hotel located at 7401 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. Designed by noted local architect George Feltham and completed in 1915, it exemplifies the Mission and Mediterranean Revival architectural styles popular during St. Petersburg’s early 20th-century boom. It operated through several real estate booms and busts and is now known as the Crystal Bay Hotel.

History

The Sunset Hotel was developed by Robert W. Griggs as a centerpiece for suburban development along the trolley line built in 1913. Originally named the "Sunset Apartment Hotel", it opened in 1916 with approximately 35 apartment-style units. Seasonal winter rates ranged from $250 to $650 per unit.

In 1918, the St. Petersburg Investment Company went bankrupt, and the property was auctioned. It was purchased by Edward E. Hanna in 1919 for $30,000. In the 1920s, the hotel expanded with a new dining wing and a three-story rear addition in 1926.

During the mid-20th century, the hotel adapted to changing travel patterns. In 1958, it was converted into a year-round residential hotel, with major remodeling by then-owner Leland Thorp. By the 1970s, it operated as a retirement facility, eventually closing and falling into disrepair.

Historic Designation

In 2007, the Sunset Hotel was designated a local historic landmark by the City of St. Petersburg.

On November 24, 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural integrity and historical significance in the city’s development.

Restoration and Reuse

In 2013, renovation efforts began to restore the building while maintaining its historic details. In 2014–2015, the building reopened as the Crystal Bay Hotel, a boutique bed-and-breakfast featuring restored interiors, a butterfly garden, and an outdoor pool.

Architecture

The hotel is a representative example of Mission and Mediterranean Revival styles, characterized by stucco walls, red tile rooflines, arched loggias, and enclosed porches. Many of these elements remain intact thanks to restoration efforts guided by the building’s National Register documentation.

Notable Guests

According to historical accounts, the hotel hosted several prominent figures during its heyday, including Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, and Glenn Miller.

See also

• St. Petersburg, Florida
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Pinellas County, Florida

External links

• NPS Nomination Form – Sunset Hotel
• Clio Entry: Sunset Hotel
• Florida Department of State Press Release