The First Hotel In A Generation Arrives!
Today, there’s a great deal of excitement about the opening of the Shoreline Hotel in Spring Park! (Opening 5/1) Of course, I wanted to write a special article to welcome this historic business to our community. . . To those who know anything about the area’s history, they may easily recall the Hotel Del Otero, which stood on the same property as the Shoreline Hotel occupies today. However, Del Otero stood somewhat away from the exact place of it’s modern counterpart.
So, what once stood on the exact ground of the Shoreline Hotel? A great question!
Hotel Del Otero was simultaneously one of the lake’s oldest and most recent hotels to occupy lakeshore. The hotel opened its doors around 1892 as James J. Hill expanded his railway westward. As with his Hotel Lafayette project, he would find success in the hotel drawing crowds out on his rails. The hotel boasted 50 rooms and two grand dining suites. Along with this, there were several small private cabins (later acquired) on the property and a large casino building on the water’s edge.
The casino is the building we’re looking at today. It was situated in nearly the same place as the modern Shoreline Hotel. While you may think of the word, “casino” as a gambling house, that wasn’t the case in the 1800’s. The casino was a screened pavilion featuring activities like bowling, a dance floor, baths, and boat rentals. In the 20th century, it was well known for hosting weekend dance nights which drew crowds from as far as Saint Paul.
In July, 1945, the main hotel caught fire and much of it was burnt to the ground. Like so many hotels lost to fire before it, Del Otero permanently closed and the property was sold off. The casino building was demolished not long after to make way for more modern developments.
Today, the Shoreline Hotel is picking up a history that is more than just unique. This is a history that impacts their property directly. Standing on the same soil as one of the greatest hotels to grace the shore of Minnetonka, there’s little doubt that it too will see success and bring great joy to all who pay it a visit.
May memories made last a lifetime and laughter be cast across the glimmering waves!
“This is Minnetonka, the gem of Minnesota’s coronet of lake diamonds, the most charming summer resort of the entire Northwest, and without exception the queen of inland resorts for the enjoyment of life in a practical manner during the heated term.”