1952 Solana Hotel Coral Gables Florida Postcard, La Palma
About This Vintage Postcard
Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean charm of "The City Beautiful" with this vibrant linen-era postcard featuring the Solana Hotel in Coral Gables. Designed by H. George Fink, cousin of city founder George Merrick, this landmark building at 116 Alhambra Circle opened in 1924 as the Cla-Reina Hotel before becoming the Solana in 1940. This "Patio View" captures the hotel's striking Spanish-influenced architecture and lush courtyard, which served as a premier gathering place for early Gables residents and winter visitors. Today, the restored building, known as La Palma, remains one of the last original commercial structures from the city's downtown district.
Details
Era: Linen (circa 1952)
City: Coral Gables
State or Region: Florida
Country: United States
Topic: Historic Hotels and Mediterranean Architecture
Condition: Circulated (Postmarked 1954)
Postage: 2¢ Thomas Jefferson Stamp
Address Side: Divided Back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Colourpicture Publication, Boston 15, Mass., U.S.A.
Printer: Colourpicture Publication
Print Type: Lithograph
Additional Information
Originally built in 1924 as the Solana Hotel, the building at 116 Alhambra Circle has served as a cornerstone of Coral Gables’ identity through several distinct transformations. After its era as a tropical hotel, it became the headquarters for the Musicians Club of America in the mid-1950s, serving as a hub for artists and performers. It later transitioned into the La Palma Hotel and landmark restaurant, which for decades was a beloved local fixture known for its Mediterranean courtyard. Following an extensive restoration completed in 2023, the building entered its most recent chapter as a luxury lifestyle destination, rebranded as La Palma, and is now home to world-class dining and high-end design studios.
This card would look great framed or make an excellent addition to any collection.
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