Downtown Bakersfield, California
Renovated
2010
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
Cowboy-chic downtown hotel
A 1928 oil-boom tower channels retro Western swank, drawing travelers and locals together across its saloon and rooftop.
What it’s good at
Notable
Graham Downes reimagined the interiors with custom headboards and mid-century western swank.
Listed
An eight-story 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival tower from the Central Valley oil boom.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The Padre’s style is playfully retro, with a certain mid-century swank, and there’s more than a little bit of luxury about it —
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The historic Fox Theater sits down the street, with downtown restaurants and art galleries an easy walk away.
The rooms
California king beds come dressed in down duvets, set against custom headboards with playful cowboy styling.
The gym
The fitness room stays open around the clock, with cardio machines and free weights up to 50 pounds.
At the table
Brimstone pours draft beers under stamped tin ceilings, and Prairie Fire serves craft cocktails on the open-air rooftop.
How it began
Former owner Milton Miller famously sparred with city hall for decades, once mounting a fake missile on the roof.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.