Marina in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Lester Hotel

1906

— Gaslamp Quarter —

Photographed by Dean Whittle, February 16, 2012

1. Lester Hotel, 1906 Marker

Inscription. The first floor of this building has a colorful tenant history. The Goodwill Bar operated from 1906 to 1945. In 1945, Mike McIntosh and Sam Dini purchased the business. They were responsible for the "McDini" corned beef sandwhich of local fame. In 1923, Aurelis Abito opened the International Pool Hall. Abito was a pioneer member of San Diego's Philipino Community. The second floor was known as Hotel Lester from 1915 to 1984. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 32° 42.68′ N, 117° 9.66′ W. Marker was in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It was in Marina. It was at the intersection of Market Street and 4th Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Market Street. The building is located on the southeast corner of intersection. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 417 Market Street, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It was also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it was in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Frey-Block (a few steps from this marker); Pacifica Hotel, 1910 (a few steps

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from this marker); Broker’s Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Labor Temple Building, 1907 (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal Pie Bakery 1884 (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinese Laundry, 1923 (within shouting distance of this marker); Montijo Building 1881 (within shouting distance of this marker); Timkin Building, 1894 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. Lester Hotel, 1906 Marker

The brass marker plate with the marker text has been removed from the bronze plaque.

Lester Hotel and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, February 16, 2012

3. Lester Hotel and Marker

Marker is visible to right of the entrance door.

Lester Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, February 16, 2012

4. Lester Hotel

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. This page has been viewed 1,274 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on July 28, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 2. submitted on July 28, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. 3, 4. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.