Part of the history of Hermosa Beach

This is a photo of the old Biltmore Hotel which stood on the Strand near 14th Street in Hermosa Beach. The building was originally built as the private "Surf and Sand Club" in 1923.

The first rule of its incorporation charter read, "Any white person of Christian ancestry, at least 21 years of age, is eligible for membership." The club was limited to 1,500 members at a $50 fee plus annual dues.

The hotel was demolished in the late 1960's to create a parking lot, however the large indoor swimming pool that was located in the basement was not removed but merely covered over with sand.