The Darling Hotel really is a darling, as its name suggests. “Formerly home to the Tulare County Courthouse Annex, The Darling opened its doors in 2020 as a locally-owned, beautifully reimagined boutique hotel for today’s modern-day traveler,” states Jessica Garcia, Assistant General Manager at the hotel. The hotel was originally established in 1935 at the center of Visalia’s early 20th century downtown scene. “Despite an earthquake leveling the courthouse in 1952, the surviving annex was repurposed to serve as the Tulare County Social Services building. It changed hands a few times and even remained vacant for a while.” Years of neglect and disrepair kept the building from meeting new regulations. This state prevailed until a group of local investors became interested in rehabilitating the property and brought it back to its former grandeur.

What resulted is truly a locals’ labor of love. “The Darling stands out because it was purchased and restored by five local families rather than a corporation,” says Garcia. “As a result, it plays a vital role in the community. Employing nearly 100 local residents, The Darling fosters economic growth and job opportunities. Beyond providing hospitality, the hotel’s elegant restaurant serves as a cherished gathering place for life’s celebrations. The Darling actively supports local businesses, artisans, and cultural organizations, preserving the region’s heritage. Through local procurement, educational partnerships, and skill development initiatives, the hotel promotes sustainable growth and empowerment. Its deep community roots reflect the owners’ vision of uplifting the region, establishing The Darling as a catalyst for positive change.”

“The Darling Hotel restored a piece of local history, reimagined to offer today’s guests a one-of-a-kind hotel experience,” Garcia points out. So, what’s in the name? “The name ‘The Darling’ is a heartfelt tribute to Darlene, the beloved mother of two of its owners,” Garcia explains. “By naming the property after her, the owners have immortalized her memory and paid homage to the profound impact she had on their lives. This thoughtful gesture imbues The Darling with a deeply personal touch, elevating it from a mere accommodation to a cherished legacy infused with familial warmth and affection.” This mantra is carried throughout the hotel’s aesthetic. Restoration efforts were mindful of upholding the hotel’s original design. “Elements of the hotel’s Art Deco logo design can be found in the hallway doors, patterned carpet, windows, and rooftop railing.”

Symbols of the building’s rich history echo throughout its walls and in every room. “The first-floor vault has been converted into a wine cellar,” shares Garcia. “Original 1930s doors and antique light fixtures have been restored and rehung.” Reverence to an era now past is paid all the way to the fourth floor, where one of the executive suites still retains the wood paneling that was present in the original chambers during the building’s venerable courthouse years. “Historic photos and blueprints of the original courthouse square, courthouse, and Art Deco annex grace the walls of every floor as windows into the past.” Classic monochrome photography complements modern, mixed media pieces referencing the Sierra Nevadas and Kaweah watershed by COS art professor Matt Rangel.

The nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks continue to play a key role in the hotel’s existence, as it is conveniently located about an hour away from the parks’ entrance gate, amidst the bustle of vibrant Downtown Visalia. The hotel’s Park Package can elevate the park experience, as it includes a drawstring backpack filled with water, local snacks, and tips. Altogether, The Darling Hotel offers 32 upscale boutique rooms to both tourists and staycationing locals alike. “The Darling Hotel was named No. 19 of the world’s ‘Hottest New Hotels’ by TripAdvisor, in the annual Best of the Best Awards,” Garcia shares proudly. A suite of amenities, including a meeting and conference room, the North Courtyard event space, a heated outdoor pool and poolside terrace, a 24-hour fitness center, gated parking, daily stayover service, and a rooftop bar and restaurant that also provides room service are major perks and draws for guests.

The Darling Hotel offers far more than just luxurious accommodations and amenities,” assures Garcia. “It curates unique experiences tailored to discerning guests. The rooftop restaurant, Elderwood, provides a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic city views and locally sourced seasonal cuisine. The hotel’s versatile event spaces and professional staff cater to corporate meetings and social gatherings. With its attention to detail, The Darling ensures every guest’s stay is truly unforgettable.” Whether you’re seeking a place to host a modest celebration or a milestone event, or even a simple date night destination, The Darling Hotel is eager to make any occasion under their roof memorable.

If you are looking to participate rather than initiate, The Darling hosts plenty of public happenings all year round. Elderwood has numerous ongoing events. Tequila Tuesdays are designed with margarita lovers in mind and features tequila craft cocktails for $10, from 4:30PM to close. Date Night Wednesdays allow you to spoil your special someone and elevate your mid-week evenings with an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert to share for $100, from 4:30PM to close. Dueling Bartender Thursdays let patrons watch two master mixologists compete in crafting exclusive cocktails and then enjoy both said creations, before voting on a favorite for $25. Happy Hour allows guests to experience the rooftop for two hours, starting at 2:00PM, Monday through Friday, with $10 cocktails, $8 draft beers, and discounted snacks. Seasonal events include Tiki Takeovers, New Year’s celebrations, and various immersive dinner experiences.

Elderwood is indeed Visalia’s premier rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge, as it brings locally inspired cuisine and creative cocktails to the Central Valley dining scene. “With stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and Downtown Visalia from the rooftop, Elderwood offers both an intimate dining experience and personalized service, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience at any time of the day,” professes Mariah Derington, Service Manager at Elderwood. “Inspired by local, seasonal ingredients that highlight Central California’s rich agricultural offerings, Elderwood stands out among Visalia restaurants for its delightfully fresh menu selections and creative cocktails.” The establishement continues to draw foodies from across the Central Valley with its seasonally updating menu.

Firmly rooted in its courthouse annex origins, The Darling Hotel now shines as the epitome of Art Deco design amidst a vastly modernized world. Now fashioned into one of Visalia’s hidden gems and beloved by locals, it is so much more than a place for travelers to rest their heads. It stands as a beacon of restoration, an emblem of love, and a testament to what a place can do for people. The community that comes together under the hotel’s roof is invested in a bigger picture, and those who gather on its rooftop create memories that will last a lifetime. Elderwood’s panoramic view and dedication to farm-to-table food and drink exemplify its commitment to big-picture integration. The Darling, with its air of grandeur amidst small-town charm, is one of those places that make the Central Valley so heartfully enduring. “

559.713.2113

210 North Court Street
Visalia, CA 93291

www.thedarlingvisalia.com
@thedarlingvisalia

Photographer The Darling