Place Pigalle

Back then it was called the Lotus Inn, a popular speakeasy during Prohibition and a tavern thereafter. When the internment of Japanese-Americans emptied 80% of the stalls at the Market, the Outlook Hotel (formerly Cliff House Hotel) also became available and the infamous Nellie Curtis purchased it. She remodeled it extensively and renamed it the LaSalle Hotel. Under the red glow of the Market's neon sign, Nellie made it her flagship and the biggest brothel in town. Conveniently located next door to the lobby of the hotel, the Lotus Inn stayed busy.