Hotel Diamond Chico

Every contemporary convenience upscale travellers demand has been installed in the hotels 43 rooms and suites. Fine craftsmanship has been a pivotal driving force in the hotels reconstruction. Original style crown mouldings, fine walnut cabinetry, custom made and designed especially for the hotel artisan furniture combine to create a warm, rich and inviting environmentThe Hotel Diamond opened for business on September 3, 1904, as the only strictly first-class house in Chico, and the superior of any North of Sacramento. Built by James Franklin Morehead, the three-story hotel offered 56 rooms and a commodious dining room accommodating 200 guests at one time. The 1904 Chico-Record newspaper describes in great detail, the lay-out, deluxe furnishings, and state-of-the art mechanical systems. The hotel had both gas and electric light fixtures, steam heat, and private baths with hot and cold water. The hallways were wainscoted in lincrusta and each room laid with velvet carpet of high grade. The Diamond also showcased one of the first automobiles in Chico. A handsome sixteen-passenger 1904 Studebaker wagonette ferried guests to and from the train depot on Fifth Street.