Welcome to the Hotel California

Myth and circumstance could combine to produce a tidy profit for a California developer. According to The Wall Street Journal, in 1986, Ray DeGennaro bought the Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico, for approximately $100,000. The rundown structure needed renovation and modernization; however, during his ownership, DeGennaro reportedly put little money into maintaining or updating the hotel. Now he’s attempting to sell it for the ambitious price of $950,000.

Residents and tourists for 24 years have claimed that DeGennaro’s property is the Hotel California that Don Henley crooned about in the Eagles' 1977 hit song. Regardless of the band’s repeated denials of the rumor and threats of legal action, locals assert that the Eagles’ drummer either stayed at the hotel or was part owner–it depends on whom you ask. DeGennaro and his employees did nothing to help the band silence the rumor, playing Eagles music in the lobby and painting song lyrics on the walls. Various Mexico tourism Web sites also feature the hotel and its legend, providing a steady stream of Eagles fans to Todos Santos.

But not all tourists visit Todos Santos in search of nostalgia. Celebrities and others looking to escape Mexico’s crowded and kitschy resorts have discovered the appeal of this fishing village-turned-artist colony located on the Baja Peninsula. Its unspoiled beaches and quiet charm have also begun to attract attention from developers looking for the "next big thing."

True or not, Todos Santos’ alleged connection with the Eagles may bring more tourists and their vacation dollars to this dusty spot on the Baja. That combined with the village’s development potential could send DeGennaro down that dark desert highway a happy–and wealthy–man.

Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.tar.org.