A Photographic Look At Best Western PLUS Island Palms Throughout The Years
2019 marks Best Western Plus Island Palm’s 22nd year with Bartell Hotels! Throughout the years, Best Western Plus Island Palms has flourished into a tropical waterfront destination perfect for today’s traveler. Shelter Island’s convenient and picturesque location is one of the many reasons that makes Best Western Plus Island Palms extra special.
Shelter Island was first recorded as a “mud bank” that was formed from deposits of soil and sand from the San Diego River. During World War II, the U.S. Navy needed this critical area to have a deeper harbor channel.
Thus, the “mud bank” evolved into a 1.5-mile-long “island” with a narrow causeway that connects it to Point Loma.
In 1960, the media described Shelter Island as “Something from Nothing,” “a testimonial to human ingenuity,” and “a manmade wonderland of sub-tropical splendor,” which it is!
Per special city zoning, after it was created, all buildings on the Island were limited to a two-story height and required to follow a “Polynesian” or “Tiki” theme*, which was very popular in the 1950s when the area was first developed.
* Bali Hai, Kona Kai, etc. all have the tiki theme.
Years ago, before Best Western Plus Island Palms was around, the property was known as the Shelter Island Inn.
In the mid-1990s, Best Western Plus Island Palms became a part of Bartell Hotels and the rest is history!