Most Pensacolians when they think of hotels downtown automatically think of the landmark San Carlos Hotel on the northwest corner of Palafox and Garden Street. The San Carlos corner was purchased for $75,000 from the First Methodist Church. It was built by the C. H. Turner Construction Co. for $500,000. and completed in 1910. Without a underground city water system, the hotel built its own well complete with a rooftop cistern and purification system. The structure boasted 157 rooms amidst its modern furnishings and marble staircase.
However, across the street was another fine hotel, albeit not as magnificent as the showplace San Carlos. The "Hotel Manhattan" was opened for business in 1911 and was located on the southwest corner of Baylen and Garden Street within the shadow of the San Carlos. Several notable Pensacolians served as its proprietor to include George Kupfrain (1880-1950). By 1934, Edward William Peake Sr. (1880-1959) took over the hotel and served until after WWII. Peake was quite the entrepenauer in the Pensacola area in that he owned a plumbing company and electric company in addition to his hotel.

Edward Earl Peake Sr. (1880-1959) Buried in St. Johns Cemetery

The Hotel Manhattan, 39 West Garden Street, Pensacola
(Southeast corner of Baylen and Garden)

