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Padre Hotel

4.4
·2k reviews·Bakersfield, United States

Historic Old West-style hotel with sleek rooms, refined dining, and a popular rooftop bar in downtown Bakersfield.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday - Saturday evenings

Rooftop bar is open

CrowdMedium
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Padre Hotel - Image 1

Padre Hotel

Best Time

Thursday - Saturday evenings

Rooftop bar is open

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Old West-style hotel with sleek rooms, refined dining, and a popular rooftop bar in downtown Bakersfield.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"The Padre was an exceptional experience and the staff and service were top notch."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Rooftop for Views

Secure a spot at Prairie Fire for stunning downtown views and great cocktails.

🚗 Valet Parking is Key

Valet parking is the primary option; factor in the cost and tip.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Lounge at Prairie Fire

Rooftop Lounge at Prairie Fire

Rooftop

Sip craft cocktails with panoramic downtown views. Open Thu-Sat evenings.

Brimstone Restaurant

Brimstone Restaurant

Ground floor

Indulge in savory meals and incredible cocktails in a refined setting.

Farmacy Cafe

Farmacy Cafe

Ground floor

Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast in this charming cafe.

Haunted History

Haunted History

Various floors, especially 7th

Experience the hotel's legendary paranormal activity, a draw for ghost enthusiasts.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Historic Charm (and Potential Spooks!)

The Padre Hotel blends Old West style with modern luxury. Be aware of its haunted reputation; some guests report paranormal activity, especially on the 7th floor. Book in advance, especially for weekend stays, as it's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Valet Parking & Downtown Access

Parking at The Padre Hotel is primarily valet ($18/night plus tip), with options for nearby public lots. While downtown Bakersfield offers limited walkable attractions, the hotel's central location makes it a great base for exploring the city's dining and entertainment.

Best Times

When
Thursday - Saturday evenings
Why
Rooftop bar is open
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Brunch at Farmacy Cafe
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Padre Hotel’s Room 704 is haunted. We captured a series of eerie events in one short span of time — here’s the story: We left a stationary camera recording inside the room, along with devices designed to be triggered by spirits. We asked them to move something, speak into the camera, or set off our equipment. When we returned, we discovered something strange — the keycard sensor from our do...
paranormalpopcorntv
217 likes • 2.7K views

🎯 Book Rooftop for Views

Secure a spot at Prairie Fire for stunning downtown views and great cocktails. Instagram

🚗 Valet Parking is Key

Valet parking is the primary option; factor in the cost and tip. Reddit

Many know the Padre Hotel as the most iconic night’s stay in Bakersfield, and if that’s all they had to offer, it would be enough. Lucky for us, though, they refuse to settle. Join them this Saturday for brunch and something caffeinated at the Farmacy Cafe early in the day, or stop by later for dinner and a drink at Brimstone. They can truly do it all, and we love them for it. . . . . #bakersfiel...
bakersfieldsecondsaturday
96 likes • 5.1K views
The Padre Hotel in Bakersfield, established in 1928, is widely regarded as one of the city’s most haunted landmarks. According to local legend, a fire in the 1950s on the seventh floor claimed the lives of a family, including several children, leaving behind restless spirits that are said to wander the halls. Guests and staff have reported a variety of paranormal occurrences over the years, with t...
thescarecast
653 likes • 11.3K views

👻 Ask About Room 704

If you're brave, inquire about Room 704, rumored to be the most haunted. TikTok

☕ Grab Coffee at Farmacy

Start your day with a coffee and light bite at the Farmacy Cafe. Instagram

Downtown Bakersfield, inside the Padre Hotel, Brimstone🙌😍 This dinner spot is exactly where you need to be! With incredible cocktails and savory meals that will have you desiring more, this is a must stop spot🔥🔥🔥 Come on down and check out Brimstone, located in @thepadrehotel 📍1702 18th st.
kernfoodie
636 likes • 19.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Rooftop for Views

Secure a spot at Prairie Fire for stunning downtown views and great cocktails. Instagram

🚗 Valet Parking is Key

Valet parking is the primary option; factor in the cost and tip. Reddit

👻 Ask About Room 704

If you're brave, inquire about Room 704, rumored to be the most haunted. TikTok

☕ Grab Coffee at Farmacy

Start your day with a coffee and light bite at the Farmacy Cafe. Instagram

🐶 Pet-Friendly Stays

The Padre Hotel welcomes pets, making it a great choice for travelers with furry friends. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Padre Hotel is praised for its historic charm, excellent staff, and appealing dining options like Brimstone and Prairie Fire. While rooms are generally comfortable, some guests have noted minor cleanliness issues and inconsistent AC performance. Valet parking is a common point of mention, and the hotel's haunted reputation adds a unique allure for many visitors.

"Rooms are very nice, not as clean as I expected. Someone’s Bobby-pin was on the floor which made me question the cleanliness. Spots on the chair, something white spilt, the ottoman was brown possibly from where ppl rest their feet.
The staff was incredible! Great customer service! Food was pretty good at the restaurant & the cafe. The Barista at the cafe was very nice, made a great iced macha."

Lisa M.W.

"Stayed two nights. A nice older hotel that is in excellent condition. Desk service was superb, room was clean and spacious. It’s downtown so not much walking options unless you’re going to an event or show. The hotel has a nice restaurant/bar and also a mornings cafe. They are pet friendly.
Unless you want self-park in a public lot, you will need to use the hotel’s valet service. It’s $18/night + whatever you choose to tip. There is no parking lot at the hotel itself, but they park the cars in a small uncovered lot right next door or in the public ramp right across the street. I’d never used valet before, but it all went smoothly I’m glad to say."

Tim W

"We checked in yesterday 8/28/2025 and were very impressed. Valet, front desk, wait staff were all above and beyond impeccable.

Everyone here was the nicest of the nice!

It’s an adorable hotel with super cozy and awesome rooms. The beds were perfect with clean and comfy linens.

I’m not one to hop on to review places but the Padre was an exceptional experience and the staff and service were top notch."

Jen Narragon

What People Like

Exceptional staff service
Historic ambiance
Great dining and bars

What People Dislike

Minor cleanliness issues
Inconsistent AC
Valet parking cost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Padre Hotel is located in downtown Bakersfield at 1702 18th St. If driving, valet parking is available for a fee, or you can use nearby public parking lots. For those flying in, Bakersfield Municipal Airport (BFL) is the closest, with taxi or rideshare services available to reach the hotel. Reddit

While The Padre Hotel is centrally located downtown, walkable attractions are somewhat limited. It's ideal for accessing the hotel's own dining and nightlife, and is a good base for events or shows in the area. Reddit

Parking is primarily handled through valet service at $18 per night plus tip. Cars are parked in a small adjacent lot or a public ramp across the street. Self-parking in public lots is also an option. Reddit

Yes, The Padre Hotel is a pet-friendly establishment, making it a convenient choice for travelers with their animal companions. Reddit

From Bakersfield Municipal Airport (BFL), the most convenient ways to reach The Padre Hotel are by taxi or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, which typically take about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book your room in advance, especially for weekend stays or during local events, as The Padre Hotel is a popular destination. Reddit

Standard check-in time is typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3 PM or 4 PM), and check-out is usually by late morning (e.g., 11 AM or 12 PM). It's best to confirm exact times directly with the hotel.

The Padre Hotel often hosts events, including live music at its rooftop lounge, Prairie Fire, which is open Thursday through Saturday evenings. Instagram

Yes, guests not staying at the hotel can typically visit Brimstone restaurant, Farmacy Cafe, and the Prairie Fire rooftop lounge, though reservations may be recommended for dining, especially on weekends.

The Padre Hotel is suitable for families, and they often host community events that include younger attendees. Instagram

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

Room 704 on the seventh floor is famously known for its paranormal activity, attracting ghost enthusiasts. The rooftop lounge, Prairie Fire, is also a highly sought-after spot for its ambiance and views. TikTokInstagram

Rooms at The Padre Hotel are described as sleek and cozy, featuring comfortable beds with clean linens. Some rooms may include refrigerators, though AC performance can vary. Reddit

Information regarding a gym or pool is not prominently featured. The hotel focuses on its historic charm, dining, bars, and unique room experiences. It's advisable to check with the hotel directly for current amenity offerings.

The atmosphere is a blend of historic Old West style and modern refinement. It's considered high-end casual, allowing guests to feel comfortable whether dressed up or down. Reddit

While the hotel itself is known for hauntings, official tours are not advertised. However, its reputation draws interest, and some guests have captured unusual events. TikTokInstagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Padre Hotel features Brimstone, a refined restaurant for dinner, the Farmacy Cafe for coffee and light breakfast, and Prairie Fire, a rooftop lounge with cocktails and views. Instagram+2

Brimstone offers savory meals and incredible cocktails, described as a must-stop spot for dinner in downtown Bakersfield. Instagram

Breakfast is not typically included but can be purchased at the Farmacy Cafe, which offers coffee and light breakfast options. Reddit

Absolutely! The hotel has two bars: Brimstone for cocktails with dinner and Prairie Fire, the rooftop lounge, offering craft cocktails and a great atmosphere. Instagram+1

Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but it's recommended to inquire directly with Brimstone or Farmacy Cafe about their menu offerings for vegetarian or vegan choices.

📸 📸 Photography

The rooftop lounge, Prairie Fire, offers great city views, especially at sunset. The hotel's historic architecture and stylish interiors also provide excellent backdrops for photos. Instagram

While you can take photos in your room, be mindful of other guests' privacy. If you're interested in capturing paranormal activity, setting up stationary cameras might be an option, as seen in some TikToks. TikTok

The historic Fox Theatre is nearby and offers classic architectural photo opportunities. Downtown Bakersfield itself has some interesting street art and urban scenes. Instagram

Sunset and early evening are ideal for photos at Prairie Fire, as you can capture the city lights and the golden hour glow. Instagram

Generally, personal photography with standard cameras or phones is welcome. For professional shoots, it's always best to contact the hotel management beforehand to inquire about their policies.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Padre Hotel can be a unique stay for families, especially if they're interested in the hotel's history and its rumored hauntings. While not explicitly a 'kid-themed' hotel, its comfortable rooms and central location can be convenient. Instagram

Families can enjoy meals at Brimstone or grab a casual bite at Farmacy Cafe. The rooftop lounge, Prairie Fire, might be suitable for older children accompanied by adults, offering a different perspective of the city. It's worth checking for any specific family-friendly events or amenities the hotel might be offering during your visit. Instagram

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the supernatural, The Padre Hotel is a must-visit. Its reputation as one of Bakersfield's most haunted locations, particularly the seventh floor and Room 704, draws paranormal investigators and curious travelers alike. TikTokInstagram+2

While the hotel doesn't offer official ghost tours, the atmosphere and reported occurrences provide ample opportunity for guests to experience the hotel's eerie side. Some visitors have even documented their own paranormal encounters, making for a thrilling stay. TikTokInstagram

🌃 Couples Seeking a Night Out

The Padre Hotel offers a sophisticated setting for couples. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Brimstone, followed by craft cocktails and city views at the Prairie Fire rooftop lounge, especially on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Instagram+1

The hotel's historic ambiance and stylish rooms provide a charming backdrop for a getaway. Consider booking a corner room for enhanced light and views to make your stay even more special. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Padre Hotel's Haunted Reputation

The Padre Hotel in Bakersfield is widely recognized as one of the city's most haunted landmarks. Legend has it that a fire in the 1950s on the seventh floor tragically claimed the lives of a family, including children, leaving behind restless spirits. TikTokInstagram+1

Guests and staff have reported a variety of paranormal experiences, from disembodied voices and footsteps to apparitions and unexplained phenomena. Room 704 is particularly notorious, with some visitors capturing eerie events on camera. TikTokInstagram+1

While the hotel embraces its spooky history, it also offers a luxurious stay. For those interested in the paranormal, the hotel provides a unique opportunity to experience a potentially haunted environment firsthand, blending historical charm with a touch of the supernatural. TikTokInstagram

Dining and Drinks at The Padre

The Padre Hotel offers a diverse culinary and beverage experience across its establishments. Brimstone is the hotel's refined restaurant, serving savory meals and creative cocktails, making it a popular dinner destination in downtown Bakersfield. Instagram

For a more casual start to the day, the Farmacy Cafe provides coffee and light breakfast options, perfect for a quick bite before exploring. Instagram Evenings come alive at Prairie Fire, the hotel's chic rooftop lounge. Open Thursday through Saturday, it boasts panoramic views of the city, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere with live music on select nights. Instagram

These venues cater to both hotel guests and locals, offering distinct ambiances for different occasions, from intimate dinners to lively rooftop gatherings. Instagram+2

Room Experience and Amenities

The Padre Hotel offers sleek rooms and suites designed with an Old West-inspired aesthetic combined with modern comforts. Guests often describe the rooms as cozy and well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds with clean linens. Reddit

While the hotel aims for a high-end casual feel, some reviews mention minor cleanliness issues, such as stray bobby pins or spots on furniture, which can detract from the overall experience. Reddit Additionally, while some rooms are equipped with refrigerators, the performance of air conditioning units can be inconsistent, which is a point of concern for some guests given the price point. Reddit

Despite these occasional drawbacks, the staff is frequently praised for their exceptional customer service, often going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction, including room upgrades when issues arise. Reddit

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