Sol Roque (right) and her husband Rufino bought the historic hotel on Third Avenue but it is Sol and her daughter Karen who run the operations. (Courtesy)
The historic El Primero Hotel in Chula Vista isn’t just a landmark’s family legacy, owned by Sol Roque and operated by her and her daughter, Karen Riggot.
“My earliest memory of the hotel was recognizing its incredible potential, even before we purchased and fully restored it,” Roque said.
“Although it required significant work at the time, you could still feel its character and history the moment you walked through the doors.”
She first made an offer on the property two years before they finally acquired it, but the deal didn’t go through.
“When the opportunity came around again, and we were finally able to acquire it, we knew the potential far outweighed the cost,” she said.
That belief gave them the confidence to bring their vision to life.
Once ownership was secured, the real work began. Roque and her husband quickly realized the hotel had fallen into significant disrepair.
“What stood before us was a property in need of care and a great deal of hard work. The renovation ultimately took one year and two months to complete, but it was a true labor of love that required patience, dedication, and a deep commitment to bringing the hotel back to life,” she said.
The restoration process was filled with unknowns.
“Because the hotel was so run down, we couldn’t fully anticipate how much it would ultimately cost or how long it would take to complete,” Roque said. “Unexpected issues would surface, requiring us to make careful financial and structural decisions along the way. Balancing our vision for the hotel with the realities of time and budget was challenging, but we remained committed to restoring it properly rather than cutting corners.”
Preserving the hotel’s historic character was a priority. Built in the 1930s, El Primero features distinctive Art Deco design elements, and the family worked diligently to maintain them.
“We are especially proud of the original 1930s Art Deco details that we preserved throughout the hotel,” Roque said. “From the original sign hanging in the courtyard, to many of the interior doors with their original doorknobs, every element we saved reflects the hotel’s history and charm.”
The family also participates in the Mills Act program, which helps protect and maintain historic properties.
Guests notice the personal touch of a family-run hotel: “Many comment that they can truly feel the care and attention in every interaction, and that we go above and beyond to make them feel at home,” Roque said.
Their motto, “Arrive as Guests, Leave as Friends, Come back as Family,” reflects that philosophy.
Operating a nearly 100-year-old hotel also comes with some misconceptions.
“One common misconception people have about owning a historic hotel is that it might be haunted,” Roque said.
For them, the distinction between ownership and stewardship is clear.
“While ownership gives us complete control and decision-making authority over the property and its operations, stewardship goes beyond that,” Roque said. “It’s about caring for the hotel’s history, preserving its character, and ensuring it continues to thrive for future generations.”
Today, preserving the spirit of El Primero—while honoring the family tradition—remains at the heart of everything they do.
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