I've visited the Padre Hotel on various occasions but it wasn't until this assignment that I really got to know about the history of the place. Upon entering the hotel lobby from G Street, if you look up to the ceiling, you'll notice a faded fresco which was discovered only recently by accident. Deaver proceeded to explain what the hotel used to look like when it was grand. In the lobby of the same entrance, there used to be long fancy rugs and large stuffed chairs where women in their finest attire would come sit and people watch while drinking wine. To your left is the City Hair salon.
Next door is a gated doorway with a narrow corridor leading down to what used to be the card room.
Just across from the old card room is the Towne Casino. The bar, once thought of as a gay bar, is still as active as it used to be back in the early 50s, according to Deaver. People used to call and say, 'I understand your bar is gay,' We had all different walks of life in those days and we still do. The crowd at the bar did look varied. The drinks are good.