Originally built in 1953 as a meager 40-room roadside lodge, Town and Country helped set the stage for the evolution of Mission Valley. It was the first hotel in Hotel Circle and the first convention center in San Diego. Throughout its history, the resort has played a significant role hosting thousands of important civic events, as well as mayors, heads of state, presidential candidates, cabinet members and industry leaders.
1850S-1940S PRE-DEVELOPMENT
San Diego’s Mission Valley was once a thriving agricultural region, home to pastures, ranches and dairy farms.
1953
San Diego businessman Charlie Brown founded Atlas Hotels and opened Town and Country, Mission Valley’s first hotel. The resort was aptly named for a “town” in the middle of the “country.”
1968
Town and Country expanded to 278 rooms and added a coffee shop and pool.
1969
The Brown family added a multi-million dollar, 68,000-square-foot convention center – the first in San Diego – to draw gatherings and meetings to the region. To give groups more lodging options, they also built the 10-story, 325-room main resort tower.
1973
Muhammad Ali trained for his 1973 fight with Ken Norton at Town and Country. He signed autographs and posed for pictures for three hours before the big fight.
1976
Town and Country acquired the neighboring Le Baron Hotel, home of the popular 9th floor penthouse Jabberwocky nightclub which regularly hosted a slew of celebrities. In fact, Wolfman Jack would sometimes guest DJ to a full house. Today, the tower is topped by the new fitness center.
In 2019 Town and Country Resort undertook a major renovation including upgrading guestrooms, adding new outdoor function space, a 10,000 square foot pool deck with a 4-story waterslide, new restaurants and lounges and a new lobby. The renovation pays homage to the resort’s nearly 70-year history with mid-century modern design and original artwork from local San Diego artists.
