Historic Hotel in Rochester MN
The Kahler Grand Hotel is a grand historic hotel in Rochester MN that stands as a symbol of tradition and heritage, with roots tracing back to the era of the Mayo Brothers. Over the years, the hotel has marked numerous milestones, having had the privilege of welcoming US Presidents and foreign dignitaries including Princes and Princesses.
DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER, MN HISTORIC HOTEL
THE MAYO BROTHER'S VISION CREATE ROCHESTER'S HOTEL & HOSPITAL
The Mayo Brothers wanted to build a hospital in Rochester, MN. As a small country town, Rochester could not offer enough places for patients and hospital workers to stay, creating a demand for development in the hospitality field. As a beginning effort, the brothers asked John Kahler of The Kahler Corporation (formed in 1917) to build them a hotel/hospital to be the origin of this grand, medical vision to offer care and lodging to people.
In 1921, Kahler Grand Hotel opened its doors and became a Rochester landmark property, known as The Kahler Hotel. This unusual building was a one of its kind and a hybrid. The eleven-floor structure not only offered services of an upscale hotel but also was the beginnings of the Mayo Clinic Hospital, originally called "The Sanatorium."
Six floors of the building were used for the hotel, and five floors for hospital services, including three operating rooms and laboratories. The Kahler Hotel was designed following John H. Kahler's unique way of providing hospitality. It was a 210-bed hospital with operating suites for oral, plastic, and general surgery; a 150-bed convalescent unit; and a 220-room hotel.
With the expansion of the Mayo Clinic Hospital came the development of other hotels owned by the Kahler Corp., intended to accommodate individuals seeking medical care. The Kahler Realty Corporation played a significant role in the growth of the hotel industry, which served the needs of patients, visitors, and hospital staff alike.
GROWTH DURING THE DEPRESSION-ERA
During the Depression, improvements were made, despite the hard economic times. To accommodate guests, patients and medical personnel during Minnesota’s bitterly cold winters, a pedestrian, tile-lined subway system was constructed, connecting the downtown Mayo Clinic Campus of patient buildings and hospitals to surrounding hotels and retail.
THE CREATION OF THE KAHLER HOTEL COLLECTION
In 1953, hospital functions were phased out of The Kahler Hotel. The Kahler Corporation sold its hospital holdings, including Colonial Hospital, The Worrall, and Kahler Hall nurses' home, to the newly expanded Methodist Hospital. The Kahler Corporation utilized the revenue generated from these sales to enrich their hospitality services for patients and tourists. The corporation dedicated the funds towards constructing multiple hotels, each catering to a specific target market. This strategic investment allowed the corporation to broaden its reach in the hospitality industry.
Eventually, they developed and owned three hotels in Rochester, including The Kahler Hotel, The Kahler Inn & Suites, and The Kahler Plaza Hotel (now Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area).
LEGACY OF HOSPITALITY & HEART
The Kahler Grand Hotel is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest. We serve our community with authentic heart and commitment. In 2018, The Kahler Grand Hotel joyously marked a century of distinguished service and genuine hospitality.
