King and Prince Hotel Celebrates Storied History on St. Simons Island

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The King and Prince Hotel on Georgia's St. Simons Island was designed by Valdosta architects Felton Davis and Laurence Miller and completed in 1941. After World War II, the hotel became a popular retreat for soldiers and their families. Over the decades, the hotel has undergone several expansions and renovations, including a major project in 2003 that preserved the original entryway and lobby.

Why it matters

The King and Prince Hotel is a landmark of Georgia's coastal history, reflecting the island's evolution from a small vacation spot to a thriving resort destination. As one of the few remaining examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the region, the hotel's preservation efforts have helped maintain the unique character of St. Simons Island.

The details

Construction on the King and Prince Hotel began in 1939 and was completed in 1941, when St. Simons Island's population was still relatively small. After World War II, the addition of nearby military installations brought an influx of soldiers and their families to the island, making the hotel a popular retreat. In the 1980s, the hotel underwent a major renovation and expansion, and in 2003, another significant renovation project was completed, certified by the National Park Service's Technical Preservation Services Branch.

• The King and Prince Hotel project started in 1939 and was completed in 1941.
• On April 8, 1942, the German submarine U-123 torpedoed the S.S. Oklahoma and Esso Baton Rouge, bringing the war closer to the island.
• By 1980, the island's population had doubled, leading to the hotel's 1982 renovation and expansion.
• In 2003, the hotel underwent another significant renovation project, certified by the National Park Service.