Hardcore gambler, wild partier and notorious ladiesman, Pio Pico doesn’t exactly fit the mould of governor. But that’s exactly who he was - more precisely, the last governor of Mexican ruled California. Frivolities aside, Pio was a savvy businessman, and his decision to build the very first luxury hotel in Los Angeles quickly proved to be a smart one. The hotel was constructed in Italianate style, with rows upon rows of arched windows and door exuding class and grandiose. The fountain in the courtyard and the aviary housing all manner of exotic birds contributed to the reputation of the hotel’s extravagance and the 82 bedrooms and 21 parlours were rapidly filled with the rich and famous looking for top-notch accommodation. Pio enjoyed his success for a good 10 years, before failed investments and criminal business deals led to his demise. With his declining wealth came the fall of Pico House as well, which he was forced to give up. Aided also by the shifting away of the business centre of the city, Pico House sunk into disrepair. Today it is recognised as both a California and National Historic Landmark, a testament to the man who was once upon a time, the richest in the region.