The Stine House, built in 1873, was the first hotel in Walla Walla County, but was destroyed by fire in 1892. In 1899, James Dacres purchased the property and erected a “first-class” hotel. The Dacres Hotel was constructed on the original site and was vaunted as one of the most up-to-date, finest hotels in the country. In 1907, an additional story was added, an elevator was installed, every room in the building was refurbished, the offices and rotunda were enlarged, and a ladies' and gentlemen’s grill and café were installed. The remodeling was completed in 1909.