The original Pacific Hotel, founded in 1880 at 74-80 South Market Street, flourished in San  José in the late 19th century. The hotel building itself was constructed prior to 1880 by Mr. Crandall of San José who operated the structure as Crandall's Hotel until the building was purchased by Mr. Charles Schiele and two other unnamed Partners.

Under this partnership, the Pacific Hotel was advertised as the "most convenient house on the coast" boasting a bar, bath, reading rooms and billiard halls, with daily rates ranging from $1.00 to $1.50 for room and board. The German food served in the Deutsches Gasthaus dining room became a city-wide specialty.

After passing out of Schiele's hands in 1887, the building served as a hotel until July 1907 when it was removed to make way for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company building.

The reconstruction at History Park is used as History San José's headquarters and the point of origin for all tours. The lobby is not a replica but a period Victorian room. The chandelier is an original period piece. The large mirror and sofa are c. 1910.   A small gallery houses rotating exhibits on the history of Santa Clara County.