Prolific architect H. C. Baumann designed the Gaylord Hotel in the Spanish Colonial Revival style inspired by the buildings of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego. The style was especially popular for large buildings such as apartments and public institutions.

Primary design elements of the Spanish Colonial Revival style are:

• smooth stucco walls
• red tile roofs
• elaborate molded ornament around doors and windows
• polychrome tile at entries
• wrought iron grilles and balconies

The Gaylord Hotel, located in the Lower Nob Hill Apartment Hotel District, continues to operate as a hotel under the name of Gaylord Suites.