Visitors first arrived at Atlantic City in 1854, welcomed by small boarding houses perched along the beach. As crowds quickly increased, the boarding houses transformed into lavish hotels, such as the Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel built between 1905 and 1906. Guests enjoyed elegantly-appointed rooms, sky-high views, and beautiful Spanish architecture, all conveniently located on the boardwalk. Hotel owner Josiah White III worked constantly to maintain and improve the hotel, keeping in close competition with Atlantic City's largest hotel, The Traymore, located just across the street and run by Daniel White; Josiah's cousin.