Hotel Del Coronado- Coronado, CA

San Diego is fabulous in its own right, but for lovers of Victorian architecture, head over the Coronado bridge and let the fun begin. The Hotel Del is one of the few remaining grand Victorian seaside resorts, and she is an unapologetic beauty. 

Built in 1888, the hotel was the brainchild of two retired Midwestern businessmen, Elisha Babcock, Jr. and Hampton Story, who had grand ideas for a luxury seaside resort. It would be the largest resort in the world, and no expense was spared in the construction. The hotel even incorporated indoor electricity, which had only been introduced a few years prior. It was fancy indeed, aimed at attracting the country’s elite, who along with their staff would spend entire seasons on the resort circuit. In the subsequent years, it has hosted princes and presidents, and boasts an impressive list of celebrity visitors.

The hotel remained wildly popular through the 20th century, attracting the rich and famous of the day. It actually still is- just try making last minute reservations in the summer. Several movies were filmed at the Del, including 1959’s Some Like it Hot, staring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemon, and Tony Curtis. It is an absolutely ridiculous movie by modern standards, but it is still fun to watch. Today, the Del is the second largest wooden structure still standing in the United States, and the Queen Anne design still impresses.

The location of the Hotel Del is just as stunning as the resort. A wide beach with powdery sand, this magnificent stretch of California coastline has few rivals. Channel your inner Marilyn, get set up on the beach with a chair and umbrella, and really appreciate where you are at.

It can be very busy during the summer season, and there are a lot of day tourists enjoying the resort’s restaurants and bars, but it is worth any inconvenience you may face. That does mean however, reservations are a must. Dinner at sunset on Sheerwater’s patio, with its fabulous ocean view, is amazing, but you will not find yourself there without reservations. In lieu of desert, have champagne and s’mores on the beach, at your own personal fire pit. It is a bit pricey, but you will think about it for years to come, and when you do, you will smile.

The hotel is also home to a legendary Sunday brunch, which is held in the the Crown Room. An architectural marvel when it was built, its ceiling was constructed without a single nail, only pegs and glue. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh was honored with a lavish dinner in the Crown Room, to celebrate the first trans-Atlantic flight, complete with a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis circling above. Even if you skip brunch, duck in and check out the venue, as it still impresses.

If you are not an ocean swimmer, the Del has you covered with a great pool, with plenty of loungers. Adjacent to the area is a sun deck, which has live music on the weekends, and is a relaxing space to enjoy a sunny day.

All guests rooms have been recently updated, and have a modern feel, while retaining their historic character. A balcony room is a must. If you are feeling fancy, book an Ocean View room. If you just can’t bring yourself to spend that much, book a high level courtyard view. You will catch a glimpse of the ocean over the hotel, and have a view of their iconic red turret, which looks fabulous by day or night.

Time of course has taken a toll on the Del; hallways and staircases have shifted, and floorboard creak beneath you when roaming the halls. It is all very charming, and reminds you of the long illustrious history of the hotel. It is still very special to stay here, and it is still the perfect place to spend a summer day, and at least a couple of nights.