Hotel del Coronado

This scenic peninsula is famous for its iconic Victorian red-and-white Hotel del Coronado (aka “Hotel Del”); its clean, scenic beaches; and its extraordinary bridge (extra tall to allow military ships to pass below). Coronado is the home of the U.S. Navy SEALs center and the North Island U.S. Naval Air Station. Make the most of a visit by walking the historic downtown and then exploring its pretty little neighborhoods near the ocean.

Although Coronado Island has its own zip code, the island sits right next door to San Diego. The Del Coronado, as the largest wooden structure in the United States, is a destination in itself. This hotel opened in 1888 and has been a playground for many famous movie stars, politicians, and the wealthy elite. Frank Baum, who wrote The Wizard of Oz, wrote most of the story here at the hotel and was featured in the Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like It Hot. One of the bottom floors houses a little museum that shows the history of the hotel. There’s a menu from when the hotel first opened, and the menu looks gastronomically dull until you realize that canned peaches back then were a true luxury. I’ve never stayed here, but this is a great place to come for a couple of drinks and a pastry or a meal on the back patio.

Amazing historical hotel on Coronado. Sight of the movie ‘Some like it Hot’ with Marilyn Monroe. This is a great place to stay when coming to San Diego with a great beach right outside. There are shops and restaurants located inside. Prices are not that steep average $4 for a coffee. The only negatives for staying here is the fact that you are secluded to Coronado unless you have a car or expect to pay min. Of $50 cab fare to get anywhere else

I spent two days in the fabled Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego and fell in love with the beach. It was one of the most incredible sunsets, in part because of the activity that was going on behind me at the time. My stay at the hotel was a splurge - I would recommend checking out the hotel, even if you can’t afford to stay there. They have areas that non-guests can visit and the beach is right behind the hotel (public beach). The sand glistens as the sun catches what seem like little specks of gold. It’s truly a magical place.

Sunset at the beach behind the Hotel del Coronado is unforgettable. Every time I look at this picture, it makes me smile. Tijuana, Mexico is only a few miles away in the other direction. Grab a snack at the hotel (parts are open to the public) and then sit on the beach and watch the world melt away. If you can, spend a night at the hotel, but ask to stay in the old section; there are views of the courtyard and a supposed ghost roaming the halls.

Sometimes I find a historic hotel that has had so much written about it, I feel that there are almost no more words left for me with which to describe it. The 130-year-young Hotel del Coronado is such a place. Its iconic architecture constructed at the end of the Victorian period in 1888, its storied past as the oceanfront playground of Hollywood royalty, presidents, princes and kings, and its enduring charm, continue to draw people to it. Each person who has stayed at The Del has their own memories attached to her. So instead of writing yet another tome about the lovely rooms, gorgeous views, stately building, friendly staff, impeccable service, and the terrific restaurants; allow me to tell you how the Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, makes me feel. Because this grand dame definitely has a soul. I think our driver got lost. Not in San Diego, but way over in the desert. In fact, I am sure he took a wrong turn between our departure from Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton and the city of Temecula. Add to that the afternoon freeway traffic about 3 hours into our ride, and arriving in a relaxed frame of mind at the Hotel del Coronado was not in the cards. Or was it? There is a V.I.P. check-in spot right under the port cochere. Its fast, they take your bags, and you are on your way up to your room. The Del is expansive and there are many wings. I walked across the interior garden courtyard, following a path through the tropical plantings to an original part of the hotel tucked under the eaves of the famous red roof. I found my room and flung the door wide. In an instant I was 8 years old and at my Aunt Dee Dee’s rambling oceanfront house: all white-painted wicker rocking chairs on the lanai, subtle design, and the sweet sighs of the ocean right out past the sand that rolls down to the Pacific Ocean. Even the closets had a familiar scent peculiar to fine old homes on the ocean-salt spray and fresh paint. Yes, a bit unusual to connect with this, but it was magic to me. Not wanting to lose this connection to the past, I sat in one of the rockers on the lanai and watched the waves roll in under a magnificent, blue sky. A seagull came by to see what I was doing. I was grateful for the company but decided to put on my swim suit and jump into the surf. Just like when I was a kid. Alas, my aunt’s gracious estate on Oahu’s Kahala Avenue long ago fell victim to the developer’s bulldozer. But staying at Hotel del Coronado is a place that I can come and connect to those treasured memories of long sunny days spent swimming in the ocean and playing on the beach; to a simple, carefree time in my life. The Del is a priceless treasure that will always remain in my heart. Notes: I found out that I have another connection to The Del in Hawaiian-born General Manager Harold Rapoza, Jr.. He certainly brings his easy style of hospitality and his love of days spent on the beach in Hawaii to the Hotel del Coronado here on Coronado Island. And I think he keeps his surf trunks in his office. If you are wondering what Curio Collection by Hilton is- it’s a special group of very individualized hotels and resorts around the world with their own special identities and amenities. As a curious traveler you can visit their site and find out which hotel or resort would appeal to the type of traveler that you are.