Hotel Del Coronado :: Coronado, California

Southern California is famous for the rich and famous and of course all of the fabulous places they eat, sleep, and play. One of the oldest and most glamorous of these is the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, California (just across the bay from San Diego). A National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is truly a historical treasure. Built over a year and opened in 1888, The Del (as it is often called) has played host to a who’s who of American royalty in its century plus of life. Just a smattering of the numerous high profile guests over the years include Marilyn Monroe, Thomas Edison, King Edward VIII of England, Babe Ruth, and modern celebrities like Madonna, Barack Obama, and Brad Pitt. The attraction to The Del is undeniable. This massive Victorian structure is absolutely stunning. Gleaming white with stark red roofing, luxury and style abound both inside and out.

The first hotel in the world to be built with electric lighting, the Hotel Del Coronado has succeeded in wowing guests even through today. Consistently rated one of the top resorts in the world, The Del is 28 acres of magnificent oceanfront glory. With close to 700 rooms in its main Victorian, Ocean Towers, and California Cabana buildings and an additional 78 cottages to choose from in their new Beach Village there is most definitely a lot of space to relax and play. It’s a fantastic venue to use for getting away from it all. It’s also extremely well located. Being right on the beach, The Del is the perfect romantic Southern California destination and has attracted hundreds to its pristine white sandy beaches for magnificent weddings.

It’s amazing how they incorporate such a contemporary and modern feel while still staying true to the site’s history. Providing a signature line of personal care products, all rooms provide amenities such as high speed internet access, 24 hour room service, concierge services, babysitting, and much, much more. Wait did that just say babysitting? So you thought the Hotel Del Coronado was just for grown ups? Actually The Del is great for those vacationing with kids and offers plenty of amenities and activities to keep young and old entertained. With two specially designed and designated areas (Kidtopia for ages 4-12 and Vibs for ages 13-17) there is a plethora of entertainment options for even the pickiest youngster.

Anyone looking for a weekend away from the little ones is in luck as well. With a luxurious and sophisticated spa (named one of the top 20 in the world) and salon, get your pretty on while relaxing in high style. Oh, and with all the fancy schmancy stuff going on, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Kate Morgan. Ms. Morgan checked into the hotel in 1892 and never checked out. Although originally touted as a suicide, many modern researchers have suggested instead that she was murdered by her husband. Whatever did happen, it has been said by many visitors that Kate still wanders the room the died playing with the lights, flushing toilets, and sometimes just hanging around to see what you are doing. Other rooms are also rumored to have some degree of paranormal activity, which is no surprise given the hotel’s storied past. So whether you stay for a night or perhaps a little longer, the Hotel Del Coronado is guaranteed to please, surprise, delight, and unwind you into that SoCal vibe.