Hotel del Coronado: Historic Timeless Beauty in San Diego

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A historic, world-renowned hotel located in the heart of San Diego, the Hotel del Coronado has been artfully restored and renovated throughout the years while still maintaining its original timeless beauty.

One of the things that makes the Hotel del Coronado so special is its location. Situated on 28 acres of prime real estate on Coronado Island, the Hotel del Coronado (affectionately referred to as “the Del”) opened its doors in 1888 and has since hosted Presidents, royalty, celebrities, and travelers from all over the world.

hotel del coronado -  - Hotel del Coronado: Historic Timeless Beauty in San Diego

The beautiful Victorian architecture and stunning oceanfront setting makes the Del one of the most photographed hotels in the world. It’s red turrets against my beloved California skyline are something out of a fairy tale book.

I’ve lived in Southern California my entire life so I’m used to great weather, amazing beaches and beautiful surroundings. Regardless, walking up to the Hotel del Coronado is a breath taking experience, even for me.

Hotel Del Coronado History

The Hotel del Coronado is also well-known for its Victorian architecture. The picturesque exterior of the hotel is reminiscent of a bygone era, and the stunning interior design will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Whether you’re snapping photos of the exterior or exploring the many nooks and crannies of the interior, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of this historic property. 

Everything about the hotel screams Victorian, and given the fact that it was built in 1888 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977, it’s no wonder.

When Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story built the Hotel Del they dreamed of a resort that would “be the talk of the Western World.”

Hotel Del Coronado 16

This gorgeous original Otis elevator lift (number 61 to be exact) was originally operated by hydraulics but has been since retrofitted for electricity. It has been in operation since the hotel was built in 1888!

Step back in time and let the courteous elevator operator open and shut the gate for you, as well as make sure you arrive at the proper floor.

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Since it’s been built the hotel has hosted celebrities, dignitaries and U.S. presidents. As a matter of fact, President Taft had a sister living in Coronado. When he came to stay at the hotel in 1915, they had special chairs made to could handle his height/weight and these chairs still sit in the entry of the hotel today!

Fun Fact #1 “Eleven U.S. Presidents have visited The Del, starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891. One of the resort’s most famous visitors was England’s Prince of Wales in 1920. He would later become King Edward VIII, only to give up his throne in 1936 to marry Coronado divorcee Wallis Spencer Simpson. Many have speculated that they may have first met at The Del.”

Is the Hotel Del Coronado Haunted?

Ok so the Hotel Del has been rumored to be haunted by ghosts, but what would a victorian hotel be without a resident ghost?!

As the story goes, on November 24, 1892, Kate Morgan checked into the resort and never checked out. Since her suspicious death, there have been numerous reports of ghostly happenings and even a book written about it.

Kate Morgan hotel del coronado haunted -  - Hotel del Coronado: Historic Timeless Beauty in San Diego

During our stay there, many of my fellow event attendees reported feeling odd drafts of air and my bathroom lights came on by themselves in the middle of the night!

Hotel Del Coronado Guest Rooms and Suites

Even without a resident ghost, Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is a must stay vacation destination – and I’m not just being partial as a California Native. Hotel del is easily a family resort but it’s also a breathtaking wedding or honeymoon location.

From it’s fairytale setting to the island backdrop it oozes romance – which is probably why it’s rated as the Number-One wedding destination in America by the Travel Channel.

Coronado Island Beach -  - Hotel del Coronado: Historic Timeless Beauty in San Diego

The Del offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs including standard rooms, suites, cottages, and apartments. All guest rooms and suites boast stunning views of either the Pacific Ocean or Glorietta Bay.

No matter which room type you choose, you’ll enjoy luxury amenities like an iPod docking station, an in-room safe large enough to fit a laptop, down comforters and featherbeds, bathrobes, and slippers.

Fun Fact #2 Hollywood has been making movies at Hotel Del Coronado since 1901 including the famous “Some Like It Hot,” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in 1958.

I stayed in a beautiful ocean front room with the tallest of tall ceilings that not only had an interior sitting area (Kas and I talked for hours in these comfy chairs!), but also a porch with rockers and an amazing view.

Looking for something extra special? Choose one of their signature suites like the Ocean Tower Suite or Presidential Suite for even more space and upgraded amenities.

Hotel Del Coronado Dining

This luxury Coronado hotel boast 5 restaurants with award-winning food and wine for any budget and dining experience. More than just food, the restaurants also have amazing ocean views.

1500 Ocean is the resort’s signature restaurant but the historic Crown Room is continually voted best in San Diego – so no matter what, you really can’t go wrong! 

For a truly unique experience, make reservations for dinner at The Crown Room which is located in the original 1888 building.

The menu features seasonal California cuisine along with classic dishes like grilled filet mignon au poivre and lobster thermidor. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!

The Crown Room is also home to one of San Diego’s most popular happy hours where you can enjoy live music while indulging in half-priced cocktails and small bites.

hotel del coronado crown room -  - Hotel del Coronado: Historic Timeless Beauty in San Diego

Fun fact: these unique crown chandeliers hanging in the famous Crown Room were designed by Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum.

The staff were friendly and accommodating. It was easy to see why many local San Diego families love to have “staycations” here every year! It’s family friendly while still allowing adults to feel like they are having a grown-up vacation too.

Be sure to take a stroll through town for shopping and gifts to take home to the people you want to make jealous. Don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of the Hotel del at night too – it’s breathtaking when lit up.

hotel del coronado at night -  - Hotel del Coronado: Historic Timeless Beauty in San Diego

Thank you to Hyundai and Hotel Del Coronado for making it possible for me to experience this beautiful landmark hotel. All opinions are my own.

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