The Famous Hotel Del Coronado

By: Annelie Piccino

If you visit San Diego you could stay at one of the most famous hotels in the world - the Hotel Del Coronado. Located at 1500 Orange Avenue in Coronado, California on the Coronado Peninsula with a wide white sandy beach and crystal clear water it sports the nickname Hotel Del.

Hotel Del first opened its doors on February 19, 1888. At that time the Coronado Peninsula was just a small port of San Diego. The graceful Victorian hotel is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

Several new additions have been built but maintain the same Victorian style and details. There is a Victorian Style Gazebo, which is mainly used for weddings. A stunning garden surrounds the interior gazebo with enough room to accommodate many guests. The Travel Channel voted the hotel the number one wedding destination in America.

The gazebo isn’t the only place to hold a wedding. There is the grand ballroom if you opt for a formal wedding. Also the beaches make for beautiful wedding backdrops.

Outside are the beautiful and lush gardens to stroll through. The swimming pool has a spectacular view of the Coronado Beach. Food and cocktails are available in the pool area.

The beautiful family friendly beach is perfect for both swimming and body surfing.

The World by Travel Leisure magazine named the hotel one of the top twenty spas in the world. The state of the art Spa has 21 massages in beautiful serene treatment rooms. There is a private terrace with a vanishing edge pool that overlooks the ocean.

The famous Sunday brunch is absolutely delicious. A buffet is spread with mouth-watering food as a pianist serenades while you enjoy your meal amongst the beautifully decorated buffet tables.

The Hotel Del Coronado is also known as the Haunted Hotel Del Coronado. Back on November 25, 1892 a young woman name Kate Morgan died in the hotel. It is said that some have seen her ghost on the grounds.

It has accommodated many famous people among who are celebrities and political presidents and heads of states. President Reagan and his family often vacationed here over the years. Other famous stays were that of the Duke of Windsor who met Wallis Simpson while here.

Not only can the hotel lay claim to such fame with the guests, it has also been in movie films. Marilyn Monroe shot “Some Like It Hot” within the walls.

Frank Sinatra filmed the “Stuntman” in the summer of 1977.

The Hotel Del has the reputation of a World Class Resort. Many dream vacations, weddings and anniversary celebrations are spent here.