Ever wonder where author L. Frank Baum got his inspiration for Oz and the yellow brick road? Or where Ray Bradbury liked to spend the holidays? Or where Some Like It Hot filmed Marilyn Monroe frolicking in the sand? The answer to all of these questions is the Hotel del Coronado.
Established in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado is steeped in history. “It’s like you’re back 100 years, which is where you should be during the holidays,” Bradbury once said of the famous hotel.
The Del, as it’s commonly referred to, is located on 28 acres of Coronado Island just outside of San Diego, California. It boasts 757 guestrooms spread out amongst the historic Victorian Building, Ocean Towers, California Cabanas and the villas and cottages.
In addition to its size and close proximity to San Diego, what else does The Del have to offer that other resorts cannot?
“Unparalleled beachfront location and its historic charm,” says Lauren Ash Donoho, Public Relations Director for the property. As Southern California’s premiere oceanfront hotel, the year-round sunny climate makes the beach an asset year round. The Del is the perfect place to ride a wave or rent a bike.
“Bike rentals are offered right on the beach bike path in front of the hotel,” says Ash Donoho. “Bicycling around Coronado, seeing the beautiful homes and gardens, America’s number one beach and the Ferry Landing are three things people should definitely see.”
DOWN TIME AT THE SPA
The Spa at The Del offers a variety of ocean-inspired treatments; and with 21 treatment rooms you don’t have to wait forever to book one.
I recommend a Shell Coronado Massage and Shell Coronado Facial as the perfect pampering combination. The signature massage uses gently heated tiger-clam shells to massage the body, while the facial alternates heated and chilled shells to bring the energy of the sea to the treatment and provide ultimate relaxation.
IN GOOD COMPANY
Throughout the last century, The Del has played host to 10 American presidents, British royalty, dozens of famous authors, and hundreds of Hollywood stars – Kirk Douglas, Madonna, Frank Sinatra, Brad Pitt, and Barbra Streisand to name a few.
It has honoured Charles Lindbergh after his solo transatlantic flight, and hosted Charlie Chaplin during his polo playing days.
With all this fame, what is the number one request from guests? “Over the years, our guests most often want to see where Marilyn Monroe romped on the beach during the filming of Some Like It Hot,” says Ash Donoho.
LOCAL FOOD
Evening sunsets ablaze with golds, pinks and deep blues make the perfect setting for cocktails and cuisine. The hotel’s restaurant, 1500 Ocean, utilizes herbs and produce from the garden located just steps away. 1500 Ocean proudly states its support for local artisan farmers and uses sustainable or organic products whenever possible.
OLD CHARM MEETS NEW APPEAL
With its sophisticated ambiance and rich history, it’s no surprise that The Del has a strong historical role in Southern California’s past, all while continuing to awe new guests each year.
A big part of The Del’s current appeal is turning the 125-year-old facility green. The Del has made significant progress against the four pillars (climate change, waste, natural resources, and health and wellbeing) and is the oldest hotel in the United States to receive Bronze Level certification by Green Seal.
“The entire staff embraces a culture of environmental responsibility, which supports our efforts to overcome the challenges associated with being a historic property,” says Donna Gonser, the hotel manager. “Conservation and environmental responsibility is everyone’s business. We are always looking at new and innovative ways to improve these important practices.”
