The Hotel del Coronado is perhaps the most well-known landmark in San Diego. The turreted red roof capping the gleaming white structure is the jewel in Coronado’s crown.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977 almost 90 years after its 1888 opening, it was once the largest resort hotel in the world. Mary Pickford, Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison, L. Frank Baum (Wizard of Oz) and Marilyn Monroe have all stayed here.
The Del, as it is locally known, was the first hotel to utilize electric lighting and had the world’s first electrically lit outdoor live Christmas tree. It is also one of the few surviving all-wooden Victorian era beach resorts with redwood and white oak used for a large portion of the structure. The Crown Room, which hosts the property’s famous Sunday brunch, is made from Oregon sugar pine and pegs and glue— no nails!
The original landscaping was created by American botanist and landscape architect Kate Sessions, and the grand Windsor Lawn overlooking the Pacific makes it an ideal venue for celebrations. Victorian Building suites and rooms with ocean views or views of the resort are available. There is also a subdivision called The Beach Village as well as Ocean Towers suites.
Amenities abound at The Del. You don’t have to leave the property to enjoy a full-service salon and spa, ocean view dining, shopping, or the beach. 1500 OCEAN, Sheerwater, ENO Pizza, Babcock & Story Bar, and Sunset Bar all provide unique dining experiences.
Start with a craft cocktail at the Sunset Bar before venturing into 1500 OCEAN where Master Chef Patrick Ponsaty has prepared a four-course dining adventure.
Sheerwater offers a large breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner, and a kids’ menu. Local seafood, smoked meats, sandwiches, and salads are all popular favorites.
ENO has artisanal pizzas like the Aglio Bianco consisting of garlic cream, fontina, sausage, bacon, and black pepper. They also have a wine bar and outdoor seating around fire pits. The dessert menu includes Italian favorites like tiramisu, affogato, and cannoli, as well as flourless dark chocolate cake.
Babcock Story & Bar serves cocktails, beer and wine and what they tout as Nibbles like Korean Pork Sliders and Ahi Hamachi Poke.
Spa at The Del provides separate areas for men and women to enjoy the spa experience, be it a massage, facial, or salon services. Specials like Mimosa Monday and Treat Yourself Tuesdays as well as military appreciation discounts Sunday through Thursday are offered. There are also couples activities like massage, a S’mores Couples Package and Starlight Services.
Shops on the premises include clothing boutiques, eyewear, confections, jewelry, gelato, a children’s play store, and the gift shop Est. 1888 in the lobby.
The Del also offers a variety of fun activities like movies on the beach, painting classes by the ocean, bonfires, yoga, spinning classes by the sea, and the Delventure for kids. Add to these the ambiance of this grand historic hotel, plus diverse dining and shopping options and you’ll find the perfect beach getaway.
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