A Castle in the Sun

The first thing that strikes you when you see the Hotel del Coronado is its picturesque beauty. It sits at the tip of the quaint island of Coronado in San Diego. There, the skies are often a perfect blue, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the Victorian beauty that is— as locals have come to call it—The Del.

The historic hotel was built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. With its mass of towering spires that reach for the sky, sun-drenched verandas that warm in the sun, and hundreds of windows that face the salty ocean breeze, it is no wonder The Del has long been a draw for Hollywood. In 1958, it was the backdrop for the comedy classic Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The resort has also hosted a plethora of vacationing stars, from Charlie Chaplin and Humphrey Bogart to Brad Pitt and Madonna.

But even if you are not staying at The Del, a trip to the hotel is still worth it.

The Crown Room, decked out with wonderful crown-shaped chandeliers, offers an award-winning Sunday brunch that is a favorite for locals, hotel patrons and visitors to the island. Those who are planning a special event should make reservations at the hotel’s newest dining experience, 1500 Ocean, which opened last May. “It is a wonderful place to meet for a four-course dinner or just grab a cocktail and sit by the fireplace on our outdoor deck,” says Lauren Donoho, public relations director at the hotel. The Del also recently opened a brand-new spa in January.

The Del offers 20 on-site shops unique to the property. Venture around the mile-and-a-half-long island that is Coronado and peruse the shops by renting a single- or two-seater bike from the resort.

Guests of The Del should also take advantage of its great San Diego location: Do a little surfing on the site!