Bearing the distinct honor of being one of the few surviving architectural examples of an American architectural genre: the Victorian beach resort, the Hotel Del Coronado, fondly referred to as The Del by locals, is a testament to the timeless grace and charm of a bygone era. Established in 1888, this grand hotel is beautifully situated on 33 beachfront acres on Coronado Island in San Diego, California.
The Del, revered for its iconic red-roofed white building, embodies a captivating spectacle of architecture and history. Tagged as a National Historic Landmark, the hotel offers an enviable blend of contemporary comforts and renovated Victorian beauty. Its wood ambiance, shimmering Pacific Ocean backdrop, and sun-soaked landscapes continue to enamor and charm hearts universally.
The Coronado hotel landscape, like the very architecture, offers plentiful facets of interest and intrigue. The Del’s inception story is as fascinating as the hotel itself. Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, two mid-western businessmen, acquired the Coronado peninsula with the vision of constructing a tourist attraction that would be ‘the talk of the western world. They’d set their sights on erecting a glorious resort on Coronado Beach, dubbed to be the ideal location due to its favorable weather condition and its proximity to other major cities.
The initial construction cost was a hefty one million dollars. No expenses were spared, from installing electric lights, supplying hot and cold water, and having an advanced communication system, The Del was imagined and conceived to be a showcase for modern innovation. It has remained true to this pioneering spirit. Through the years, the hotel has hosted various events, parties, and famous personalities such as world leaders, celebrities, and renowned authors.
One of the most famous stories about The Del is the legend of Kate Morgan. A young woman checked into room 302 (now 3312) alone, and never checked out. Her death was ruled a suicide, and her ghost is said to still haunt the room today. This legend has intrigued and drawn many visitors yearning to experience the supernatural phenomena reportedly witnessed by many.
Amidst the grandeur and elegance, the hotel still maintains its hospitality and inclusivity. The Coronado hotel is family-friendly, filled with activities and programs for kids like mermaid fitness classes, outdoor movies, holiday festivities, and seasonal fun on their private beach.
For decades, The Del has set the standard for architectural elegance, exquisite dining, and unrivaled service. Its fusion of classic beauty and modern luxury with opulent rooms, ocean-view dining, beachfront activities, world-class spa, and more provides an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
The Hotel Del Coronado’s grandeur can be likened to an Australian gem – the Hotel Gosford. Just like The Del, the Hotel Gosford stands out with its significant architecture and superb location. Established in 1926, it shines as a classic representation of a historical pub in New South Wales, Australia. Both hotels, distinct and beautiful in their way, continue to serve as remarkable testimonies of hospitality and charm.
If you’re yearning for a slice of history, a dash of architectural splendor, peppered with modern luxury – the Hotel Del Coronado might just be the perfect destination. With its rich star-studded history, dramatic seaside setting, and legendary guest service, it’s no wonder that The Del continues to be a symbol of high-class luxury and timeless elegance to this very day.