HOTEL DEL CORONADO TURNS 125 YEARS OLD

 BY JANET STEINBERG

The stretch of Southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego/Coronado, has been called the American Riviera.  Crossing over the dramatic 2.1-mile San Diego-Coronado Bridge from San Diego, California, you’ll arrive in the town of Coronado, home of the Victorian-style Hotel del Coronado.
 

SAN DIEGO-CORONADO BRIDGE

The Hotel del Coronado, (affectionately dubbed “The Del”) may well be the jewel in the crown of America’s Riviera.  This rambling white clapboard legend, with red-peaked roof, crimson turrets, and lazy verandas, is said to be “one-third sun, one-third sand, one-third fairy tale”.  Radiating gracious Victorian splendor, this classic beachfront resort was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

Have you ever heard of Otis #61?  Contrary to some beliefs, Otis #61 is not a perfume.

Otis #61 is an elevator…a very famous elevator…a very famous 125-year old elevator.  One of the first fully functioning electric elevators manufactured in America, Otis #61 has graced the main lobby of the Hotel del Coronado since the resort opened in 1888.

OTIS #61 AT THE DEL

In 1960, a Hollywood scenic designer, Al Goodman, was hired to refurbish The Del’s lobby.  Goodman designed a wonderfully ornate, Victorian-style grill to adorn the lobby elevator.  A primary concern, during one of The Del’s restorations was to safeguard Otis #61 and bring the famous Goodman grill back to its original glory.  And they did!   Andrew “Drew” Lounsbury, an ebullient man in classic uniform, operated Otis #61 for 30-plus years.

DRAGON TREE ENHANCES LANDSCAPE AT THE DEL

  Hollywood has been making movies at The Del since 1901.  In 1958, the Del became the backdrop for the shenanigans of Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Joe E. Brown, when they filmed “Some Like It Hot” at the hotel.  From my luxurious Victorian suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean, I could almost see Marilyn and Tony toasting their champagne flutes as they conned each other on Joe E. Brown’s yacht.

 
The Hotel Del Coronado has sheltered international royalty, politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and the rich and famous since 1888. Eleven U.S. presidents, starting with Benjamin Harrison, have visited the Del.

VIEW OF HOTEL DEL CORONADO FROM THE BEACH

A ghost is said to haunt Room 3327.  But, of course!  What Victorian resort would be complete without a resident ghost?  Kate Morgan checked into the resort on November 24, 1892, and never checked out. Reports of ghostly happenings, all thought to be connected to the death of this beautiful young woman, have been circulating at The Del ever since.

 
Publisher Rand McNally credited The Del as enjoying “more fame and historical significance than perhaps any hotel in North America”.

The Hotel del Coronado’s famous Crown Room Sunday Brunch has been continuously voted San Diego’s best brunch.  The Crown Room features beautiful Victorian style, high vaulted ceilings made of sugar pine and decorated with four magnificent crown chandeliers

The Crown Room may have been inspired by the romance of Wallis Spencer Simpson and the Prince of Wales (who would later become King Edward VIII and then the Duke of Windsor).  Many wonder if the Prince may have first seen Mrs. Simpson during his visit to the hotel in 1920.

1500 OCEAN is The Del's signature beachfront restaurant with a farm-to-table culinary approach, unparalleled ocean views, and an unforgettable sunset.
 

SUNSET FROM THE DEL'S BEACHFRONT

If you can ever pull yourself away from this fabulous resort, you might want to check out Coronado’s other attractions, including the Ferry Landing Marketplace, Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado Historical Museum, and the Naval Air Station at North Island.

After 125 years, the Hotel del Coronado still remains a beacon of grandeur and refinement among vacation destinations in Southern California and the world.

JANET STElNBERG is the winner of 38 national Travel Writer Awards and an lnternational Travel Consultant with The Travel Authority in Mariemont, Ohio.