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Southern California is well-known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and
the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. When you tell someone you are staying in San Diego,
their eyes light up when you tell them you are staying at “The Del,” as it is
known to locals. |
Situated on 26 oceanfront acres, this hotel beauty is a prime example
of elegant Victorian architecture. (For those of you who live on the East Coast, The Del
is very similar to the Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire).
The Del is frequented by many celebrities, dignitaries and travelers around the world.
Publisher Rand McNally says the hotel has received “more fame and historical
significance than perhaps any hotel in North America.”
The Del, Coronado island’s most prominent landmark, is a four-star, four-diamond
award recipient. This seaside castle first opened its doors more than 100 years ago.
Today, celebrities like Madonna, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Gene Hackman and Jack Nicholson
escape to the hotel for some relaxation.
In 1982, Ronald Reagan hosted a mini-summit conference for Mexican President-elect Miguel
de la Madrid. The room in which the meeting was held is now known as the “Summit
Suite” in honor of the event. Former President Reagan always visited The Del when he
was on vacation. As a tribute to him, the hotel named the “Governor’s
Suite” in his honor.
Coronado’s seaside community is connected to San Diego’s mainland by a
magnificent 2.3 mile bridge. Southern California has the most perfect climate around with
an average of 70 degrees year-round.
“When you look at the hotel’s history, you see the history of our nation,”
said Christine Donovan, Director of Heritage Tourism for the hotel. “The Del came of
age at the turn of the century, lived the high life during the Roaring Twenties, struggled
through the Great Depression, helped out in the war effort and almost gave out during the
1950s when Americans preferred motels over hotels and new over old. Fortunately, by the
late 1960s and 1970s, historical preservation had become part of the country’s social
agenda, and the bicentennial celebration helped secure the notion that American history is
worth saving.”
Although during our stay we did not have dinner at The Del, we did visit the Prince of
Wales Grill and Crown Room and wish we had!
The Prince of Wales offers the most romantic setting and has received many awards for
being the most romantic restaurant in the San Diego area. (Many engagement proposals have
taken place here and it’s easy to understand why!) From smooth jazz echoing from the
piano to the intimate candlelit tables, it’s no wonder how this restaurant has earned
such a wonderful reputation.
The Crown Room, on the other hand, was magnificent. The entire ceiling here is
wood-paneling. Couples have actually rented the entire room for an intimate evening alone.
There are numerous celebrations going on at The Del so be sure not to miss them.
The annual “Lighting of The Del” festival is held in December and the
lobby’s 30-foot tree along with thousands of white lights illuminate this
distinguished landmark.
The Del is already gearing up for the party of the century on New Year’s Eve 1999
offering packages from $1,615 to $7,300 per couple.
For more information or to make a reservation, call the Hotel Del Coronado directly at
619-435-6611.
Email: Kellie K. Speed
# # #
Kellie K. Speed is
a freelance travel writer and restaurant reviewer. Her features have been
published in various publications including The Boston Globe, Cahners’
Industrial Distribution and Graphic Arts Monthly magazines and Reno Air
Approach.
Kellie has reviewed numerous first-class hotels and
travel destinations, including Hawaii, California, Arizona, Bermuda and
Mexico, to name a few. She has also traveled internationally to Ireland,
England, France, Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic. Next year, she is
planning a trip to Tahiti.
Since she is from Massachusetts, she will be providing
reviews of local restaurants for Travel-Watch.
If you would like to email Kellie any suggestions or comments, please do
so at kkspeed@aol.com.
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