California Dreaming.......

Ever since I was in my early 20's I have dreamed of visiting the Hotel Del Coronado. I saw the grande dam in one of my favorite old movies, Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. The turrets seemed to beckon each time I dropped the movie into the VCR. I saw it as this fabulously glamorous retreat for the rich and famous, and longed for one glimpse into that illusive lifestyle...

Somehow life has a funny way of bringing things full circle...120 years after the Del opened her doors my current job allowed me the opportunity to visit the Del and to take my husband and son. I knew my son would love it, it was ocean-front, and he could not resist walking in the surf up to his knees (while wearing jeans!) and chasing the various sea birds that he would now be able to research and add to his "life list." We were given an ocean view room, with a verandah that overlooked the great lawn and the ocean. We sat in wicker rockers and gazed at the zillions of tourists who were also there for a glmpse into the past...

I was amazed at the history that is the Del. From the Crown Room (Coronado) which was built with such workmanship that it does not contain one single nail. Presidents and royalty, real ones, from England, as well as modern-day celebrities have stayed here, honeymooned here and celebrated here.

The guest register is a veritable "Who's Who". Charles Lindbergh was honored at The Del in 1927 after his successful trans-Atlantic flight. At this lavish banquet, a replica of Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" circled the enormous Crown Room ceiling.

Others were made famous just by their visit. Take Kate Morgan, who checked into the resort on November 25, 1892, and never checked out. Kate had been traveling to the Del with her husband, but on a brief stop, he got off the train leaving her alone. A few days later housemaids found her in a stairwell with a gun nearby. Most believed she had taken her own life, others wonder if perhaps her estranged husband paid her a surprise visit. Either way, Kate is an integral part of the history of the Del, and to this day many have reported seeing her throughout the hotel as if finally enjoying her visit.

The shopping is amazing, all sorts of upscale clothing, and Del-signature items, such as a silver charm th I plan to add to my collection, logoed robes, t-shirts and sweatshirts, and a variety of seashore-themed items. The dining devine. Sheerwater, their more casual restaurant, 1550 Ocean, an epicurean getaway featuring Southern coastal cuisine, and ENO, the ONLY place for wine, chocolate and cheese.....and don't forget to save room for Moo-time Creamery, hand mixed premium ice creams made right onsite!!

If you can, visit during the Christmas holidays, the decorations are amazing and are different each year. A collectable ornament is featured and they are sold out within weeks of issue. They offer ice skating by the seashore, which is incredible to see. (who know so many people knew how to ice skate?)

Check out their Web site for additional details, as the hotel is celebrating their 120 birthday this year, and have promised to have celebrations all year long.
http://www.hoteldel.com/