This was my second visit to the beautiful Hotel Del Coranado located on Coranado Island located in San Diego's Bay. Built in 1888, this classic beach front hotel has long been heralded as one of America’s most beautiful beach resorts. Nicknamed "The Del," it was designated a historic landmark in 1977.
According to the hotel's website:
"The Del's visionary founders - Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story - dreamed of building a seaside resort that would be "the talk of the Western world." Since then, the resort has become a living legend, visited by celebrities, dignitaries and U.S. presidents. In fact, publisher Rand McNally recognized the Hotel del Coronado for enjoying more "fame and historical significance than perhaps any hotel in North America.'
Eleven U.S. Presidents have visited The Del, starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891. One of the resort's most famous visitors was England's Prince of Wales in 1920. He would later become King Edward VIII, only to give up his throne in 1936 to marry Coronado divorcee Wallis Spencer Simpson. Many have speculated that they may have first met at The Del.
The Del has played host to some of America's greats, including Thomas Edison, L. Frank Baum and Babe Ruth. Famed aviator 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.
Hollywood has been making movies at The Del since 1901. In 1958, The Del was the backdrop for the comedy classic "Some Like It Hot," starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The resort has also seen a steady stream of celebrity visitors - from Charlie Chaplin and Humphrey Bogart to Brad Pitt and Madonna."
I enjoyed looking at the elegant lobby and reception area....
...and the equally wonderful array of gift shops located in The Del!
The grounds were immaculate and quiet except....
...for an occasional Navy jet practicing maneuvers overhead!
The Del faces the Pacific Ocean with the large white sand Coronado Central Beach in between. From the beach you can see how enormous and beautiful the entire hotel is!
I walked along the beach for quite some time as the cool breeze off the water was delightful. Point Loma, San Diego, can be seen in the distance.
The water was quite chilly!
Pumpkins, San Diego style, made out of beach sand!
Happy Halloween!
Be sure to come back for my Monday blog post to see an exciting give away!
I'm linking this post to the "Mosaic Monday" event on Mary's blog Little Red House and "Blue Monday" event on Smiling Sally's blog. Thanks you to both wonderful hosts.
