Special Feature: Products Sally Recommends
Hotel del Coronado
In the June, 2002 issue of Travel & Leisure
Stephen Drucker wrote
The Classics Strike Back:
"After years of
being overshadowed by sleek new competitors, America's historic grand hotels are
making a major comeback. Sometimes more-complete redos are in order. Until recently
the Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888, sat on the beach in San Diego like Victoria
in mourning. But a repositioning by Destination Hotels & Resorts has accomplished
the unlikely. "We've become less formal and more upmarket," says Michael
Hardisty, the managing director.
None of the rickety charm of the old
wooden structure, with its cage elevator and Crown Room brunches, has been lost,
but the rooms are newly comfortable, and cottages are planned to meet the modern
lust for privacy. Air-conditioning has finally been installed. And a handsome
new oval lawn lets the whole place breathe-you can finally see the beach, and
stroll the grounds, and eat outdoors.
Some Like It Hot, the 1959 classic
with Marilyn Monroe, was filmed at the Del, and you're never allowed to forget
it. The movie plays several times a day in guest rooms, free of charge. Throughout
the hotel, grainy photographs of stars romping in a black-and-white past remind
you that Hollywood history is all around you. By the time you go to sleep, you're
convinced Marilyn is in the next room. This theming is so effective that there's
a shop called 1888, which focuses on the Del's history. Its most consistent seller
is Taschen's annotated screenplay of Some Like It Hot, a coffee-table book bound
in yellow Ultrasuede. It costs $150."
Hotel del Coronado
The Del has completed a $55 million restoration which has resulted in brand new oceanfront dining, redesigned and airconditioned Victorian rooms, a new bar and retail venues. A grand lawn now reconnects the beach and ocean to the Victorian Building.
Hotel del Coronado (800) HOTEL DEL. Summertime rates are $335-$1575 per night. After Labor Day, those rates change to $295-$1390.
1500 OCEAN Restaurant
Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.
