The Hotel del Coronado is one of those places that spoils you for life. 1) When you check into one of its beach-front rooms or suites, you never want to leave. 2) Every other hotel in San Diego pales in comparison. 3) You start to think that this is reality.
For such a huge, sprawling hotel its property spans 28 acres the Hotel Del, as its known, is surprisingly intimate. Its also a world unto itself. You could be forgiven for spending a week here and never stepping a foot off its beautiful grounds that is if you can convince yourself its even worth it to leave the luxury of your room. Its the place that invites you to do everything and indulges your desire to do absolutely nothing.
Famous for its starring role in 1958s Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, its played host to 11 presidents, a future king (Edward VIII), thousands of weddings and even more conferences. Its both glamourous enough to make you feel like youre a movie star and yet not so hoity toity that you worry that you have the right pair of designer sunglasses.
From breakfast buffets at the Sheerwater Restaurant to afternoon cocktails watching the sun set from the island-inspired Babcock and Story Bar to enjoying the southland coastal cuisine (with Sicilian grandmother influences) at the beachside 1500 Ocean restaurant, youre forgiven for not venturing out to the charming streets of Coronado to find a place to eat. And shopping? If youre easily led into temptation, beware the hotels boutiques.
Of course, such indulgences dont come cheap. Rooms start at $330 and beachfront cottages can fetch $950 a night. (Thats the reality-check part.) But thats what special places are for feeling special. Martha Perkins
