Hotel del Coronado San Diego remains the Most Iconic Beachfront Resort in 2026

The Hotel del Coronado is a landmark in southern California, known around the globe. It was built in 1888.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

Standing proudly on the sands of Coronado Island since 1888, the legendary Hotel del Coronado remains one of America's most recognizable beachfront resorts. Known simply as "The Del," the National Historic Landmark recently completed a sweeping $550 million restoration that refreshed guest rooms, public spaces, and historic areas while preserving the Victorian charm that has attracted visitors for generations. Today, the resort operates as part of Hilton's Curio Collection, giving guests access to Hilton Honors benefits while maintaining the independent character that has made Hotel del Coronado a Southern California icon.

ON APPROACH, the stately Hotel Del Coronado looks like a setting for "Masterpiece Theatre." It has that lofty look of an important location. Built in 1888 -- the largest wooden structure of its day.

This San Diego property is know affectionately as "the Del" by legions of fans and return guests around the world. This Luxury Hotel has history, mystery and a VIP guest list to accentuate its elegance.

Hotel Del Coronado San Diego, is a Historic Hotel is inextricably linked to Coronado, referred to as "the island," by natives, but actually connected to mainland California.

When built, this beachfront hotel drew attention for its opulence and size.  Designed as a Victorian seaside resort, it was large, impressive, grand.

Monroe on the beach aMarilyn t the del in 1957, filming "Some Like It Hot."

PLAYGROUND of the rich and famous, the Hotel Del Coronado San Diego has hosted crews and stars for the making of several movies.  The most famous is the 1958 comedy "Some Like It Hot," the Billy Wilder classic.  It starred Marilyn Monroe as the sultry but innocent member of an all-girl touring band. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon masquerade as women to escape the mob and -- suspend disbelief here -- the girls buy that they are female.

The setting is supposed to be Florida, but this southern California landmark stood in.

At luxury Hotel "the Del," opulence includes ornate chandeliers.

Since its opening, "The Del" has been the place to stay for  diplomats, actors, wealthy tourists, military brass. Frank Sinatra joined its centennial celebration in 1988. Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Ernest Hemingway and Burt Lancaster bunked there.

In recent years, Ellen DeGeneres, Jack Nicholson and Oprah Winfrey checked in. Guests range from JFK and Ronald Reagan to royalty, inventors and rock stars.

Frank Baum loved the Hotel Del, here relaxing with his family on the grounds.

 Liberace is said to have been discovered playing piano in the lounge. Frank Baum, author of "The Wizard of Oz," spent months at the hotel, writing and reading to children. He designed the chandeliers still in the Crown Room, basing them on the crown worn by his "Oz" lion.   

JFK and daughter Caroline checking in. At left below, the traditional winter ice rink.

This Luxury Hotels most infamous guest is Kate Morgan, who registered under an alias on Thanksgiving in 1892, staying a few days.  She killed herself on the steps near the ocean.  Was she ill?  Heartbroken over an ill-fated romance? Her third-floor room is often requested. People claim to see ghosts and apparitions there and in the gift shop and stairs.

PRICES HAVE gone up since the hotel opened, charging $2.50 for a room, meals included. The hotel cost only $1 million to build with various types of wood, using wooden pegs rather than nails. Today, a room can run upwards from $363 to a plush grand suite for over $1,000.

The property was part of a land grant, originally gifted to a  Mexican family who sold it for thousands. The Blackstone Group  sold its 63 per cent stake in the hotel for $210 million a few years ago.  If you've a yen to get hitched at the Del, and invite 100 friends, figure to spend between $32,000 and $45,000 -- that's for ceremony and reception.

On the National Historic Register since 1977, the this luxury hotel on the beach has become "the talk of the western world" as its founders envisioned.  Elisha Babcock Jr. and

Hampton L. Story dreamed that the hotel would become famous. So it has.

Whether you’re captivated by the luxury of oceanfront suites at the Hotel del Coronado, inspired by the art and design of its historic spaces, or intrigued by the rich history and nearby museum experiences, this iconic beach resort is a must-visit destination.

Explore more historic and desert escapes, along with world-class luxury hotels, in our blogs about Luxury Hotels and discover unforgettable stays that combine elegance, culture, and coastal charm.

5 Reasons to Stay at Hotel del Coronado

1. Direct Access to One of California's Best Beaches

Step outside your room and onto Coronado Beach, famous for its wide golden sands, gentle waves, and spectacular sunsets. The beach is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and offers plenty of space for walking, swimming, and relaxing.

2. A Legendary Piece of American History

Few hotels can match The Del's history. Opened in 1888, it has welcomed presidents, celebrities, royalty, and generations of travelers. The resort's iconic red-roof Victorian architecture remains one of the most photographed landmarks in California.

3. Recently Restored Luxury

The extensive restoration project has modernized guest accommodations while preserving the property's historic character. Guests can enjoy updated rooms, refreshed public spaces, and enhanced amenities throughout the resort.

4. The Perfect Base for Exploring San Diego

Located on Coronado Island, the hotel is just minutes from downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and the waterfront. You get a peaceful beach setting without being far from the city's top attractions.

5. Dining, Spa, and Resort Experiences in One Place

From oceanfront dining and beachside cocktails to spa treatments and seasonal activities, The Del offers a complete resort experience. Many visitors find themselves spending entire days on property without feeling the need to leave.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family beach vacation, or a special Southern California escape, Hotel del Coronado continues to deliver a rare combination of history, luxury, and location. More than a century after opening, The Del remains one of the most memorable places to stay in the San Diego area.

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