September 2005 Article                      

From the Field: The Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego
The Del Coronado Difference

A classic historic hotel, The Del was built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, The Del offers contemporary luxury in a Victorian atmosphere with a beachfront location. Its history is quite possibly richer than any other hotel in the U.S. Combine its heritage with the recent renovation and it’s the best of old and new. Overall, The Del continues to be “the” resort in Coronado and one of the top in San Diego. Solid four star.

The Renovation
Rooms in The Victorian Building have been recently renovated with all new everything, done in dark woods, neutral tones in the bedding, carpets, wall coverings with some brighter orange accents in pillows, drapes, etc. Wireless access has been added in the Victorian Building and is part of the resort fee. All other rooms in the Ocean Tower, Cabanas, etc. are more ocean-themed in décor and have DSL (also part of the resort fee.) Guestrooms feature the Del Dream beds -- Nile Nights Satin Stripe linens (300 count Egyptian cotton/poly blend), luxurious feather beds and down comforters.

Meeting Space
Lots of options between space in the main building and their separate conference center, The Grande Hall. The space in the main building has a lot of original pieces and therefore has more character (The Crown Room and Oceanfront Ballroom) while the Grande Hall is much more contemporary. Wireless access is available in the lobby/public space and all options available in the meeting rooms. They try to group programs based on accommodations, i.e. if the group is meeting in The Main Victorian Building, they will try to reserve rooms in the Victorian Building. The hotel offers great outdoor space between the Windsor Lawn, the courtyard of the Victorian Building and of course, the beach.

The Children’s Book
The Hotel del Coronado has published a new children’s book entitled, “The Loveliest Hotel You Can Imagine,” a collection of captivating letters written by a young girl during her visit in 1892. The correspondence delightfully documents the everyday experiences of Noel, her brother, parents and nanny during their three-month stay. The original watercolor drawings that accompany the letters preserve engaging nineteenth-century images of the hotel, the seashore, the fishing pier and even a nearby ostrich farm. Get your copy from The Del Shop.

The Basics

• Located on 31 oceanfront acres on the island of Coronado across the bay from San Diego, just nine miles from the San Diego Lindbergh International Airport.

• 688 guest rooms in the Victorian Building, Ocean Towers, Cabana, Beach House and Cottages.

• Spa and Fitness Center

• Shops at The Del, more than 20 specialty and apparel shops.

• Eleven restaurants and lounges

• 65,000 sq. ft. of meeting and function space, indoors and out, in 52 venues

• A professionally-managed business center

• Indoor dining for up to 900 in one venue.

• Outdoor dining for up to 1,400

• Classroom style for up to 525 in one place

• Theater style for up to 1,200 in one place

• Activities include golf, tennis, pool and ocean swimming, sailing, and bicycling

• Special activities for families include Tent City Kids Camp and Coast Club Teen Lounge

For more information, contact your Krisam representative or e-mail newsletter@theeventinsider.com