Tuesday, we boarded the bus ($2.25 one-way each) for Coronado – across the bay in San Diego. We headed right to “The Del” – Hotel Del Coronado
– and hooked up with a tour in progress to learn about the grounds.
The Hotel Del Coronado was completed in 1888, less than one year after construction began. It is built entirely of wood and cost $1 million.
The Hotel Del Coronado is one of the last remaining Victorian seaside resorts, designed in the Queen Anne Revival style (asymmetrical design and turrets). There was no blueprint for the hotel. It was built by individuals discussing their ideas at morning meetings, so no two rooms were the same.
Many famous people have stayed at The Del – Frank Baum (said to have written some of the Wizard of Oz series while staying here), Prince Edward (before he abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson – who was also from Coronado…), 12 Presidents of the US, and Marilyn Monroe filmed “Some Like it Hot” at the Del.
The hotel has kept its décor from the Victorian ages. The Birdcage-styled elevator is still in use (although it is now run by electricity and not steam) with its attendant waiting to take you to your requested floor.
The grand Crown Room, where Presidential dinners have been held and royal guests honoured can be rented for $12,000 a night….
Looking out toward the beach from the bar area where a 40 foot wooden bar spans the room,
you can watch swimmers at the pool or skaters at the rink. We enjoyed beverages (Todd – beer, me – Cab Sauv.) and a tasty heirloom tomato bruschetta.
This is definitely a place to visit, although staying a night will cost anywhere from $350 and up…..
For dinner we went to The Field, an Irish Pub on Fifth. We tried a couple of different local brews and ordered Boxty Dinners – Shepherd’s Pie and Beef ‘n Guinness. Boxty is a grilled potato pancake that is wrapped around your dinner and topped with gravy. Delicious!
Interesting – Robaxacet is not sold over the counter in San Diego; you need a prescription….
