Elite Traveler Spring 2021

etr li at ve eler SPRING 2021 105

Hotel del Coronado SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA

It was the hotel that provided the backdrop for Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot, and it has played host to numerous famous faces over the years, including those of Barack Obama, Ginger Rogers, Katharine Hepburn and Madonna; to put it simply, Hotel del Coronado is unquestionably one of the most prestigious spots in America. Originally built as a beach house, today it’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the few remaining all-wooden Victorian coastal resorts in the US. Architecturally, Hotel del Coronado is as unique as they come: Shades of glossy mahogany, crown-shaped chandeliers and, of course, the signature red-roofed turrets make it instantly recognizable. The most luxurious rooms are found at the Beach Village, which is made up of residential cottages and villas with fireplaces, marble bathrooms and private patios. The suites also feature gourmet kitchens and living rooms, some with outdoor soaking tubs or fire pits. Book the Oceanfront Cottage Horizon Suite for supreme beach views and exclusive amenities, from personal concierge service to private access to the beachfront eatery and in-suite spa therapies. Outstanding dining is a huge draw at The Del. No less than seven restaurants currently call the hotel home: Sheerwater is the hotel’s terraced gem; ENO does great wood-fired pizzas; and brunch is served in the storied Crown Room. Cocktails and mocktails are best enjoyed at Sun Deck, light bites at Babcock & Story, and for juicy fish tacos, there’s the Taco Shack. On your last night, Serea is the fine dining option you cannot say no to; it’s adored by locals for its upscale, super-tasty and sustainably caught seafood. Right now, unique kid-friendly services are in demand, especially in the time of borders being shut due to Covid-19. Families longing for a break between terms can enroll their kids in some long-distance learning at The Del that will see kids of all ages studying poolside from the comfort of your suite. After hours of learning, children and teens can de-stress with beachfront fitness classes and, come the weekend, the hotel can arrange tailored and private family field trips to the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park. Family fun Outrageously good bonfires on the pristine white sand beach have long been a favorite tradition at The Del. At sunset, roast s’mores with family and friends in the glow of your very own private fire pit. Dinner, endless drinks and hundreds of photos and fun-filled memories are all part of the deal. Oceanfront Cottage Horizon Suite from $2,259 per night. Contact Krista Clayton, director of Beach Village operations, delreservations@hoteldel.com, +1 800 468 3533, hoteldel.com