CORONADO ISLAND, CALIFORNIA - Sprawled along 33 oceanfront acres on the west boundary of San Diego Bay is a beautiful Victorian castle. One look at this magnificent structure and the mind runs wild with childhood fantasies of fantastic lands, princesses and knights in shining armor. But this structure is not legend or fantasy, it is in fact, the Hotel Del Coronado, and guests can stay in this spectacular palace by the sea any time they choose.

The Del, as it is affectionately called, has a long and colorful history. Completed in 1888, it has undergone some $50 million dollars in renovations over the past five years. The charm and decor of yesterday is maintained while adding all of the modern day amenities.

When it was built, the hotel was the largest structure outside of New York City to be electrically lighted and Thomas Edison himself supervised the installation of his incandescent lamp invention. L. Frank Baum, author of the Wizard Of Oz, did much of his writing here, and is said to have based his designs for the Emerald City on the hotel.

Celebrities Galore

Edison and Baum are in good company. Throughout the years, everybody who is anybody had graced The Del with their presence. Presidents, heads of state, heores and movie stars have all stayed here.

Charles Lindbergh was honored with a huge party at the Del following his solo flight across the Atlantic. It is rumored that King Edward VIII first met Wallis Simpson, the woman he would abdicate his throne to marry, at the Del.

Needless to say, the hotel can be a very romantic place. It was even the inspiration for the quintessential romantic movie Somewhere In Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.

Marilyn Monroe could frequently be seen walking the Del's private beach in the 50's during the filming of Some Like It Hot, which was shot here. In fact, the Del was and is frequently used as a backdrop for movie and television productions.

Resident Ghost

Some guests like the Del so much that they refuse to leave. Kate Morgan is the Del's resident ghost. She checked in November of 1892 and never checked out.

Pregnant and waiting for an estranged husband who never showed up, Kate was found dead of a gunshot would to the head on the beach adjacent to the hotel. Officially declared a suicide, rumors to the contrary circulated.

Kate's spirit is said to haunt room 3312 to this day. Room 3205 is also reported to have similar occurrences of phantom noises and curtains billowing when there no one there to disturb them and the windows are closed.

Kate is such a famous ghost that an entire book has been written about her. San Francisco attorney Alan May was so captivated by her story (and his own ghostly experiences in her room) that he researched her life and the facts surrounding her mysterious death. His findings can be found in the book The Legend Of Kate Morgan.

Wining and Dining

What would a grand hotel be without fine dining. The Del has several options. The Crown Room, it's signature crown chandeliers designed by L. Frank Baum, is an architectural masterpiece. This is one of the largest pillar free rooms in North America. Stretching 156 feet long and 66 feet wide, the room's incredible sugar pine ceiling was entirely hand fitted, without using a single nail! Huge state dinners for presidents, princes and heroes have been held here thourghout the decades, but tourists can now dine here anytime. The Sunday brunch is absolutely not to be missed!

The Prince of Wales, an ocean front grille, overlooks the Pacific for a romantic view. The menu has recently been updated to reflect today's lighter, healthier trends. The food is wonderful and the wine list impressive.

There is live entertainment nightly and dancing after 9PM in the Ocean Terrace Lounge. The hand carved turn of the century bar makes an elegant backdrop for this fun night spot. Another great stop for cocktails is the bar just off the main lobby. You'll find a selection of 22 different Martinis here. A tasteful piano, played by an excellent pianist, completes the picture.

The Hotel Del Coronado has been a San Diego area landmark for a very long time. She went through some hard times and was almost destroyed at one point. Luckily, that is no longer a worry. The Del became a National Historic Landmark in 1977, thus assuring that her splendor will be around for future generations to enjoy. There is a tangible aura of history in the air at the Del. Take time to visit this very special place the next time your travels take you to Southern California. You won't be disappointed.

For more information or to make reservations call 800-HOTEL DEL (US) or 619-522-8000, FAX 619-522-8262. Visit the Del's website at www.hoteldel.com.

Be sure to also read

The View from Loews Coronado Bay Resort

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