The legendary beach front resort Hotel del Coronadoby Belkis Kambach
The Del Coronado today holds the same seductive charm it did in its early days. When you step into the entrance, you get an eloquent introduction to the most gracious lobby in all San Diego. Classically vaulted and pillared, it glows with marble and mahogany, reflecting its 1888 grandeur.
Browsing through the magazines in our suite, I opened the hotel's own publication, which provided a history of this enclave. It was in this same hotel that the 1959 comedy, �Some Like It Hot� starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, was filmed.
Guests at The Del have their choice of� different rooms, or you may stay, as my husband and I did,� in a spectacular suite # 6727 Oceanfront Towers Suite, located on the top floor which has a sweeping view of the Pacific.� Understated, oversized rooms are creations in light and space with light color furnishings, fresh flowers and a sitting room adjacent to the main bedroom where couples can simply relax and read on the large sofa or chairs, which are covered in a hunting pattern, reminiscent of our safari today.
The Del is appealing to anniversary celebrants like ourselves, young parents out for a night away from the kids and honeymooners who will especially enjoy the large bath stocked with luxurious products and a tub big enough for two. You and your lover can enjoy a nightcap or Caf� au lait overlooking the Pacific. The next morning we slept late, then slipped on our plush Del robes and padded our way straight to the balcony. Other morning choices include a body polish for renewal or a stress-melting massage at their Spa. Compared with other glitzier hotels, the atmosphere resembles a private country club more than a nest of networking corporate Americans.� As we were getting ready to leave we realized that what impressed us most about the Del was its architecture, gardens and lack of pretense. It's an oasis of unassuming glamour. And yes, for such an astronomical amount of dough, we could have stayed three or four nights at a lesser resort. But when was the last time you celebrated your anniversary so grandly? Prince of Wales RecipeLocal Spiny Lobster and Flash-Seared Day Boat Halibut This dish showcases two extraordinary local products that rarely show up on San Diego menus.� Our local spiny lobsters, in season October to March, are far sweeter and meatier than their distant Maine relatives. Our small local day-boat halibut require a careful touch at the stove.� They are not as forgiving to overcooking as the large fish from Alaskan waters, but their incredible freshness tips the scales in their favor. Ingredients Method Steam the lobsters for exactly 11 minutes, chill immediately in an ice bath.
Serves 4 IF YOU GO:The Del rooms at range from about 205$, for the room with limited views, to $2,300 for the the Beach House, a� private two bedroom cottage on the beach is. Our suite cost $850.00 per night for two. For more information or to make a reservation contact the Reservations Department at: delreservations@hoteldel.com,�� http://www.hoteldel.com 1500 Orange Avenue� Coronado, CA 92118�� 800-HOTELDEL� 619-435-6611 DINING AT THE DEL To make a reservation at one of The Del restaurants or for special dining events, contact: deldining@hoteldel.com � In San Diego you can dive into a mecca of activities from SeaWorld, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, LEGOLAND California, Balboa Park and historic Old Town will fill your days with excitement and memories.� There are enough attractions within reasonable distance of the Del to keep guests happily occupied for days. San Diego Visitor Information: Tonya Stefan San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, Direct Line: (619) 557-2810� Web Site: http://www.sandiego.org SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road� Escondido CA 92027-7017. (760) 747-8702� PHOTO CARAVANS Because of their popularity, tours run Wednesdays through Sundays, year-round (weather permitting). Call (760) 738-5022 for information. These tours are available by reservation only. Limited Space on vehicle - a minimum of 8 people and maximum of 12 per truck. A maximum of four trucks are available. Last Photo Caravan will be scheduled 2 hours before sunset. To ensure a safe experience, children under 8 years of age are not permitted on caravan vehicles.� (619) 685-3257. Don�t forget to bring lots of film for some amazing photo opportunities. LOCATION Located 32 miles northeast of the Zoo near the city of Escondido in north San Diego County.� Directions from the Hotel Del (SOUTH) (northbound): From State Route 163 (downtown San Diego, Mission Valley) proceed to Interstate 15 to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Go east and follow signs to the Park. From Interstate 5 or 805 (Mexico), proceed to the SR 163, then to Interstate 15, and then exit at Via Rancho Parkway. Follow signs east. Hours: The Wild Animal Park is open 365 days a year. Spring hours are in effect: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (grounds close at 5 p.m.) Admission Prices: General admission: Adults $21.95, Child $14.95. Children 2 and under are free. Two-Park Ticket (Zoo and Wild Animal Park to use within 5 days from day of purchase): Adult $38.35, Child $23.15 . Parking is $5 per vehicle. Photo Caravan costs: tour 1 or 2 $70.00 Tour 3 $94.00 Deposit required: $170 per truck reserved. Other Wildlife Viewing in San Diego Include: San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego CA 92103. (619) 234-3153. General Information Open at 9 a.m., 365 days a year. Closing times vary by seasons. For current hour and prices, call (619) 234-6541. Sea World San Diego 500 Sea World Drive (Mission Bay), San Diego, CA 92109� (619) 226-3901 FAX (619) 226-3996 CA (800) 325-3150, US (800) SEA WORLD (732-9675).������ Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP) Ever wanted to enter the watery world of dolphins? Now is your chance with SeaWorld�s Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP).� Program fees are $125.�� These fees do not include admission to the park. Advance registration is recommended: call 1-877-436-5746 for more information. SeaWorld California Single Day Ticket - Adult: $40.00 Child (Ages 3 - 11): $30.00 Other attractions that will enhance your stay in San Diego include: Balboa Park & Museums (619) 231-1515, San Diego Harbor Tour 1050 N. Harbor Dr. (800) 44-Cruise San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours Legoland California One Lego Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 918-LEGO (5346) FAX (760) 918-5459 Belkis Kambach can be reached at travelwriter@att.net |
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We arrived late afternoon just as the sun was setting in the heart of San Diego Bay. The posh Del crowns the charming island of Coronado, defining the word splendor not only with its turn-of-the-century architecture but also with its elegant 112-year old romance with Victorian style.
Located in the heart of� Coronado, it is neighbor to San Diego's elegant boutiques, restaurants and museums. It is also situated where every visitor to San Diego wants to be, a convenient distance from the airport, the Pacific and other attractions. 
With our appetites ravenous after feeding those rhinos, we were ready to dine at eight. Rob was handsome as ever in his khaki safari shirt, and I think he had even combed his hair for the occasion. We strolled to the Prince of Whales restaurant, all the way enjoying the scent of tropical flowers scenting the cool night air.� The restaurant will soon overlook the city,� is lovely with crisp white linen cloths, fine china, crystal and fresh flowers on every table. The excellent food and fine wines were complemented by� smartly uniformed waiters providing impeccable service.
We were in the main dining room, a gorgeous space. We nibbled fresh-baked bread while scanning the menu. To start, we shared a salad and wild mushroom soup.� We both decided on a perfect local spiny lobster and flash-seared day boat halibut with lemon grass broth that was beautiful. As we raised glasses of wine, our candlelight dinner was served. We shortly became fans of chef Matt Van Marter�s cuisine legere (light cuisine), delicious dishes that taste too good to be so good for you. We couldn�t help but indulge in his unique apple Millefeuille with cinnamon mousse and calvados caramel sauce. It was fit for kings, and a fitting way to end� such a memorable day in San Diego. Make reservations ahead of time for this ultimate fine-dining experience.
Passing through porticoes, gazebos and gardens between pink azaleas and white birds-of-paradise, we came to our suite, one of 681 rooms hidden in this serene, 26-acre enclave. Its secluded suites and glorious grounds greet and surprise guests at every turn, an unabashedly romantic retreat.�
Beyond the simple but elegant sitting room, double doors open onto a bedroom with a king-for-a-day, whicker-trimmed bed, a dressing room and bathroom.� TVs, a CD stereo and a wet bar ensure your every comfort. We appreciated the hotel's signature welcome: a covered basket cradling fresh� fruit, French cheese with lavish Hawaiian crackers and Del Cabernet Sauvignon wine. "I love camping� here," Rob said, pouring coffee into thimble-sized cup. "This is all husbands really want -- to be pampered, coddled and spoiled rotten."