The landmark "Del" is a beautiful old hotel, and is among the most famous hotels in the U.S. Almost 120 years old, the Del has been updated several times, resulting in some very small and oddly-shaped rooms in the main structure of the hotel. More standard rooms (in size and decor) are available in the seven-story tower built in (I believe) the late 1960s. The rooms in the older part of the hotel are small and plainly furnished. Be sure to request a room with ocean view, since many of the rooms have no view at all. I thought that the rooms were a bit mundane for the price, but it''s really the whole "Del" experience that you are paying for.
The hotel complex is spectacular. The red-roofed, wooden structure is elegant, with a sweeping veranda and instantly recognizable cupola towering over the beach. The hotel has a wonderful pool, complete with pool bar and outdoor patio restaurant (serving sandwiches, salads, burgers and hot dogs, etc...) The Del is situated on a gorgeous stretch of beachfront property. The wide beach, made famous in the Marilyn Monroe film "Some Like it Hot," looks much now as it did in the movie, with a magnificent view of the grand old hotel behind you as you lie on the sand. (Just be aware that the other end of Coronado is home to an Air Force base, and low-flying military planes are a regular occurance.)
My favorite part of the Del is the rich, wood-paneled lobby. Decorated in the dark, heavy style of the Victorian-era, it is a great place to meet for a drink. The old-fashioned elevator, complete with filigreed "cage" is a beauty. The "Crown" dining room, which features crown-shaped chandeliers designed by "Wizard of Oz" author Frank Baum, is the where Sunday Brunch is served - don''t miss it! Although the brunch is a tad on the expensive side (I don''t remember the exact price) the food was very good and plentiful and dining in the famous room is a real treat.
The Del also has a basement shopping concourse, with very nice shops and services, as well as an interesting photo-history of the hotel lining the walls.
There is also a spa. I had a massage and whirlpool in the 20s-style spa and was very pleased.
I also attended a small wedding held in one of the beach-front cabanas - the food and service were excellent.
While the rooms are so-so, the hotel itself is perfectly lovely. Go there for the whole experience - if you are only looking for a room to sleep in while you check out San Diego, I wouldn''t recommend staying here. However, if you are looking to spend some time at your hotel, a few days at the Del is a vacation in itself.
http://www.hoteldel.com/