1888: Hotel founders, Elisha Babcock and Hampton Story, Jr., along with San Diego developer Alonzo Horton, survey Coronado beach, c. 1886. Although neither Babcock nor Story had experience in the hotel business, they were so inspired by the natural beauty of Coronado that they decided to buy the island and build a magnificent hotel, one that would be “the talk of the western world,” a hotel where “people will continue to come long after we are gone." Con queste parole inizia la storia di uno dei piu' famosi hotel della storia americana. Il 2013 segna il 125 anniversario di una vera e propria leggenda l' "Hotel Del Coronado", oggi semplicemente "Hotel Del" tanto e' famoso nel mondo.
Si trova a San Diego, nella California meridionale e vanta un elenco di personalità' famose che vi hanno soggiornato per oltre un secolo. Senza fare particolari elenchi, peraltro lunghi, di nomi della storia e del cinema USA, ci limiteremo a ricordare alcuni di loro. Charles Lindbergh, Charlie Chaplin, Kirk Douglas, Ronald Reagan, Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford e Billy Wilder che nel 1958 ambiento' proprio qui buona parte del suo film "A qualcuno piace caldo" con Marylyn Monroe.
L' Hotel "Del" era nato come punto di villeggiatura di lusso in un' epoca in cui la California era ancora lontana come meta preferita per i viaggiatori della costa orientale che vi arrivavano in treno. E' stato uno tra i primi ad avere la corrente elettrica e altre comodità' non del tutto scontate per quell' epoca.
Oggi e' un hotel che ha mantenuto il suo stile architettonico vittoriano con il fascino d' altri tempi ma con tutte le comodità' e amenities di lusso possibili e immaginabili. Le sue camere in gran parte con vista sulla' Oceano Pacifico, si affacciano sulla bellissima spiaggia dell' isola di Coronado, località' rinomata con belle ville e nota per essere la sede dei Navy Seals, i famosi corpi speciali della marina USA impiegati nel raid contro Bin Laden.
I tramonti sulla spiaggia di S.Diego sono unici davvero suggestivi e perfetti per un momento romantico in coppia. L' Hotel "Del" e' la meta principale per molti matrimoni in America. Gli sposi arrivano da tutte le parti per sposarsi sulla spiaggia al tramonto.
L' Hotel "Del" ha preso da noi il punteggio più alto per la qualità delle accommodations e i servizi offerti. Adesso valuteremo se, come dicono, ha uno dei migliori ristoranti della citta' il "1500 Ocean" che vanta un gourmet addirittura di ispirazione italiana. Come sempre facciamo per i nostri lettori, la degustazione di un menu' a la carte per assegnare il nostro punteggio al ristorante e allo chef di turno.
La cena ha inizio con una novità' assoluta in USA, le chickpeas fries, tradotto patatine (ma senza le patate) di farina di ceci. Insomma sono panelle a forma di fries, patatine appunto. A cui diamo un 10/20 per l'idea originale. Abbinamento di vino era un' etichetta americana dal nome simpatico "Scarpetta" prodotto in Colorado, voto 15/20. Ottimo accostamento di un bollicine fruttato quasi Italiano e ben azzeccato con il gusto particolare della farina di ceci. Si prosegue con un piatto di crudo of the day, in questo caso yellow tuna, ben presentato, dal gusto delicato e piuttosto curato nelle note cromatiche del piatto. A questo abbiamo dato 15/20. Il pairing del vino era in questo caso un "Cape Mentelle" Margaret River del western Australia a cui senza indugio abbiamo assegnato un 20/20.
La cena e' continuata con un Wild Sea Bass al Cilantro ed Ananas in perfetto equilibrio di ingredienti, opposti tra loro, e coadiuvati dalla giusta potenza conferita da uno "Chardonnay 2011 Sonoma Coast" di classe 15/20 per entrambi vino e piatto. Il tutto con un finale dolce presentato con una fantasia di Cheesecake e Sorbetto al Cabernet molto delicati, voto 15/20. Il vino era un "Moscato Vietti" italiano a cui abbiamo dato 20/20. Servizio al tavolo ottimo da parte di John Olson a cui diamo 20/20. Lo chef Robert Hohmann merita una media complessiva di 20/20 per il perfetto accostamento dei vini, le creazioni dei piatti e il servizio impeccabili oltre al merito di utilizzare aromi ed erbette direttamente coltivati davanti al ristorante. Il "1500 Ocean" e' un indirizzo da non perdere a S.Diego.
Highlights! Un' alternativa al ristorante e' un bell' aperitivo al tramonto e subito dopo un falo' con la famiglia con delizie dolci da preparare sul fuoco direttamente vicino al mare sulla bellissima e leggendaria spiaggia.
Upcoming Holidays Events 2013
This year’s holiday theme is "Celebrating 125 Years of Holiday Magic" as we culminate the resort's 125th anniversary! The resort will be decorated with classic Victorian decorations, tartan plaid, antique platinum accents, and vintage Santas. Add 100,000 glittering lights, Victorian carolers and a beachfront ice skating rink, and Hotel del Coronado will truly be Southern California’s holiday wonderland.
- Thanksgiving -
The oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room feature elegant buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings and live musical entertainment. The resort’s holiday programs will be kicked off on Thanksgiving weekend, including seaside ice skating against the backdrop of 100,000 white lights. Cost is $98.50 for adults, $40 for children. 1500 OCEAN and Sheerwater will offer special menus along with spectacular Pacific views. Click for the 2013 Thanksgiving Dinner menu. Click here to reserve your table.
The oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room feature elegant buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings and live musical entertainment. The resort’s holiday programs will be kicked off on Thanksgiving weekend, including seaside ice skating against the backdrop of 100,000 white lights. Cost is $98.50 for adults, $40 for children. 1500 OCEAN and Sheerwater will offer special menus along with spectacular Pacific views. Click for the 2013 Thanksgiving Dinner menu. Click here to reserve your table.
- Holiday Festival -
On Wednesday, December 4, The Del will feature a special event for the whole family – “Holiday Festival…A Family Celebration.” In addition to the outdoor ice rink, kids of all ages can visit with St. Nick and his elves at Santa’s Village and enjoy holiday booths with games and prizes. There will also be hot cocoa, libations and fireworks.
On Wednesday, December 4, The Del will feature a special event for the whole family – “Holiday Festival…A Family Celebration.” In addition to the outdoor ice rink, kids of all ages can visit with St. Nick and his elves at Santa’s Village and enjoy holiday booths with games and prizes. There will also be hot cocoa, libations and fireworks.
- Sunday Brunch with Santa -
As an added treat this holiday season, kids of all ages can visit with jolly ol’ St. Nick in the Crown Room during The Del’s festive Sunday brunch. Parents will want to bring their cameras to capture the magical moments with Santa. (December 1, 8, 15 and 22).
As an added treat this holiday season, kids of all ages can visit with jolly ol’ St. Nick in the Crown Room during The Del’s festive Sunday brunch. Parents will want to bring their cameras to capture the magical moments with Santa. (December 1, 8, 15 and 22).
- An American Christmas Production -
The Del is pleased to present the annual production An American Christmas, performed by the award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre, for a limited engagement in the Ballroom December 16-24. The Marshall family – played by 30 versatile performers who never miss a beat – welcome you to a celebration set 100 years ago with stories, songs, dance and laughter, all woven around a sumptuous four-course yuletide dinner prepared by The Del’s master chefs. Call the Lamb's Players box office at 619-437-6000 or click here to buy your tickets online.
The Del is pleased to present the annual production An American Christmas, performed by the award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre, for a limited engagement in the Ballroom December 16-24. The Marshall family – played by 30 versatile performers who never miss a beat – welcome you to a celebration set 100 years ago with stories, songs, dance and laughter, all woven around a sumptuous four-course yuletide dinner prepared by The Del’s master chefs. Call the Lamb's Players box office at 619-437-6000 or click here to buy your tickets online.
- Christmas Dining -
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a lavish Victorian buffet dinner in the magnificent Crown Room with live musical entertainment. Click for the 2013 Christmas Eve menu. Cost is $115 for adults, $45.50 for children. Click here to reserve your table.
On Christmas Day, the oceanfront Ballroom and the magnificent Crown Room will feature traditional holiday buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings. Click for the 2013 Christmas Day menu. Cost is $98.50 for adults, $40 for children. Click here to reserve your table. For a more intimate celebration, 1500 OCEAN will offer a special holiday menu for your family and loved ones.
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a lavish Victorian buffet dinner in the magnificent Crown Room with live musical entertainment. Click for the 2013 Christmas Eve menu. Cost is $115 for adults, $45.50 for children. Click here to reserve your table.
On Christmas Day, the oceanfront Ballroom and the magnificent Crown Room will feature traditional holiday buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings. Click for the 2013 Christmas Day menu. Cost is $98.50 for adults, $40 for children. Click here to reserve your table. For a more intimate celebration, 1500 OCEAN will offer a special holiday menu for your family and loved ones.
- Victorian Tea -
As a special treat for tea lovers, or those who just want to relax and enjoy the background sounds of our delightful harpist, The Del serves Victorian Tea December 14-24 and 26-31. Ladies and gentlemen, mothers and daughters and good friends will love this charming tradition. Cost is $50 for adults, $25 for children. Click here to reserve your table. Click here to view the tea menu.
As a special treat for tea lovers, or those who just want to relax and enjoy the background sounds of our delightful harpist, The Del serves Victorian Tea December 14-24 and 26-31. Ladies and gentlemen, mothers and daughters and good friends will love this charming tradition. Cost is $50 for adults, $25 for children. Click here to reserve your table. Click here to view the tea menu.
- Holiday Recreation -
During the holiday season at The Del, guests of all ages enjoy a variety of activities including holiday night bike tours through festive Coronado Island, cookie decorating, crafts for kids, and Kidtopia Camp with holiday scavenger hunts and family s’mores roasts. Little ones will love the “Elf Tuck-Ins” where they are visited by real elves at bedtime. Teens can hang out at Vibz teen lounge, featuring billiards, foosball, computers and more (for those ages 13-17). Call 619-522-8100 for more information and reservations.
During the holiday season at The Del, guests of all ages enjoy a variety of activities including holiday night bike tours through festive Coronado Island, cookie decorating, crafts for kids, and Kidtopia Camp with holiday scavenger hunts and family s’mores roasts. Little ones will love the “Elf Tuck-Ins” where they are visited by real elves at bedtime. Teens can hang out at Vibz teen lounge, featuring billiards, foosball, computers and more (for those ages 13-17). Call 619-522-8100 for more information and reservations.
- Holiday Shopping -
Offering everything from fine jewelry, fun toys, apparel and accessories for all ages to home décor, bath and body, sweets and treats, and holiday keepsakes, Shops at The Del make it easy to find just the right gift for everyone on your list. A variety of shops and boutiques are open daily from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Or, shop from home at www.delshop.com. Click here to order the 2013 annual holiday ornament.
Offering everything from fine jewelry, fun toys, apparel and accessories for all ages to home décor, bath and body, sweets and treats, and holiday keepsakes, Shops at The Del make it easy to find just the right gift for everyone on your list. A variety of shops and boutiques are open daily from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Or, shop from home at www.delshop.com. Click here to order the 2013 annual holiday ornament.
- Holiday Day Packages -
Plan a holiday outing to remember and experience the all of the magic of holidays at The Del at a great savings! Call 619-522-8100 to reserve. Available November 27 to January 4.
Plan a holiday outing to remember and experience the all of the magic of holidays at The Del at a great savings! Call 619-522-8100 to reserve. Available November 27 to January 4.
Family Experience: 2 adult/2 children’s ice skating passes, $100 dining credit, holiday-themed "Jingle S’mores" on the beach for four, 2013 collector's ornament, complimentary self-parking. Weekday rate $225/Weekend rate $275 (valued at $398!)
Romantic Experience: 50-minute couples massage at Spa at The Del, two ice skating passes, holiday-themed "Jingle S’mores" on the beach for two, 2013 collector's ornament, complimentary self-parking.Weekday rate $325/Weekend rate $375 (valued at $685!)
- Spa La La La La -Spa at The Del offers the perfect way to unwind during the holiday rush. With fabulous ocean-inspired treatments, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and a spectacular outdoor terrace and vanishing edge pool overlooking the Pacific, there’s truly something for everyone.
