By Kimberly Reid
The Hotel Del Coronado, a seaside
resort in Coronado, California, is over 120 years old. It was famous for being one of the first upscale western
resorts, and it attracted politicians and movie stars. Today the hotel is a National Historic Landmark.
Establishment
Elisha Babcock and H. L. Story founded the Hotel Del Coronado with hopes of creating the best beach resort in the western world. The hotel opened in 1888, but it hosted its first wedding before then, in 1887.
The Turret
The notable red-roofed turret that overlooks the beach was built to house the ballroom, complete with a stage for performances. To modernize the aesthetic appeal and acoustics, builders have since lowered the ceiling. Hiding in the extra space between roof and ceiling are an old movie projector used in the 1900s and a balcony.
Notable Visitors
Some of the Del Coronado's famous visitors include eleven U.S. presidents, Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, Charlie Chaplin, and England's King Edward VIII, who later stepped down from his royal position to marry a woman from Coronado. More recent visitors include Madonna and Brad Pitt.
A Ghostly Visitor
The Hotel Del Coronado is rumored to be a paranormal hot spot, and visitors blame strange happenings on Kate Morgan, a woman who died at the hotel in 1892. Legends and ghost stories surrounding this woman have circulated at the hotel ever since she died.
In the Movies
Starting in 1901, the Hotel Del Coronado has been the setting for numerous Hollywood movies, including "The Stunt Man," which features a fight scene on the roof. One of the most well known movies shot here is the 1958 film "Some Like It Hot," starring Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis.
World War II
The hotel's look-out point is 150 feet above the ground, although it is not open to the public. During World War II, the military used the hotel's lofty perch to monitor the shoreline for enemy ships, submarines and aircraft.
Heritage Department
The history of the Hotel Del Coronado is so lengthy and rich that the hotel has its own Heritage Department. Their historians are dedicated to publishing more details about the Coronado's well known stories, like the legend of Kate Morgan, as well as sharing lesser known facts.
About the Author:
Kimberly Reid graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's degree in English. Following graduation, she worked as a magazine editor for six years and now work for an academic journal. When she is not editing, she enjoys writing fiction and traveling.
