The legendary 1888 Victorian beachfront resort where Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot.
The Hotel del Coronado stands as a towering, red-roofed monument of Queen Anne Victorian architecture, its white wooden facade and dramatic spires defining the coastline of Coronado since 1888. Conceived by founders Elisha Babcock Jr. and Hampton L. Story, and designed by architect James W. Reid, the legendary resort was built in a mere eleven months by a crew of hundreds of local laborers. As one of the largest wooden structures in the United States, the property has hosted a parade of historical figures, including U.S. presidents, royalty, and Hollywood stars. It famously served as the backdrop for the 1959 comedy classic Some Like It Hot, where Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon cavorted on the adjacent sands. Over the decades, the hotel has carefully preserved its gilded age charm, culminating in a massive, multi-year, 550 million dollar restoration completed in 2025. This extensive preservation project, led by Blackstone Real Estate, meticulously revitalized the historic Victorian building, returning long-lost architectural details to their original 19th-century glory.
Inside the main lobby, the atmosphere is defined by rich, polished Illinois oak and the slow, rhythmic hum of the historic Otis birdcage elevator, one of the oldest operating elevators in the country. The restoration successfully reinstated the original "haint blue" ceilings on the outdoor verandas and vibrant red window sashes, while the open-air central garden courtyard has been enhanced with a fountain designed to replicate the long-lost 1888 original. Just off the lobby, the legendary Crown Room showcases James Reid's architectural genius: a massive, cavernous ceiling constructed entirely of sugar pine, assembled with pegs and glue without the use of a single nail. The room's crown-shaped chandeliers were designed by L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, who spent multiple winters at the resort writing several books in his famous fantasy series. This historic space, which hosted the first state dinner held outside the White House by President Richard Nixon in 1970, has been fully refreshed alongside the neighboring Coronet Room.
The resort's modern era introduces refined luxury while honoring its heritage across its 757 guest rooms, suites, and private beachfront residences. The 2025 renovation completely modernized the 404 guest rooms within the historic Victorian building, integrating contemporary comforts like updated climate control and plumbing with period-accurate wallpapers and casework. Guests can choose between these historic quarters or the more secluded, residential-style accommodations at Beach Village and Shore House at The Del. Dining at the resort has also been elevated with new culinary concepts. Veranda offers an open-air, coastal dining experience that pays homage to the hotel's original 20-foot-wide wraparound porch, while Nobu Del Coronado provides a sophisticated beachfront outpost featuring a dedicated sushi bar and an outdoor Pagoda Bar. Whether sipping a cocktail on the deck or admiring the sunset over the Pacific, visitors are enveloped in a living museum where the glamour of the late 19th century seamlessly meets the luxury of the modern day.
Look up at the Crown Room's ceiling, built entirely of sugar pine without a single nail, and admire the crown chandeliers designed by Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum.
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