The Hotel del Coronado: What ‘Summer Dreams Are Made Of’

The Hotel del Coronado's reputation precedes it. People come from around the world to see the famed resort, travel experts laud the icon and historians embrace it as a landmark for the entire region.

Better yet, Coronadans enjoy it too.

A survey of locals in town, from business owners to civic leaders to longtime residents, found that they embrace the resort, which has been celebrating its 125th anniversary all year, a milestonenoted by top publications including the New York Times.

Despite the crowds that regularly throng the top tourist destination, they make it a hot spot for themselves, whether for community meetings, evenings out or naturally, to take out-of-town visitors.

Of course, some people go for the view, while others like the music and the shopping. As one said, “Summer dreams are made of that.”

Here's a selection of what a sampling of residents like to do at the Del:

Barbara Burton, boutique owner: “There are some great shops down below the main level and not super expensive like most would assume. Kate's Boutique carries a lot of designers that you would find at Nordstrom, a great selection of casual to cocktail dresses too if you don't want to leave the island to find something for a special occasion. ENO wine bar is totally fab with its outdoor fire pits and ocean view.”

Joe Ditler, PR agency owner and local historian: “Listening to Ron's Garage perform their wonderful music weekends on the upper pool deck, outside, with the Hotel Del on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.”

Jeffrey Felix, school superintendent: “I love to park my car on Ocean Boulevard or in that area and walk to the Del along the beach sidewalk. Best view in the world!”

Phil Monroe, former councilman and Rotary Club member: “My favorite thing at the Del is the Rotary Club luncheon.  What is unique about it is that the Club has been meeting at the Del since 1926.  I think there is only one member who has been inducted to the club that it wasn't done at the Del.  One day we had to meet at the Amphibious Base because the Del was booked.”

Doug St. Denis, Arts Commission member: “Sunset drinks with my Sweetie on the upper deck, overlooking the beach, curled up in one of the big cozy chairs with a fire going in the fire pit. Maybe an appetizer or two … summer dreams are made of that.”

Suzette Valle, mom and pop culture blogger: “When the summer temperatures make days by the beach bearable but the evenings still hold a slight chill, we like to sit at one of the fire pits at the Hotel Del. It is an ideal area to relax by a warm fire, under a moonlit sky, and listen to the waves crash in the background with a glass of wine.”

What do you like to do at the Del? Tell us in the comments!