When Hotel del Coronado opened in February 1888 with 750 rooms, it was the largest seaside resort in the world. It featured oceanfront accommodations, stunning Victorian architecture and beautifully appointed public rooms—including the ornate Crown Room with its elliptical ceiling and a grand circular ballroom with commanding views of the Pacific Ocean.
Through the years, The Del has hosted an array of prestigious gatherings—from grand galas and lavish receptions to distinguished banquets and high society affairs. The resort held its first wedding in September 1888, welcomed its first convention of the Editorial Association of Southern California in July 1889, and has served as a vibrant social hub and iconic backdrop for many momentous occasions.
King Kalakaua, the last king of Hawaii, visited the resort over the holidays in 1890, attending a reception in his honor. When Edward, Prince of Wales, stopped in San Diego on his way to Australia in April 1920, he was feted in the Crown Room.
Aviator Charles Lindbergh’s Goodwill Tour stopped at The Del on September 23, 1927. Humorist Will Rogers provided the introduction to a crowd of 1,000 guests while a miniature “Spirit of St. Louis” encircled the room.
From glittering celebrations to hosting eleven U.S. presidents, The Del has not only witnessed history but has played an integral role in shaping it. Today, it stands as a cherished landmark, blending its rich past with modern hospitality.