Birthday Weekend at the Del Coronado

I recently returned from one of the most relaxing vacations I have had in a long while. For those that know me well, relaxing on vacation is a major accomplishment for me. As a type A personality, I typically run at a speed unimaginable by most, even while on vacation. “Have I seen everything I could ever want to see here? There are two hours left in the day, where else can we go?” This is what I put my sweet husband through on most vacations. But this wasn't most vacations.

I have been to San Diego several times. As such, I have knocked out all the tourist sites along with most of the "off the beaten path" must see destinations. I usually have a list of restaurants which I’ve ranked in order of importance to narrow the list down to just the right ones to visit. I had no list at all for this trip. There was only one thing on this trip that I wanted to accomplish and that was a Birthday stay at the famous "Hotel Del Coronado".

Like many who have visited San Diego and Coronado Island, I have seen the Del, but not stayed there. With its tremendous grandeur and stunning red roof, it is hard not to be impressed with just the sheer size and presence of the hotel. After arriving on the property, I immediately questioned to myself why I had not stayed here before. I could not have been more excited to be staying at the Del this time around.

The magic continued as we made our way to the lobby, which is extremely elegant with dark wood throughout and a massive chandler overhead. When it was our turn, I requested an upgrade to a room with an ocean view. Being from the Midwest, anytime I have an opportunity to see the ocean I will pay extra for that view. Room 6632 Ocean Tower was mine for the next 4 days.

In my opinion, this room has the most amazing view of the Del Property. It’s a corner room with windows on the Del side and a balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Honestly, the room was perfect in every way. In the mornings, we enjoyed coffee on the balcony where we could watch dolphins and observe the navy seals perform their training duties. At night, the balcony had an equally amazing, but different vibe where we could enjoy the cooler weather over a late-night glass of wine and reminisce about our day. We leisurely shopped and ate at numerous places, both on the Del property as well as on Coronado Island. We also took the short ferry ride to downtown San Diego for a day trip. Nothing was planned other than the legendary historic tour of the Del, which I would highly recommend. Everything was just what we felt like doing that day, which was fantastic.

If you love hotels that are rich in history and character, then you need to add the Del Coronado to your list of must stay hotels. Everyone deserves to feel like royalty and the staff at the Del do not disappoint in this department. Birthdays really are special occasions, even when you are 40 something. Thank you to my husband and all the staff at the Del for making this Birthday a memory that I will never forget!