For 133 years, the Hotel del Coronado has welcomed presidents, movie stars and discerning travelers looking to escape to one of the most iconic beaches in Southern California.
The Queen Ann architectural hotel now offers five distinct neighborhood experiences. Besides the charm and character of the Victorian hotel, the refreshed coastal design The Cabanas feature guestrooms just steps from the sparkling pool and sun deck. The beachside guestrooms have a terrace and firepit, while the poolside rooms offer guests a private cabana.
Guests staying in The Views have unobstructed vistas of the rolling waves, boats sailing in the horizon and picturesque sunsets. The gated Beach Village community has a separate personalized welcome check-in center, away from the lively main lobby. It's quieter at the numerous pools strategically placed between beachfront cottages and three-story villas. All have beach, ocean and palm tree views.
The newest neighborhood is Shore House at The Del, offering residential-style whole-ownership, limited-term occupancy residential condominiums.
In collaboration with EPIC Entertainment Group, The Del is brighter than ever for the 2021 Holiday season. The team transforms the resort into 'Home for the Holidays' now through January 2, 2022. EPIC created an 11-minute holiday 'At First Light' light show spectacular in the front Founder's Lawn at the hotel.
EPIC is co-founded in 2016 by Charity Hill and Steve Sheldon after working together in event production at The Queen Mary in Long Beach. Together they created America's first Ice Adventure Park and produced CHILL, Southern California's premiere holiday attraction.
'In 1904, Hotel del Coronado, already considered a technological marvel, made history when it unveiled the world's first electrically-lighted, outdoor, living Christmas tree,' shared Sheldon. 'To help continue the tradition of lighting the historic 140-foot tree is such an honor. We can't think of a better way to kick off the season.'
The towering tree shimmers with different colored lights and illuminations to festive music. Guests, visitors and locals, lie on the grass and look up to see the show at a different angle, others sit or stand on the grass and paved pathway. There is an ornament prop for photo opportunities and snow falling creating excitement for everyone in San Diego, since it never snows next to the beach.
'As a leader in storytelling through creative experiences, it only makes sense for us to dream up new delights for Hotel del Coronado for guests to immerse themselves in,' said Charity Hill. 'The project started back in February 2021, when I met with a team at the hotel to discuss the possibilities for a winter light show. I was one of the only guests staying here at that time.' Now The Del is filled with couples, families and friends rejoicing in the holiday lights and festivities. 'We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our creative expertise and magnify theme curation and guest immersion through design and decor,' said Hill.
Guests entering the legendary Victorian lobby will be transformed into the holiday spirit with EPIC's dazzling 23-foot Christmas tree featuring ten thousand amber lights, and over two thousand ornaments. Many of the ornaments can be purchased in the gift shops on the property, including the custom 2021 Hotel del Coronado collectible ornament.
Throughout the property, EPIC decorated the various neighborhoods at The Del with beautiful bows, glittering garland and over 20 themed Christmas trees ranging in size from 8 feet to a breathtaking 25 foot tall tree out in the Victorian Garden.
Another spectacular outdoor towering tree is located at the front corner of the hotel featuring over 100 Poinsettia plants.
Other 'Home for the Holidays' festivities at The Del include beachfront ice skating at 'Skating by the Sea' and 'Frostbite' lounge offering holiday-themed cocktails and snacks to enjoy at a reserved firepit for up to six people. The cozy area overlooks the ice rink and lights around the hotel.
At the Paseo Lawn, families can has little one's pose with Santa for a holiday keepsake. Online reservations are required for the 10 days in December that Santa visits The Del.
The Victorian Tea is back on Dec. 17, 19, 20 and 21 in the exquisite Coronet Room. Take a step back in time with a classic Victoria Tea featuring a variety of teas, finger sandwiches and sweets while listening to holiday music. Reservations can be made here.
Celebrate an EPIC holiday this year at the beachfront Hotel del Coronado for a classic winter wonderland now through January 2, 2022.
