Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Del at Christmas

Well, if we had had a 10-year-old with us, he or she could have solved our recent problem in a matter of moments. However, we had to call on a technician to tell us that it was a glich with our server. And with that matter corrected, we are now back on schedule.

"With its iconic red turrets piercing the taut horizontal lines of an azure California skyline, the Hotel del Coronado radiates with a confidence of gracious Victorian splendor that is without equal.

"Built in 1888, this classic beachfront respite near San Diego, California has long been heralded as one of America’s most beautiful beach resorts.

"The Del's visionary founders--Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story--dreamed of building a seaside resort that would be 'the talk of the Western world.' Since then, the resort has become a living legend, visited by celebrities, dignitaries and U.S. presidents.

In fact, publisher Rand McNally recognized the Hotel del Coronado for enjoying "more fame and historical significance than perhaps any hotel in North America" (hoteldel.com).

On the day we visited "The Del," we did, indeed, feel as though we were visiting a beach resort. Diners on the patio enjoyed the sun as they overlooked the water standing in the ice skating rink.

As we entered the hotel, signs of Christmas brought us into a winter mood.


















This display, elegant in its simplicity, in the lobby entrance is perfect for a hotel that will be celebrating its 125th anniversary next year.
























The lobby's dark woodwork spoke of the richness of a period when guests spoke in soft voices and moved at a slower pace.


Also, moving at a slower pace provides an opportunity to view the details of the lobby's woodwork. From every angle, a view revealed details that craftsmen of decades ago must have taken great pride in producing.


Even the spaces for those hushed-tone conversations were located in alcoves just off the main lobby walkway.


And then there was this beautifully decorated tree that warranted a closer look.

No comments: