Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Besides the Victorian look, this place plays on the legends: Thomas Edison who inspected the installation of electric lights in 1888; Henry James, who enjoyed the smell of flowers there in 1905; the Prince of Wales who supposedly met his commoner wife there in 1920, Marilyn Monroe who with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon made Some Like It Hot there in 1958, President Nixon who entertained President Diaz Ordaz there in 1970. Tourists love the hotel. Even locals will take advantage of the firepits on the patio bar on warm summer nights.
Upcoming Events
Tea & Tonic
Quintessa & Serẽa Wine Dinner
ENO Wine Bar – Happy Hour Wine Tasting, Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00PM
Stellar service, gourmet goodies, and a buzz to boot – happy hour at ENO Wine Bar, and now pizzeria, is nothing short of fabulous.
Upon arrival I was disappointed to find that prices had increased from my last visit. But after they lit the heat lamps and poured me six generous tastings ($16.00), I could have camped there all night by the fire pits while gazing out at the Del’s palm clustered, perfect pool.
My group was excited about the quality of wines and food, especially the new artisan pizzas. There is now a wood fired oven placed outside and a chef who prepares your pie right in front of you. This was the best pizza I’ve had on the island (sorry Alexander’s I still love you). Their dough, sauce, and select toppings are made on sight and it’s quality you can taste. I was especially impressed with the homemade fennel sausage and veal meatballs. Pizzas can also be ordered to go and would make for a delicious beach picnic.
*call ahead to be sure they are not closed for a private event http://www.hoteldel.com/eno-wine.aspx
$16 for six glasses pretty good. What's the catch? Pizza cheap, too? I remember paying north of $20 for b&b at the Del, so maybe they suck you in for high prices after 7.
Wine is definitely the better deal. Pizza is $15-$18 for a ten inch...no happy hour special. Worth the price if you are craving a truly artisan pizza.
Pool Hoppers Anonymous
Have you ever gazed longingly at the Del’s perfect pool and flirted with the idea of sneaking in? Maybe some have dared, but I’ve always been deterred by the possibility and embarrassment of being caught – not the case with many local teens.
According to my sources, Nado’s local kids sneak in all the time. They go in the gate when left open by an exiting guest, or they take the elevator. I’ve never ridden the elevator in the Del, but apparently you can exit on a pool entry level. The Del is not alone; these kids spilled the beans on many other local pools they’ve crashed. Kind of wishing I grew up in Coronado – sure sounds like a good time.