New Year's Day 2011 and A Visit to the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, San Diego, CA
A very special evening with close friends, plenty of wine and champagne, and fabulous food with everyone chipping in made for a wonderful way to ring in the New Year last night.
And with living on the Left Coast we get to enjoy Times Square at 9, Chicago at 10 and then LA at midnight (I think we watched something at 11 but we were having too much fun laughing and I don't remember). Here was our contribution (OK, it was my wife's - I didn't do a thing this time).
Today,New Year's Day 2011, was a day of downtime after a very later night, and a visit with my wife, Kay, to the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. Coronado Island isn't really an island but there is a really neat bridge to get you from San Diego over the bay to Coronado.
The Hotel Del Coronado, or the Hotel Del, or just The Del, as it is affectionately called, was established in 1888 with a reputation as one of the grand hotels on the west coast.
The Hotel Del Coronado's architecture reminds me of some of the big hotels at the beach in New England. And with celebrities like Marilyn and Charles (that's Monroe and Lindbergh) and other Hollywood glitterati, numerous Presidential visits, and a ghost, the Del has an international reputation and fascinating history and is well worth exploring, even if you don't want to spend the money to stay there.
There are scores of fancy shops, the world class Yamaguchi Spa, terrific dining (you could, today, have a New Year's Brunch for $77 - we decided no), and wonderful views of the ocean.
A special treat was watching the ice skaters...yes, that's right, we DO have outdoor ice skating in Southern California, complete with palms trees, views of the ocean and an almost balmy 58 degrees today.
It was a terrific feeling to just walk around and enjoy the beauty and holiday decorations by the sea, relaxing after the craziness of the holidays these last few weeks, and to visit this National Historical Landmark - despite being here 5+ years, we have never actually visited and today seemed appropriate.
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Jeff,
I never thought about the fact that you can watch the other, earlier, celebrations in your area.
What a treat for you!
Happy New Year!
Jeff - Of all the places I miss around San Diego - the Hotel Del is the one that tops the list! Thanks for bringing back more than a few memories of many New Years past! Joy and success in 2011!
Very nice photos, looks good! Happy New Year!
Chris - it's great fun. And if we are REALLY lazy, we can just watch Times Square, the BIG event, then go to bed. LOL
Thanks Jack - it's a great place. I hope to go back soon and spend more time there.
Shannon - hope you enjoyedd YOUR day, too. Thanks for stopping by.
Jeff
Sounds like a really nice weekend, Jeff. Ice skating with the ocean and palm trees nearby is something I would really enjoy!
Hey Jeff,
What a fun post. The Hotel Del is such a special place, sounds lik you had a great time!
Nina - well, we didn't skate but it was fun to watch. And it was a gorgeous winter day.
Lynda - it was terrific. A really special day, in many ways.
Jeff
What a beautiful display of food. A world famous buffet. I bet you ate a lot (and of course you didn't have to prepare it yourself). Happy New Year.
Okay, so did your wife write the blog or make that beautiful plate of food? I was confused. If she made that gorgeous display, please, PLEASE send me the secret. Glad you had a great time.
Personally, I barely made it through the NY ball drop before falling asleep. Oh, to be young again, LOL.
Well... It's Sunday! The Hotel del Coronado Sunday brunches are fantastic and an experience to behold.
Jeff, It's a neat place to visit. We were in San Diego some years ago for the RE/MAX convention and made a point of having a brunch at The Del, although I don't think it was anywhere near $77! Great to sit out and watch the waves coming in and the sea gulls after the left overs!
What a neat place to enjoy the begining of a new year,,,,and with friends, food and fun ! Wow!
Happy New Years
Jeff,
I really appreciate the enduring grandeur of the Hotel Del Coronado. We rented a Harley a few years ago and rode out to the Island and up PCH. We enjoyed it so much we bought a Harley Fatboy ( and it was cheaper than buying the Hotel).
Best,
Steve
Sounds and looks like you had a WONDERFUL New Years, Jeff! Super cool that you get to watch so many celebrations BEFORE you actually celebrate at midnight! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I love that hotel, Jeff. Sounds like you had a wonderful two days. Happy New Year and I look forward to talking to you. You can call today if you wish.
Happy New Year Jeff, I am so happy that you finally made it over to the Del. You certainly captured her essence very well. You should drop over again on a weekend day in the late spring or summer months and you would be in store for at least one wedding, maybe more. What a trip it is see these amazing expensive set ups on the beach, orchestras, flowers, fashions, etc. But is also is just a great place to come and relax on the veranda and have your favorite libation while enjoying the sun,sand and surf.