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Sunday, July 29, 2012

An Old DeSoto and the Grand Hotel del Coronado




We managed to fit in a little time travel on our last day in San Diego, starting with this fabulous old 1949 woody De Soto Station Wagon owned by Rich Grosch of Ocean Beach. Isn't she a beauty?













Right down to the beautifully restored old surfboards on top.









It would be the perfect transportation to take us over to the historic old Hotel del Coronado which I have wanted to visit for a long time.



The drive over the amazing curving bridge to Coronado Island makes you feel like you are leaving ordinary behind. And nothing could be more true.





Seeing the beautiful homes and the community are well the trouble with traffic. Even the flowers grow larger than life on the island! 






This is a single hydrangea bloom.


We had time for only a skip through the hotel and property, but it was enough to be transported through the genteel time of its former day.


Built in 1888, it once sat right on the sea, with the waves lapping up to the verandas. 











Spectacular in the midday sun.








Oceanside view.




The beach has grown much wider over time, and now sports elegant tents and umbrellas for the patrons.













The gorgeous interiors do not disappoint.



The inviting west facing Victorian bar, right off the beach.


The bustling hotel lobby, with it's breathtaking chandeliers and coffered ceilings..








I only wish we had more time and much deeper pockets to linger awhile!
Thanks for coming along for the tour. . . .

Jacqueline





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26 comments:

  1. My daughter and I zipped through the Hotel Del Coronado several years ago... it was a whirlwind as well.. we had too many things to do and see to linger, but it's a spectacular spot!

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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  2. Great pictures of The Del! I only live an hour away
    and have been there twice, each time
    promising myself to go back more often...
    it never seems to happen!
    Thanks for the tour, I'll be showing the handyman husband!
    xoxo, Mary

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  3. Looks like you had a great stay in San Diego. We live very close to Coronado and go to the Del often. We also like to take a picnic to the beach in front of the Del in the evening, it's a beautiful back drop. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
    Ciao,
    Mary

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  4. Wow, what a gorgeous hotel. Fantastic place to visit.

    Hugs

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  5. I love the Coronado. A good friend of mine got married there years ago. Thanks for the memories.

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  6. Wow - That is one beautiful hotel! Love the DeSoto too!

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  7. The second to the last photo of the inside of the hotel with the chandelier is so beautiful it should be on a postcard. Beautiful post. I have stayed there-it was magnificent.

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  8. Your photo's are incredible!!..wish I was riding down the beach in that Desoto and staying at that Grand ole Hotel.

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  9. What a grand adventure you have had...
    And told so beautifully in pictures...

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  10. Can you imagine what it would take to build that hotel today?! Absolutely breathtaking! And even the beach has a luxurious feel to it.

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  11. I love everything about this post. The grand hotel, Ford Woodie (I've always wanted a car like this parked on my driveway!!), the ocean and azure sky (I feel like packing my bag and running away from the Scottish weather (cold and damp!!) Have a lovely week!!

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  12. How beautiful,you've captured it so well in your photo's. You must have had a lovely time. x

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  13. Beautiful, beautiful photos! My oldest daughter and I went to San Diego a couple years ago, and rode the ferry to that island. Then walked much farther than we thought it would be to the hotel. We had to really hurry to get back to the ferry on time! But it was lovely! That car is fabulous! Looks like you had a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing it with us. Kay

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  14. Oooo, it is all so beautiful...like something out of a romantic novel :)
    ~betty

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  15. Jacque;ine,
    I agree...more time to linger and deeper pockets to enjoy! Thanks for taking us along on the tour! It was a breath of cool tranquility on this HOT Monday!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  16. Thanks for "taking us with you"....just so lovely, could feel the history.
    Kari

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  17. Oh My Gosh... It's Wonderful! And right on the beach too. Those tents on the beach are so charming. I can't help but wonder how much it would cost to rent a room there... think i'll go take a peek...

    CIndy

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  18. Hi J,
    Well it is absolutely GRAND!! I have never been but my Mr. has talked about it, he was a sailor stationed in San Diego in his younger days:-) The tents on the beach soo very chic!!
    You did it all! What a great trip, I have enjoyed tagging along :-)
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  19. ahhhhh! how fun - this car reminds me that my mom said she learned how to drive in a desoto in the 50's - now I have a different picture of my little mom in a huge cool car!

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  20. I love when you go on vacation because your pictures make me feel like I am there too!

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  21. Beautiful photos of this landmark hotel. Very posh!

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  22. Awesome hotel and vintage car photos.
    Joyce M

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  23. A spectacular, glorious building! What a wonderful experience to wander this!

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  24. Thanks for the tour of the Hotel Del. it has been a few years since I was there. Did you check out the backyard garden on Niagara in OB? I was amazed when I toured it a few years ago because I lived right acoross the street from it 35 years ago before it became a "must see". Thanks for the virtual vacation.

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  25. Oh my, Jacqueline, that is such a lovely hotel! I had never heard of it before. Thank you so much for posting those lovely pictures.

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