Cast your eyes across the Victorian façade of Hotel del Coronado and you might recognize it as the place where Marilyn Monroe strummed a ukulele in Some Like It Hot. This spring the iconic San Diego resort, which has hosted 11 presidents and been designated a National Historic Landmark, unveils a head-to-toe restoration that breathes new life into its 137-year-old finishes. The original stained glass windows are back, and a veranda, designed to replicate the 1888 original, will host cocktails. There will also be plenty of contemporary bells and whistles in the guest rooms, as well as a brand-new Nobu. Style yourself accordingly by packing a wardrobe of earth tones to complement the mahogany of the storied lobby; add a simple flash of gold to invoke the glamour of hotel’s past and present day.
This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
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