You can’t help but notice the progress on The Del’s Master Plan construction. Here’s the scoop on some of the building updates. Did you know that 5,700 truckloads of excavated materials were removed, with concrete pours continuing weekly through June? (Several truckloads of dirt from The Del found their way to my own construction project.) When complete in late 2019, the new structure will have over 700 parking spaces for self- and valet-parking in two lower levels with landscaped surface parking. Electric vehicle charging stations and bike parking will also be available.
The Del’s Olympic size pool will become the resort’s social hub, where tiered stadium seating will connect to the Sun Deck creating several different scenes for singles and families. A new two-story kitchen will provide space for a diverse menu poolside and on the deck. Guest rooms adjacent to the pool will have private cabanas as an extension to their accommodation, while pool guests can opt to reserve one of the many new poolside cabanas.
This pool has an interesting history having been built to Olympic standards in 1934. Originally filled with saltwater, the pool was drained every night and refilled with filtered ocean water and heated before it opened in the morning. The pool upgrades, offering a new experience, will start this fall and be completed in spring 2020.
Meanwhile, restoration of the industrial buildings continues, and the original brick has been restored at the 1910 Laundry Building. Facade restoration uncovered a Laundry Building sign circa 1930, which has been removed and will be preserved for reuse. Plans are also in place to restore the original window in this location.
Tacos and Libations in the Sand
There’s no more idyllic setting for tacos and tequila, or any other cocktail, than The Del’s Beach Shack, and the new menu expansion encourages both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy drinks on Del Beach. The new breakfast menu includes Baja Shrimp breakfast burritos, Huevos Rancheros and daily specials and is currently available Wednesdays through Sundays from 8am to 11am. The expanded taco menu includes a fresh catch of the day, carnitas and carne asada tacos daily from noon to 5pm. Tacos are offered on Taco Tuesdays until 8pm. Specialty drinks like Surfer’s Point and Bay of Plenty, along with beer and wine and the infamous Party Wave, served in a fresh pineapple for a group, are offered from 11am to sunset. Hours are subject to change, weather permitting. Check out the May live music schedule that plays Taco Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 4pm to 7pm here.
Father’s Day Concert
The Del’s annual Father’s Day Concert and BBQ is the perfect gift for Dad on Sunday, June 16. This incredible event supports America’s veterans and military through the Gary Sinise Foundation. The show will open with a spectacular skydiving show from Skydiving Innovations. Attendees will enjoy a delicious barbecue and drinks and listen to Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band cover hit songs from Bruno Mars, The Police, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Clarkson and more. The beach opens at 11am with food available throughout the afternoon, culminating with the Skydiving show and live concert from 5pm to 7pm. Tickets are $75 for all ages with children under five free. Military and Veteran tickets are $35 for up to two tickets with Military ID. VIP tickets are available for $500 and include VIP Adirondack seating, validated parking, a VIP reception with a meet and greet photo opportunity with Gary Sinise. You can also blow dad away with a VIP tandem skydiving experience. (Check out this video to get a glimpse of what it would be like) Jumpers receive a video of the event, champagne and two general admission concert tickets with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting the Gary Sinise Foundation. To learn more about all the options for this amazing Father’s Day experience call 619-522-8100 or check out https://hoteldel.com/events/fathers-day-bbq-concert/
Father’s Day Brunch
Another option is The Del’s lavish brunch which will be offered to celebrate Dad on Sunday, June 16 from 9:30am to 1:30pm in the iconic Crown Room. Culinary offerings will include regionally inspired dishes, carving stations, a Bloody Mary bar, mimosas, and house made charcuterie that are sure to satisfy all dads’ and the family’s cravings. Adult tickets are $98, children 6-10 are $36, and children five and under are free.
Movies on the Beach
Enjoy “Movies Under the Stars” on Del Beach throughout the summer. The season kicks off with Hook on June 28, followed by Top Gun on July 6, The Goonies on July 27, The Incredibles 2 on August 3, Back to the Future on August 10, and Coronado favorite The Wizard of Oz on August 31. General admission for a comfy Del Beach sand chair is $20. The VIP Movie Package is designed for four people to enjoy the ultimate experience with a Roast private beach bonfire featuring s’mores for four people, two Del Beach chairs and a Del Beach daybed. Cost for this reserved package is $300. Residents can also watch the movies for free if they bring their own chairs. Dogs on leash are permitted. For reservations call 619-522-8490.
Gourmet Roast
Bonfires on the beach are a favorite tradition at The Del, and now the toes-in-the-sand, fireside experience has gone gourmet. Guests cozy into beach sand chairs with blankets and choose from an expanded a la carte menu of s’mores and other fireside favorites. Fire pits can be reserved for a one-hour experience, plus add-on menu options (food must be ordered in advance). One pit accommodates up to 8 guests, and reservations are available for local residents and hotel guests for daily times at 6 p.m., 6:15pm, 8pm and 8:15pm. For phone reservations call 619-522-8100 or text 619-535-8705. Check the website here.
Painting by the Sea
Tap into your inner artist in the most panoramic setting at Painting by the Sea at The Del. On May 25, June 29, July 6, and the July 13 theme is the Coronado Bridge; July 20, July 27, August 17, August 24, August 31, September 7 and September 14 feature the San Diego Skyline. These 90-minutes classes focus on a different theme each session and include a 11 x 14 canvas, apron and house wine or beer. Cost is $85 per person, ages 16 and up. For reservations, call 619-522-8100 or text 619-535-8705. Check out The Del website for the theme of each date here.
Unique Fitness Classes
Channel your inner mermaid while wearing a mermaid tail and experiencing a unique 45-minute Mermaid Fitness aerobic workout that features a fusion of swimming, core, cardio, and strength training to upbeat music. Classes are offered Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays at 8am from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Classes are $15 for locals and include use of a Del mermaid tail and towel service. Guests 14 through 17 must attend with an adult. Reservations can be made by calling 619-522-8100.
The rhythm of the waves is sure to soothe you during Yoga on the Beach or Spin on the Beach which are offered daily. Locals rate is $15 per class. Check out the complete fitness schedule here.
Historic and Haunted Tours
Tours start daily at 10am to learn more about The Del’s 130-year rich heritage as the proud host to iconic celebrities, royalty and beach-loving families. Experience the resort’s rich heritage, local legends and most notorious phantom Kate Morgan. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and cost $40 per person. Children under five are admitted free. For reservations, call 619-522-8100.
Explore The Del at night to hear about Kate Morgan’s 1892 visit and why her spirit never left in this 60-minute ghostly night tour of the resort. Walk in Kate’s footsteps after dark as you uncover the mysteries of the hotel. Tours are offered on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7pm and 9pm. Cost is $30 per person and the tour is recommended for children ages 13 and up. For reservations, call 619-522-8100.
Enhanced Shopping Experience
“In time for summer, many of the shops at The Del had been refreshed to reflect that easy, quintessential Southern California vibe,” said Dennis Moyer, Director of Retail at the hotel. “There’s something for everyone in the family, from the latest looks in leisure and swimwear, to home decor, books and art, all inspired by our extremely unique coastal vantage point here in Coronado.”
Check out the remodeling of both the 1888 Shop and Signature Shop in the lobby which are now light, bright and airy, brimming with beach-themed gifts and logo merchandise. Delifornia Dreaming, where you’ll find a broad selection of Lululemon apparel, has opened next to Brady’s for Men. H.D. Kids has relocated across the hall at the former Coronado Crown Jewels location and is open daily from 10am to 9pm. They are featuring new collections from Five Loaves Two Fish, Roxy’s Disney collection, EGG baby and much more. Several of the shops are closed while they get a makeover including Blue Octopus, Isabel B, The Sea, Kates, and Eclipse Eyewear. Stay tuned for the reopening of these shops soon. Babcock and Story Emporium, one of my favorites, is still open and filled with beach-themed items and French linens.
