Sun-kissed sands, Victorian elegance, and whispered secrets from the past—welcome to the Hotel del Coronado, California’s crown jewel of coastal luxury and legendary hauntings. Nestled along the pristine shores of Coronado Island just off San Diego, this iconic resort has captivated travelers for over a century, drawing everyone from Hollywood elites to curious paranormal investigators. With its stunning red-roofed turrets and gilded halls, it’s more than just a beachfront retreat; it’s a historic landmark saturated with stories—some heartwarming, others spine-tingling. If you’re a fan of history, architecture, or ghostly lore, Hotel del Coronado might just be your perfect California getaway.
The History
Origins of a California Icon
Hotel del Coronado, affectionately referred to as “The Del,” opened its doors in 1888, standing as one of the largest resorts in the world at its time—and certainly the most luxurious on the West Coast. Built by Elisha Babcock Jr. and Hampton L. Story, two Midwestern entrepreneurs with a dream of creating a seaside resort like no other, The Del was a marvel of modern engineering and architectural ambition. At a cost of over $1 million—a fortune by 19th-century standards—it was constructed almost entirely of wood and took just 11 months to complete.
The hotel was designed in the Queen Anne Revival style, complete with swirling turrets, sprawling verandas, and a massive red-roofed dome that quickly became its signature silhouette. The construction boasted the latest technology of the era, including electricity, which was a rare luxury for the time. In fact, Thomas Edison himself is reported to have supervised the installation of the electric lighting system.
A Playground for the Powerful
Throughout its storied history, Hotel del Coronado has played host to presidents, royalty, and celebrities. Names like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush grace the guestbook, alongside British royalty such as Edward VIII. Hollywood’s elite have also found refuge within its grand halls—Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Lucille Ball, to name a few.
Perhaps most famously, the hotel was featured in the 1959 comedy classic Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The film used the beachfront location and ornate interiors as the fictional “Seminole Ritz,” cementing The Del’s status as both a film icon and a symbol of vintage glamor.
A National Historic Landmark
In 1977, Hotel del Coronado was designated a National Historic Landmark. It remains one of the few surviving examples of an American wooden Victorian beach resort. Its enduring legacy and commitment to preservation have ensured that generations can still experience its timeless elegance. Plus, few hotels in the world can claim such a vibrant and eclectic blend of history, architecture, and paranormal intrigue.
The Haunt
The Ghost of Kate Morgan
No discussion of Hotel del Coronado would be complete without diving into its most enduring mystery: the ghost of Kate Morgan. In 1892, a young woman checked into the hotel under the name “Lottie A. Bernard.” She took up residence in room 3327 (previously room 302) and told staff she was waiting for a gentleman companion who never arrived. Five days later, her body was discovered on the steps leading to the ocean—dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, many have speculated that her death was not a suicide but rather murder.
Over 130 years later, guests and staff still report odd occurrences linked to Kate’s spirit. Light fixtures flicker, TVs turn on and off, sudden cold spots appear, and items mysteriously move around the room. Room 3327 remains the most requested room in the hotel, particularly by ghost hunters and brave-hearted travelers.
Haunted Hotspots in the Hotel
While Room 3327 steals the paranormal spotlight, it’s far from the only haunted area within the hotel. Other guests have reported strange phenomena throughout the property, including:
- The Gift Shop: Staff have recounted items flying off shelves without explanation and unexplained cold drafts felt in enclosed areas.
- The Lobby: Visitors describe hearing faint whispers or footsteps when no one else is present, especially during the quiet hours of the night.
- The Historic Hallways: Guests often sense the feeling of being watched or see fleeting shadows out of the corner of their eyes.
Paranormal groups who’ve conducted investigations at the hotel have reported unexplained EMF spikes, EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena), and even full-body apparitions captured on video under controlled conditions. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no denying the rich spiritual energy that seems to echo through every ornate corridor.
The Legend Grows
Over the years, Kate Morgan has become something of a local legend. Books, documentaries, and ghost tours have all explored her story, often presenting new theories about who she was and what led to her untimely demise. Some suggest she was a con artist; others believe she was running from a troubled relationship. Despite the many stories, one truth remains: her presence lingers in the bones of the building, making Hotel del Coronado one of the most haunted hotels in America.
Plan Your Paranormal Pilgrimage
If you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or both, Hotel del Coronado is more than just a luxurious getaway—it’s a living story waiting to be explored. The hotel offers historic tours that highlight its architectural achievements and notable guests, and during the spooky season, specialty ghost tours are occasionally held to dive deeper into its haunted legacy.
Guests are encouraged to book Room 3327 if it’s available, but even if you don’t stay in that particular room, the hotel’s aura is undeniably charged. Roam the grand lobby, watch the Pacific waves roll in from the porch, or sip a cocktail at the opulent Crown Room—all while remaining open to the whispers of the past.
Ghost hunters, take note: Hotel del Coronado is a goldmine of paranormal potential. With its rich history, tragic tales, and well-documented supernatural activity, this storied resort is not just a beautiful piece of California’s coastline—it’s a vortex of mystery and timeless intrigue. Whether you’re here for the beach or the bumps in the night, The Del awaits.