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I have lived in San Diego for nearly 40 years, but it is still a thrill to drive across that blue steel curve in the sky, the Coronado Bay Bridge. Here I can catch a glimpse of the silvery San Diego skyline, and just below the bridge, boats rocking in the bay. And in the distance, I can see the distinctive red-roof silhouette of the Hotel del Coronado. is majestic hotel was billed as the "Wonder of the Western World" when it was built in 1888 by retired Midwestern businessmen E.S. Babcock Jr. and Hampton L. Story. Over the years, it has hosted presidents, royalty, and heads of state, moguls, movie stars, and tourists from around the globe. Now, after a six-year, $550-million restoration and revitalization by the resort's owner, New York-based Blackstone Real Estate, this historic hotel is ready for its closeup. At the grand opening event on June 18 marking the end of the project, actress Brooke Shields, a frequent visitor to the resort, welcomed dignitaries and celebrities including Representative Scott Peters, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and Coronado Mayor John Duncan. Festivities included speeches from Blackstone executives, "Taste of the Del" dining experiences, and an evening performance by Chayce Beckham, the winner of American Idol season 19. Property tours included the recently completed Victorian Building, the final phase of the project, with guestrooms redesigned to improve function while keeping original finishes intact, and e Garden Courtyard, centered with the Naiad Queen, a bronze replica of the original by French sculptor Charles Cordier that graced e Del until 1912. I was surprised to learn that rooms facing the courtyard rather than the ocean were the most popular back then. (Victorians apparently weren't surf and sun worshippers as many people are today.) e resort also offers more modern accommodations including e Cabanas near the pool and sun deck; e Views overlooking the beach; Beach Village, a gated community of beachfront cottages and villas; and Shore House, residential-style units. e entire property-wide restoration brought together top trades, architectural, and design talent with an emphasis on historical accuracy. David Marshall, president of the award- winning Heritage Architecture and Planning, oversaw the project. e Del has also unveiled new restaurants including the buzzy Nobu Del Coronado, one of 56 around the world founded by detour destinations BROOKE SHIELDS: PHOTO BY BOB STEFANKO ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT BENSON A Coming Out Party for the Hotel Del e San Diego icon celebrates transformative updates and the debut of two new dining destinations BY ANDREA NAVERSEN ranchandcoast.com 104 JULY 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE