The Del

The Hotel Del Coronado is one of the loveliest hotels I have ever stayed in. I am always mesmerized by the huge flower arrangement and the grand chandelier in the main lobby.

I am always drawn to it with my camera. Although the new camera doesn't capture the extreme closeups my previous one did, it still does a pretty darn good job. The little Sony makes up for it in other ways in the end. It does do better under low-light conditions.

Other highlights in the main building include beautiful antiques and an old-fashioned candy shop!

The grand staircase.

The lift is still in use, complete with lift operator.

The center courtyard is full of lovely tropical flowers and plants. You can tell here my new camera lens doesn't have quite the macro my older camera had.

The outside of the main building is amazing. It's all wood. The last time we were here, they were painting it. Can you imagine how much paint it takes to keep it looking this fresh?

Both times, we have stayed in the new cottages right on the beach. They are absolutely perfect.

Lunch always includes a tropical punch.

And the sunsets are to die for.

Even the nighttime becomes magical here.