During the restoration of the Victorian building, an original ceiling fresco from 1888 was discovered in the vestibule of the Ocean Ballroom. As the last surviving fresco at the hotel, its historical importance is very high.
Hotel del Coronado originally had several plaster ceilings that were decorated with fresco murals, including the Music Room and Ladies Parlor. These frescos were the work of William Busch and Jacob Gumpertz and were painted between September 1887 and April 1888.
According to the March 29, 1888 San Diego Union and Daily Bee: “The decorations were designed and executed by William Bush [sp], a graduate from European art schools. The beauty of the designs, as well as the artistic finish, are much admired and form one of the principal attractions of the hotel.”
In consultation with preservation specialists, the fresco-secco was restored in place in 2024 by a team of conservationists specializing in plaster and frescos.
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Spa & Salon at The Del
Indulge your mind, body, and spirit. Inspired by the healing power of the ocean, our Spa offers an array of luxurious treatments and wellness activities that leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Dining at The Del
Expert chefs. Locally sourced ingredients. A seaside haven for foodies. Beachfront dining that satisfies your every craving.
Choose from casual toes-in-the-sand tacos and cocktails, to fireside bites overlooking the sunset, to pizza and grab-n-go sandwiches, to fresh-catch sustainable seafood with wine.
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