Hotel del Coronado

It's a hotel I'd been wanting to visit for years: the Hotel del Coronado in California. A resort on the beach so beautiful, it looks like it belongs in a Victorian storybook. And a history just as storied: Prince Edward may have met his legendary love, Wallis Simpson, here; Marilyn Monroe starred in "Some Like It Hot" on the beach, Charles Lindbergh celebrated his transatlantic flight in the ballroom. It even has a ghost (and you know how I love haunted hotels).

With idyllic Southern California weather, on-site surfing and sailing lessons, and one of the best beaches in the United States, I was sure to have the time of my life.

Then I got the flu, and spent two days in my Junior Suite. Luckily it had an ocean view. And I can tell you all about the new "Del Dreams" beds. Oh, well. If you have to be sick somewhere, it may as well be in paradise.

• Profile of the Hotel del Coronado
• Pictures of the Hotel del Coronado
• Pictures of my Junior Suite
• Ghost Stories of the Hotel del Coronado
• San Diego Hotels