Pictures of the Hotel del Coronado

By Charlyn Keating, About.com Guide

L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wizard of Oz" books, was a frequent guest of the Hotel del Coronado. He was so entranced by the hotel's ornate architecture that he used the inspiration in several of his books. In return, Baum designed the crown-shaped chandeliers in the hotel's formal dining room, now known as the Crown Room.

The Crown Room was also the scene for a formal banquet honoring the Prince of Wales. Charles Lindbergh also celebrated here after his transatlantic flight. Modern-day guests can enjoy a lavish Sunday brunch in the Crown Room.