Timeless Treasures10 Grand Dame Hotels: Blending Modern Luxury With Old World Charm
by Jan Gerner
Looking for something unique? Something elegant? A place where you can immerse yourself in history and luxury at the same time?Look no further than these "Grand Dame" resorts, blending 21st century amenities with stunning architecture, old world ambiance, and maybe even a ghost or two.
 If you're ready to escape the corporate sameness of today's resorts and hotels, here's your chance. From coast to coast, these are perfect one-of-a-kind getaways for discerning travelers. Prepare to be pampered as you step back to a simpler time and bygone era.
Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, California
Stay at The Del and you are vacationing at the ultimate seaside resort in southern California. To get there, choose from Montgomery Field Municipal Airport (KMYF) or Brown Field Municipal Airport (KSDM). Montgomery is approximately 14 miles from The Del; Brown, which is one mile north of the Mexican border and a port of entry, is about 17 miles to the south. Rental cars and cabs are available or transportation arrangements can be made through the concierge for a fee.
Built in 1888, USA Today calls this Victorian landmark one of the top ten resorts in the world. It is also America's number one wedding destination according to the Travel Channel. The sprawling resort is situated on 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island. Sun drenched days, moonlit nights, an endless array of recreational activities, a world class spa, and award winning dining can all be found at The Del. In addition to perfect weather and luxurious accommodations stocked with contemporary amenities, the Del offers guests a fascinating history —118 years of fascinating history to be exact.
 Originally built as a hunting and fishing lodge catering to wealthy Easterners who arrived in their private rail cars, The Del has prevailed through prohibition, the depression, and being taken over by the military during times of war. It is rumored the Duke and Duchess of Windsor first met at the Del. And the Victorian architecture has been the setting for many movies, including "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe.
Then there is the resident ghost, Kate Morgan. This beautiful young woman, using an alias, checked into the Del on November 24, 1892. Five days into her stay, she was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Ghostly encounters with her have been reported and followed closely by paranormal researchers. In October 2002, The Del published a book, "Beautiful Stranger: The Ghost of Kate Morgan and the Hotel del Coronado," documenting this legendary story and sightings. If you're really into ghost hunting, you can request the Kate Morgan room.
No two rooms are alike at The Del, which is one of the oldest and largest of all wooden buildings in California. All rooms have recently undergone a $10 million renovation. Whether you are looking for ghosts or nostalgia, this is the place to soak up some history along with the San Diego sun.
Ashland Springs Hotel, Ashland, Oregon
The Ashland Springs Hotel in downtown Ashland started as the Lithia Springs Hotel in 1925. At that time, it was the tallest building between Portland and San Francisco, and a favorite stop for visitors traveling between California and the Northwest.
Today it is still a favorite. You can fly into Ashland Municipal Airport (S03) — which is less than three miles from the hotel — or Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (KMFR), which is about 18 miles north. Rental cars and cabs are available at both airports.
Economic hard times resulted in the hotel closing and being abandoned in 1997. At that time it was called the Mark Antony. But thanks to local residents Doug and Becky Neuman and their extensive restoration, the Ashland Springs Hotel has been restored to its original elegance and grandeur.
Reopening in December 2000, the 70-room hotel is a national landmark, offering guests comfort and luxury while retaining its unique history. The concrete building is an eclectic style of Romanesque, English Tudor, Gothic, and Neo-Classical Revival architecture. Inspired by the beauty surrounding Ashland and the Rogue River Valley, the hotel succeeds in bringing nature's wonders indoors.
The hotel's restaurant, Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, also celebrates the wonders of the area. Fresh food from local farms and orchards are featured daily, along with fine Oregon wines, chocolates, and cheeses. It has been said that Larks has a "farm to table" philosophy when it comes to feeding guests.
While here, be sure to visit the Pilot Rock conference room, which is filled with flying memorabilia. The room is wallpapered with aerial maps and photos of the area's famous wing walkers and stunt fliers; among them, Dorothy Hester, a star pupil at the Tex Rankin Flying Service.
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