Some Like It Hot is a comedy film released in 1959. It stars Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis as two musicians who cross-dress and join an all-women’s jazz band to escape from gangsters. The film also stars Marilyn Monroe as Sugar, one of the members of the jazz band.
The film became a big commercial and critical hit, and has endured to this day as a classic. It’s also considered one of Marilyn Monroe’s best performances. In 2022, the movie was adapted into a Broadway musical.
Hotel Del Coronado
The movie was mostly filmed on soundstages at the Samuel Goldwyn Studios in West Hollywood. However for scenes taking place at a the fictional Seminole Ritz resort, filming took places at San Diego’s historic Hotel Del Coronado. The hotel opened in 1888 and has been in continuing operation ever since. Due to it’s relatively close location to Hollywood, it’s long been a popular getaway for the rich and famous.
When the band’s bus first arrives, it pulls up to the front entrance of the hotel. The landscaping around the entrance has changed a lot over the years, but the main steps and front doors are still the same.
Later in the film, we see a number of scenes that take place on the beach. You can see the hotel in the background. Again, the landscaping around this part of the hotel has changed a lot over the years, but the beachfront itself is obviously the same.
There is a Dragon Tree in front of the hotel, which was seen in the movie as well. There is a plaque next to the tree to mark it’s historic appearance.
If you wish to visit the hotel, I recommend booking a room for a night or two. The hotel has some wonderful restaurants and activities, and the grounds are beautiful to explore as well. You can also spend some time on the beach. If you aren’t able to spend a night, you can still visit the hotel and check out some of the movie’s locations.
While Some Like It Hot didn’t film inside the hotel, it’s still worth exploring the beautiful lobby. There is also a gift shop where you can pick up a book about the movie. Their website also offers more info about the filming of the movie.
