Hotel del Coronado’s Role in “Some Like It Hot” Remembered
The historic Hotel del Coronado in San Diego served as the backdrop for exterior scenes of the classic 1959 film "Some Like It Hot," starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. While the movie is set in Florida, filmmakers…
San Diego, CA, July 24, 2026 —
The iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic landmark in San Diego, played a pivotal role as the filming location for exterior scenes in the beloved 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot.” Despite the film’s narrative being set in Florida, the hotel’s distinctive Victorian architecture and picturesque seaside setting made it the preferred choice for filmmakers seeking a classic American aesthetic.
Principal photography for the movie, which starred Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, took place in 1958. While the hotel’s exterior was captured on film, the interior scenes were recreated on soundstages in Hollywood. This strategic decision allowed the production to leverage the hotel’s charming facade while maintaining control over the indoor sets.
The presence of Hollywood production at the Hotel del Coronado in 1958 generated considerable attention for the San Diego property, cementing its place in cinematic history. The association with “Some Like It Hot,” a film widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies ever made, continues to be a point of pride for the hotel and its patrons.
To this day, the Hotel del Coronado celebrates its connection to the classic film. An exhibition dedicated to the movie and its ties to the hotel is currently on display, offering visitors a glimpse into this significant chapter of Hollywood and San Diego history.
Story summarized from the original created by Debbie L. Sklar • Times of San Diego on timesofsandiego.com, see more information here.
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