For the first time in the legendary California resort's 118-year history, consumers can actually own a villa at the Hotel Del Coronado.

"These are really great vacation condos because of the fact that they are sitting on one of the prized beaches of the world," says Gary Driver, VP and Broker, Hotel Del Realty Company.

The Hotel Del started selling 35 units this year that will sit on 2.8 acres of the hotel's grounds in Coronado.

"We're taking that part of the property that used to have cottages, tennis courts and so forth, and transforming that into a beach village. What are being built there are hotel condominiums," says Driver.

Right now the hotel has 25 remaining condos for sale. With a price tag ranging from $2.4 to $3.3 million for two bedrooms and three bedrooms, respectively -- the buyers are typically people who visit the Hotel Del regularly, and are interested in making it a vacation home as well as taking advantage of a rare land-opportunity investment.

"There really isn't anything left of beach-front property, that I know of, in Coronado. It's developed along the beach on either side of the [Hotel Del] -- on one side is the shores, on the south side; on the other side are the homes of Coronado that go along Ocean Blvd, but they're not right on the beach. So, there really isn't anything else on the beach, and probably won't be," explains Driver.

When the Hotel Del opened in 1888 seaside resorts were fairly common in the United States; today such luxury resorts are nearing extinction.

"The Hotel Del is probably one of the last surviving seaside resorts in America," says Christine Donovan, Director of Heritage Programs, Hotel Del Coronado.

It has maintained its status as "destination" resort since it opened at the turn of the century.

"[Guests] would take the train out, which took about seven days from the East Coast, and they would settle in from around Christmas to around April and they would bring their servants and their nannies and their whole entourage, and basically live at the Del for a few months, " explains Donovan.

The history of this luxurious resort is fascinating. Perhaps one of the most well-known stories, and surprising attractions, is the Hotel Del's 24-year old guest who never left.

"Our ghost is Kate Morgan," says Driver.

Morgan checked in to the hotel in 1892 -- a few days later she was found dead, with a gunshot wound to the head, on an exterior staircase at the Hotel Del.

The story intrigued the news media, "She became known as 'the beautiful stranger'," explains Donovan.

Today, it's still a highly-talked-about story. Morgan's hotel room is the most- requested room by guests.

"It's [Morgan's] spirit that is alive and well at the Del," says Donovan.

And, of course, staff at the Hotel Del Coronado hope Morgan's story, as well as the properties' luxury amenities and unique location, will attract -- for the first time ever -- hotel-condo homeowners.