Known affectionately as "Elevator Elvis" for his musical spirit and signature serenades, Lounsbury passed away earlier this year at the age of 73. From 1979 until his retirement in 2020, Lounsbury operated the hotel's iconic birdcage elevator, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved figures on the property. Guests from around the world came to know Andrew not just as an elevator operator, but as a memory-maker - a man whose kindness, wit, and musical flair left a lasting impression on generations of visitors.
Born with multiple disabilities, Lounsbury defied early medical expectations and built a full, independent life, including a steady and celebrated career at The Del. His remarkable ability to recall names, faces, and stories made every ride feel like a personalized welcome. He often burst into spontaneous song, sometimes with playful Elvis impersonations, earning him his well-known nickname.
According to an obituary published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Lounsbury's approach to customer service was so legendary that a global corporation named its top annual service award after him - "The Andrew Award" - with winners often reaching out to express their admiration. His impact reached far beyond the hotel lobby, inspiring both guests and staff alike.
In tribute to his legacy, Hotel del Coronado installed a commemorative plaque in the lobby elevator and included his story in the hotel’s museum. The elevator itself, originally constructed in 1887, has since been officially renamed "Andrew’s Elevator," a permanent and heartfelt gesture honoring the man who brought it to life for more than 40 years.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, the hotel described Lounsbury as "a storyteller, a musician, and a warm, familiar face who made every guest feel like family." The post has since become a digital memory book, with hundreds of former guests and colleagues sharing stories of his kindness and humor.
Lounsbury is survived by six siblings and a large extended family in California and Canada. In a final act of generosity, he donated his body to the UC San Diego School of Medicine to support medical research and education.
Donations in his honor can be made to Kaiser Hospice of San Diego or New Directions Travel, a nonprofit that supports inclusive travel experiences for people with disabilities. Fittingly, his family remembers him with the words he often said - echoing his favorite performer: "The King has left the building."
Andrew Lounsbury’s spirit, however, remains woven into the history of the Hotel Del and the memories of all who had the joy of riding Andrew's Elevator.
Lounsbury is survived by six siblings and a large extended family in California and Canada. In a final act of generosity, he donated his body to the UC San Diego School of Medicine to support medical research and education.
Donations in his honor can be made to Kaiser Hospice of San Diego or New Directions Travel, a nonprofit that supports inclusive travel experiences for people with disabilities. Fittingly, his family remembers him with the words he often said - echoing his favorite performer: "The King has left the building."
Andrew Lounsbury’s spirit, however, remains woven into the history of the Hotel Del and the memories of all who had the joy of riding Andrew's Elevator.
Originally published on May 22, 2025.
