Hotel Del Coronado Review
Featuring Hotel Del Coronado a historic, upscale, beach-front hotel just 5 minutes from downtown San Diego. Built in 1888, Hotel Del Coronado is known as one of the most famous hotels in the world as the structure of the building still remains the same. Famous celebrities have stayed here over the course of 130 years including members of royalty, 10 U.S. presidents and Marilyn Monroe! The famous move “Some Like it Hot” was filmed right at the resort starring Marilyn and other well-known stars of her time. Another interesting fact about the hotel is that L. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz series, wrote the books during repeated visits to Hotel Del Coronado between 1904-1910.
This iconic and ideal beach destination caters to all groups and is especially great for families. The property offers onsite dining, pools, beach access, outdoor activities, indoor activities, spa experiences and marshmallow roasting and so much more.
My experience
Hotel Del Coronado was definitely one of the most interesting resorts I’ve been to. Between the atmosphere, proximity to the beach, local Mexican cuisine, grand entrances to the rooms and event spaces and the historic feel to it, it made me feel like I was living in another decade. It just so happens that I visited Hotel Del on a retreat where I helped plan a weekend away for 1,200 of our employees for the company I worked with at the time! The space was super immersive and made for an active, yet relaxing retreat on the beach.
I would definitely consider this to be a bucket list hotel as there just isn’t anything like it. The staff was kind, the rooms were a bit outdated but very clean. And there was always something fun and interesting to do indoors and outdoors. Key highlights for me as an avid hotel-goer, were the pools, beachfront access, architecture, history and ghost stories as well as the s’mores and fire pits at night. That was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had a hotel and felt like I was living a childhood summer again.
Hotel Del Coronado Photos
what to expect
location
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Located 4 miles away from San Diego Airport (SAN).Ā
Parking
Self-parking is available on the north side of the resort in the secure underground parking garage. Valet parking is not available at this time.
Hotel Guest Self Parking: $40 per night.Ā
Day Visitor Self-Parking ā $20 for the first 2 hours ($10 discount with any purchase); $10 each additional hour. Daily maximum $70.Ā
Hotel Details
“Enjoy sun, sea, and time together at our iconic California beach resort, blending idyllic charm with golden-era allure for the ultimate seaside escape.”
Housed in a grand 1888 Victorian property, this upscale beach hotel is 5 miles from downtown San Diego. Here you’ll find airy, polished rooms, feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, along with mini-fridges and coffeemakers and some rooms with ocean views. Family suites add themed kids’ rooms with bunk beds. Some upgraded rooms are set in a secluded location off the beach. Room service is provided 24/7. Amenities include a spa with an infinity pool, plus a fitness center, 2 outdoor pools and a hot tub. There are also 7 bars and restaurants. Including an ocean-view seafood eatery, an open-air pizzeria, and a lounge with live music.Ā
Price PER NIGHT
Average cost is $247 per night.
Vibe Check
One of the most chill, laid-back and on-point San Diego vibes you can get. The resort as old and historic as it is, offers a truly unique and immersive experience being so close to the beach where tourists and locals are bustling about as well as the proximity to downtown San Diego. It’s the most ideal place to visit to get that classic SouCal experience, especially if you’reĀ visiting CaliforniaĀ for the first time. Sunshine, surfers, tacos and margaritas will be the highlight of your trip.Ā
Comfort Level
On a scale of 1-5 (5 being the best), the comfort level is at a 3 1/2. Being that the resort is so old it doesn’t feel as comfortable as the new hotels out there. The rooms could definitely be updated. When I visited there was a ton of construction going on too. So noise levels were high and the view from our balcony was obstructed. This was back in 2019. So take these comments lightly as I still suggest anyone looking to have a great time in San Diego should check out the iconic Hotel Del.
Views to expect on Property
You’ll get some of the best views at Hotel Del Coronado as the resort is completely beach-facing. Whether from your balcony, on the grounds, or eating dinner at one of the outdoor restaurants, you’ll always be able to see and smell the beach.
Dining
The following restaurant descriptions are taken directly from the Hotel Del Coronado website.Ā
Serįŗ½a
Serįŗ½a offers sustainable, fresh-catch cooking done in a simple, elegant manner for the ultimate sea-to-table experience. The approachable ocean-friendly menu by Chef JoJo Ruiz is robust with fresh seafood, a raw bar and seasonal ingredients grown by Southern California farmers. Like its namesake, Serea is simply one with the water. The indoor/outdoor bar offers hand-crafted cocktails, local brews and an eclectic wine selection.
Sun Deck
Sun Deck is the ultimate destination for craft cocktails and coastal favorites. Relax by cozy fire pits and savor delectable bites and drinks. With gorgeous front row views of the most spectacular sunsets on the West Coast, dining on the Sun Deck is an experience like no other.
Babcock & Story Bar
Named for The Delās visionary founders, Babcock & Story Bar offers craft cocktails and tasty bites. Relive the hotelās glamorous past at the hotelās stunningly restored original mahogany bar or enjoy yourself on the large outdoor patio with uninterrupted views of the California sunsets and Coronado beach.
ENO Pizzeria + Grab & Go Market
ENO Market & Pizzeria offers two distinct experiences. Inside, ENO Market offers extensive grab-and-go offerings plus coffees, fresh pastries, and sandwiches. Outside, ENO Pizzeria offers a beautiful new patio gazebo and casual tables for sharing rustic artisanal pizzas, savoring dolce, and enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine.
Beach & Taco Shack
Dig your toes in the sand and relax with tropical cocktails, beer, wine and Coronado Islandās best fish tacos, Ā just steps from the crashing waves at Beach & Taco Shack.
Sundaes
Stop by Sundaes for Ice cream-style gelato and hand-crafted paleta popsicles that you can dip, drizzle and sprinkle with endless topping and flavor combinations.
Beach village Dining
Beach Village guests have exclusive access to Breezes, Private Chef Dinners in suite, Windsor Cottage and the Windsor Beach Club.
Best Instagram Spots
The main pool area, the top of the tower (if you can get special access), down by the beach and in front of the beach & Taco Shack.
Accommodations & aMENITIES
Amenities include luxury seaside experiences with plush daybeds, bonfires with s’mores, surf lessons and beach fitness. The pools areas include classic striped umbrellas, food and beverage service as well as the ability to rent a luxury cabana. The spa offers ocean-inspired treatments that will soothe your mind, body and spirit as well as a private terrace with an infiniti pool. Other special amenities include a fitness center, shopping stores, Del water-sports and lessons, boat rentals, golf, tennis and access to local San Diego Experiences.Ā
Local Culture
The local culture is one of the most laid-back, fun and relaxed you’ll experience. It has ideal temperatures year-round, proximity to the ocean where surfers and skateboarders like to roam, delicious Mexican food with local Mexican influence, live performances and concerts, a bustling nightlife and an overall high quality of life.Ā
Best Season to visit
The best times to visit San DiegoĀ are March through May and September through November. You can find some great deals on travel rates during the low seasons in comparison to the peak summer season, as well.
LET'S EXPERIENCE WHAT THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER
If you have a hotel you’d like me to review, whether you are a reader or a hotel/property, please reach out to me so we can set something up.Ā