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Hotel del Coronado

Hotel Overview

Coronado’s fabled Victorian seaside resort One of the largest and oldest resorts on the Pacific Coast, the "Del" occupies 31 acres of oceanfront property at Coronado Beach, five miles from downtown San Diego. Completely refurbished in 2001, this Victorian-era grande dame offers two pools, a spa/salon, tennis courts, bicycle and boat rental, beach equipment, and children’s programs. Guestrooms in the original building have period decor, while Ocean Tower rooms have balconies and are more modern in style. All have in-room safes and windows that open.

Property amenities

Completely renovated in 2001, the 713-unit Hotel Del Coronado—an entirely nonsmoking property—features several restaurants, boutiques and shops, two swimming pools (one with cabanas and spa tub), a sauna and steam room, tennis courts, bike and boat rentals, and beach equipment. Children’s programs are also offered.

What to expect: The refurbished interior of this landmark resort complements its wedding-cake exterior of white siding and red-roofed turrets. A uniformed operator still runs the original birdcage elevator, though the controls are now automated. The vast lobby bustles with families, conventioneers, San Diegans on weekend getaways, history buffs, and looky-loos imagining the days when Hollywood's elite trod the grand staircases.

Amenity highlights: Completely renovated in 2001, the "Del" (as it's known by locals) pampers guests with cabanas, poolside dining, and luxury health spa services, including in-room massages complete with candlelight and wine. There's also a fitness room, tennis courts, bicycle-, boat-, and jet ski rentals, and special programs for children.

Insider tip: Curious about who some of your fellow guests have been? Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot here. Frequent guest and Wizard of Oz author Frank Baum designed the chandeliers in the spectacular Crown Room. Also as guests, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz concocted their I Love Lucy personae. There's even a resident ghost—Kate Morgan—whose poignant story is told in a lobby display.

Dining

Prince of Wales - Classic cuisine (seasonal ingredients), served by candlelight. Dinner only. Ocean view. Terrace seating. Live piano music nightly.

Sheerwater - California coastal fare served. Oeanfront restaurant with exhibition kitchen and expansive outdoor terrace, heaters and large fireplaces.

Crown Room - Offering an extensive and famous Sunday brunch. The arched, 31-foot-high Sugar-pine ceiling was built without a single nail.

Babcock & Story - Tropical drinks and fine wines. Indoor/outdoor lounge, adjacent to Sheerwater. (The carved bar dates from 1888 and was shipped around Cape Horn in one piece.)

Palm Court - Overlooks the garden patio. Breakfast, lunch, and lighter fare served during the day. Spirits/libations served in the evenings.

Museum Market - Kitschy, cave-like deli. Sandwiches, soups, wine, beer, pizza, and Internet access.

Rooms

This hotel offers guestrooms that vary in configuration. Shuttered windows open. Decor includes carved wooden headboards; wicker- and-cane furnishings.

Full Ocean View
One king bed or two queen beds. Ocean view. Located in Towers, Cabana, or Victorian buildings. 290-350 square feet. Video-game console. In-room safe.

Partial ocean-view room
One king bed or two queen beds. May have partial ocean view. Located in the Towers, Cabana, or Victorian buildings. 290-350 square feet. Video-game console. In-room safe.

Resort
One king bed or two queen beds. Located in the Towers, Cabana, or Victorian buildings. 290-350 square feet. Video-game console. In-room safe.

Victorian
One king bed, one queen bed, or two twin beds. Located in original hotel building. 200-289 square feet. Video-game console. In-room safe.

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