By: TravelAnne Staff Writers
The Hotel del Coronado is the most historic hotel in San Diego, deemed a National Landmark, and its conical red-tile roof and starched-white facade have been the face of the west coast's privileged beachfront lifestyle since Del's debut in 1888. It’s an easy 10 minutes by car from downtown.
Among The Del's many superlatives, it boasts being the world's largest wooden structure, a wedding cake of a place full of turrets and dormers culminating in that magnificent red roof. The Duke of Windsor met his duchess here, and Marilyn Monroe glowed on this beach in the classic movie Some Like It Hot.
Whether it's a 2-week escape or a 2-day weekend getaway, TravelAnne is here to make it happen.
Hotel del Coronado - TravelAnne Resort Checklist
Number of Rooms
A lot! The Victorian units are the most elegant here, and the suites and junior suites are booked well in advance. The Ocean Tower wing houses 96 balconied rooms in colorful updated style, with large windows and aluminum-railed balconies.
At the top of the tariff card, there are 78 units at Beach Village, individually owned, rented back on a nightly basis. These latter units have the best views and decor, and guests looking for an elegant beachfront address in San Diego cannot go wrong here.
For a chilling thrill, consider booking 3312 in the traditional wing; it is supposedly haunted by the resident ghost.
When last Renovated
In the Fall of ’23 the resort announced a $160 million investment which is still underway. This investment marks the next and final phase of Blackstone Real Estate’s more than $550 million development plan to preserve and enhance the National Historic Landmark property for the enjoyment of guests, visitors and the community alike. The upgrades will encompass all Victorian guestrooms, suites and event spaces such as the iconic Crown Room, with a targeted completion date of Spring 2025.
Number of restaurants & bars
11 dining and drinking establishments spread over morn than an acre, including a sophisticated wine bar and beach bars, an ice cream shop, bakery and an ocean-view fine-dining room with seafood-heavy menus at lunch and dinner.
Pools
Hotel del Coronado’s Cabana Pool is open and features poolside food and beverage service and private cabanas. Guests staying at Beach Village have exclusive access to the Oval Pool plus additional plunge pools and hot tubs. Guests staying at the new Shore House at The Del have exclusive access to a new oceanfront pool and Jacuzzi. The pools are heated year-round to around 80-85 degrees.
Spa & Fitness
The spa offers lounge areas for men and women. It comes with 21 treatment rooms and an encyclopedic menu of beloved treatments that lure locals—book treatments when you book your room.
Activities
Great pool, beach and restaurants/bars (see above). Stellar spa... plus tennis is available
Third-Party Ratings
The hotel has received a Four Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association[7] and was listed in 2011 by USA Today among the top ten resorts in the world.[8]
Shopping
Umm, yea. It’s The Del!