10 Best Coronado Island Hotels in San Diego Reviewed

I help people plan San Diego vacations. I can confirm that Coronado Island hotels are our most frequently requested accommodations. Why? Coronado delivers what most visitors are looking for.

There are gorgeous white sand beaches perfect for a quintessential California beach day filled with sunshine, swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, and more. It’s a convenient location — Coronado is a short Uber ride from the airport, a quick ferry ride to downtown, and within a (usually) easy drive to popular attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

And, of course, there are fantastic Coronado hotels, resorts, inns, and bed and breakfasts to choose from. I’ve identified the ten best and my favorite rooms in each place.

Top Coronado Hotels & Resorts by Features

I know why our clients choose (or don’t choose) certain beach resorts and hotels around town. Here’s a short list of popular picks.

• Best overall resort: Hotel del Coronado
• Best luxury: Beach Village at The Del
• Best boutique hotel on the beach: There are none.
• Best budget option: Best Western Suites
• Best Hotel del Coronado alternatives: Coronado Island Marriott and Loews Coronado Bay
• Best for couples: 1906 Lodge
• Best for large families and multigenerational trips: Shore House at The Del

1. Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

Beach: Coronado Central Beach

Hotel Class: Resort / Moderate-Luxury (five-star pricing, but not as luxe as Beach Village or Shore House)

The San Diego hotel that my readers book the most is Hotel del Coronado. It’s one of the best Coronado hotels on the beach and one of the best beachfront resorts in San Diego County. The beach in front of the resort is regarded as one of the best in the entire United States.

The long list of activities includes everything from private evening s’mores roastings to outdoor spin class steps from the sand. The breakfast (complimentary for two guests when you book the Virtuoso rate through me) is excellent, and the Serea sustainable seafood restaurant is popular with residents, too. They’ve gone to great lengths to improve the dining experience, and it’s paid off. The main outdoor swimming pool is newly renovated, and the long list of holiday events is fun for all ages.

I have a lot of repeat guests who stay here at least once per year. Many feel they get the full San Diego experience without ever leaving this Coronado beach resort. I can confidently say that the best way to book it is with my Virtuoso amenities, and if you see otherwise, let me know.

My Favorite Rooms

Note: The Victorian Building begins to reopen in February 2025.

The Cabana Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit guest rooms are fantastic. They come with a king bed and a queen sofa sleeper (great for families of four) or two queen beds (no sofa sleeper). The outdoor terrace is like an extension of your room and has a fire pit! Parents use the terrace to relax on after kids go to bed, for example.

The Views neighborhood south of The Cabanas is also a great choice. Refreshed rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean pay homage to the building’s name. The Views Oceanfront rooms are by far the best, but The Views Ocean View rooms are priced significantly less because they actually have partial ocean views. I think these offer the best value at the resort.

Many guests also choose the Cabana Poolside Terrace Two Queens room. It doesn’t come in a king bed configuration, but you can access the pool area easily from the room’s terrace.

Before you book, there is a lot to know, and I’ve gone to great pains to explain the pros and cons of each building.

Read more: Hotel del Coronado review

2. Beach Village at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Beach: Coronado Central Beach

Hotel Class: Resort / Luxury

Beach Village at The Del is Hotel del Coronado’s private enclave of luxury villas and cottages. If you are a luxury hotel enthusiast and want the most five-star San Diego beach hotel experience possible, this is your choice.

Accommodations that range from one room to three bedrooms are outfitted like designer residences. Some have full kitchens. There are also guest rooms with two queens and a queen-sized sofa sleeper that sleep up to six people!

Guests of Beach Village and local members have access to an elevated level of concierge, front desk, and guest relations service. You also receive Del Beach access, including two sand chairs and an umbrella (that main resort guests would otherwise have to pay for).

Beach Village guests also have access to everything on the main Hotel del Coronado resort, but guests of the main resort can’t access Beach Village amenities. So, it’s less busy and more private in this neighborhood.

Be prepared to pay $1000/night or more for an entry-level room (that is renovated and incredibly nice).

My Favorite Rooms

As mentioned above, the newly renovated rooms in the villas and cottages offer two queen beds and a queen sofa sleeper. The rooms also range between 550–600 square feet which is large for San Diego. It still feels tight with six people, but it is a good solution when larger families have young kids. I also encourage you to check out the cottages with outdoor fire pits on the patio.

The Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa Loft Suite is also very popular for those who want extra space. It’s bi-level with a full designer kitchen and living rooms with pretty views.

Read more: Why Beach Village at The Del is right for your vacation.

The above is usually more advantageous than Hilton Honors rates,

3. Shore House at the Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Beach: Coronado Central Beach

Hotel Class: Resort / Luxury

Among the best Coronado hotels in San Diego is Shore House at The Del, a hotel within a hotel at the historic Hotel Del Coronado.

The luxury neighborhood features seaside vacation rentals with beach access and 5-star amenities in a u-shaped boutique hotel surrounding an oceanfront pool area only for Shore House guest use.

Other amenities include an outdoor lounge, an on-site restaurant, and an exclusive lobby with a private entrance. Each villa features a gourmet kitchen with full-size appliances, a relaxing bathroom with stone finishes, an in-unit washer and dryer, and plush linens on all the beds. You can book two queen rooms here as well.

Of course, you’ll also have access to the hotel’s other dining options, like the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Smokehouse at the Laundry, and sustainable, fresh-catch eatery, Serẽa. Shore House guests also receive a private welcome, a separate valet entrance, daily housekeeping, VIP concierge service, and access to all dining options.

Additional resort perks include an on-site spa, specialty shops, and seasonal activities like surf lessons, beach bonfires, movies on the beach, art shows, and cocktail and music events.

My Favorite Rooms

First, let me give you some tips for choosing a room.

While there are a handful of two-queen rooms, most accommodations offer one to three bedrooms, making Shore House the most popular choice at Hotel del Coronado for multigenerational trips.

View choices include resort view, bay view, partial ocean view, ocean view, and oceanfront villas. If no view is listed in your room or villa’s name, it has zero view (or one of an adjacent building).

The villas are a bit like puzzle pieces in that several can be combined to create multi-bedroom units. Rooms can provide amazing value as they can sometimes be priced similarly to rooms on the main resort.

If budget permits, the Oceanfront Villas offer panoramic ocean views and are our top choice. The Ocean View Two Queen Rooms and Ocean View Loft Two Bedroom Villas are also popular.

Read more: Why Beach Village at The Del is right for your vacation.

4. 1906 Lodge Coronado

Beach: Coronado Central Beach (10-minute walk)

Hotel Class: Boutique Hotel / Moderate Price Point

If you’re looking for a Coronado boutique hotel with excellent service, consider the 17-room 1906 Lodge Coronado. I like that you get quite a bit included with your room rate:

• Signature breakfast buffet with bottomless mimosas
• Happy hour wine and hors d’oeuvres
• Coffee, tea, filtered water
• Freshly baked cookies
• Complimentary underground secure parking.
• Beach gear to borrow (chairs, towels, beach bags, umbrellas)
• Loaner bicycles

The location a block away from bustling Orange Avenue means you’re set amid stunning residences, so it’s quieter. But then again, you’re also within about two blocks of Hotel del Coronado and the beach in front of it.

It’s also a historic property, built in 1906 as a boarding school, so no two rooms are exactly alike. There isn’t a restaurant, bar, or fitness center onsite, but plenty of nearby options exist. It’s actually one of my favorite San Diego boutique hotels. It’s won awards from places like TripAdvisor for top romantic and boutique hotels.

Its signature charm, cozy rooms, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most relaxing places you could stay in San Diego and popular for couples.

My Favorite Rooms

Families will want to look at the Garden Double Queen Spa Guestroom, which sleeps five. The best room for couples is the Grand King Spa room, which has an in-room spa bathtub.

Read more: Why 1906 Lodge Coronado is right for your vacation.

5. Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Beach: Silver Strand State Beach (quick golf cart ride or 10-minute walk)

Hotel Class: Resort / Moderate Price Point

Another question I’m asked frequently is what I think of Loews Coronado Bay Resort. What causes some to pause before booking is its location, about four miles south of Orange Avenue’s shops and restaurants. Don’t let that stop you from staying here, but here’s what you need to know.

The property is on a secluded 15-acre peninsula in the San Diego Bay. It’s excellent for water sports like sailing, kayaking in the bay, and typical beach activities.

Loews staffs a seasonal beach stand on Silver Strand State Beach with chairs, umbrellas, and snacks. Rentals are complimentary for guests and at a cost for the public. Lifeguards staff the beach, which is one of the best San Diego beaches.

They do run a free shuttle to Orange Avenue if you’d like to shop or eat lunch or dinner at one of the popular Coronado restaurants. They also offer a long list of resort activities, from yoga on the beach to water sports.

However, the goal of this Coronado Island hotel is to make it so that guests experience the best of San Diego without leaving the property. They do this partially through the Flavor by Loews program, where they integrate locally caught seafood, locally brewed beers, distilled spirits, and more into their menus. Some of the produce is grown onsite in a lovely garden where guests can walk through or sit and read a book.

You will typically pay significantly less here than at Hotel del Coronado, partially due to its more remote location, and the accommodations and facilities are not quite at the same level as The Del.

My Favorite Rooms

Bay View King Suites have a fantastic water view and a separate living room with a sofa bed. I stayed in this room last time I was at the resort. I’d say any bay view room would be best there.

Read more: My full Loews Coronado Bay Resort review

6. Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

Beach: Tidelands Park or Ferry Landing (two small bay beaches)

Hotel Class: Resort / Moderate Price Point

After driving over the Coronado Bridge to the island, you’ll find Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa on the right. This is the opposite side of the island from the popular Coronado Central Beach in front of Hotel del Coronado (many Marriott guests take the hotel bikes to get to this beach). Still, it offers views of the downtown skyline and nice guest rooms.

It’s also a short walk to the Ferry Landing Marketplace, where you’ll catch or disembark from the Coronado Ferry. This small but fun waterside entertainment area has a small beach, shops, and great dining. Kids like the resident flamingos.

I like that the main pool overlooks the bay. There’s also a wellness facility that offers classes, tennis, and more, and the spa is fantastic. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, it’s a good choice.

My Favorite Rooms

I’m a fan of keeping parents in king beds if that’s what they’re used to, and all room types can sleep five, even the king rooms between the sofa bed and rollaway bed (an extra fee applies for rollaway beds).

The cottages are the nicest accommodations, but the Executive Suite is a (usually) reasonably priced way to get a separate living room and bedroom.

Read more: My full Coronado Island Marriott review.

7. Hotel Marisol Coronado

Beach: Coronado Central Beach (5-minute walk)

Hotel Class: Boutique Hotel / Moderate Price Point

This award-winning coastal boutique hotel, nestled on a quiet street, is just one block from the beach. When you’re done strolling the beach, there are multiple dining options and attractions within walking distance, making this one of the best places to stay on Coronado Island.

Hotel Marisol Coronado has just 15 rooms and is perfect for couples seeking an intimate lodging experience. If you are planning a trip with a large group, you can rent the whole hotel if you book it far enough in advance. 

After a long day of sightseeing, shopping, or beachcombing, you can relax and enjoy the coastal breezes in the secluded private courtyard. When it is time for bed, sink into the Casarovea Italian bed linens and luxurious pillow-top mattresses.

My Favorite Rooms

The Junior Suite features a bit more space for those needing to stretch their legs with a king-size bed and a wide sleeper sofa. It’s the only accommodation for up to four guests. Rooms otherwise run on the small side.

Read more: What to know about Hotel Marisol Coronado before you book.

8. Glorietta Bay Inn

Beach: Coronado Central Beach (6-minute walk)

Hotel Class: Historic Hotel / Moderate Price Point

Glorietta Bay Inn is one of the Coronado Island hotels within a short walk of Coronado Central Beach. It’s just across the street from Hotel del Coronado and another good choice for people who enjoy historic hotels.

This Coronado hotel was once the home of John D. Spreckels, credited with putting San Diego on the map. Rooms are named for their position in the home but also after his grandchildren and even his yacht. A complimentary continental breakfast is included for all guests as there isn’t a restaurant on site, but guests are spoiled for outside dining options given its prime location. It’s also close to the Coronado Golf Course and Glorietta Bay Park, which has a nice kids play area.

You’re also right across the street from San Diego Bay (some rooms offer bay views) and water sports activities like kayaking, powerboat rentals, and more.

My Favorite Rooms

If you can book into one of the Mansion Rooms, they have more charm with period furniture and original fixtures.

Read more: My full Glorietta Bay Inn review.

9. El Cordova Hotel

Beach: Coronado Central Beach

Hotel Class: Boutique / Moderate Price Point

A little further up Orange Avenue from Glorietta Bay Inn, but still across the street from Hotel del Coronado, is El Cordova Hotel. People like this boutique hotel for its Spanish-style lobby and rooms and its location in the thick of the action on Orange Avenue. Again, walk across the street to one of the best Coronado beaches.

This is one of the best Coronado Island hotels for those who require kitchens, as most accommodations have them. You can go to Miguel’s Cocina onsite for lunch or dinner or take a dip in the courtyard pool. There are no elevators to the upper floors.

Favorite Rooms

It can be difficult to sleep larger families in this part of Coronado, but this is one of the best hotels for it. I like the two-bedroom and one-bedroom suite options (and I think if you’re booking in advance, you’ll like the price).

Read more: Why we like El Cordova Hotel.

10. Best Western Suites

Beach: Ferry Landing Beach

Hotel Class: Budget (but this is a nice BW)

Finding a true budget hotel in Coronado is tough because the location is so desirable. While this will price higher than your average Best Western, it gets good reviews, and people I speak to who stay here like its value.

Amenities include:

• Free continental breakfast
• Rooms with a microwave, refrigerator, upgraded satellite television and complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Free parking
• Heated swimming pool (no gym)
• Coin-operated laundry

Yes, the decor is tired. It’s located closer to the bay side, near Coronado Island Marriott. The upshot is that you can easily take the ferry to downtown and enjoy the restaurants on this end of the island. Remember, it’s not a large place.

FAQs About Coronado San Diego Hotels

What are your favorite Coronado San Diego hotels?

See also: Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo and Best Downtown San Diego Hotels