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Hotel del Coronado is a special place. Readers book it through me more than any other hotel in San Diego. There are reasons for this, including that it’s our best full-service beachfront resort. It’s also one of the most historic buildings in California with a guest list that includes U.S. Presidents, dignitaries, and Hollywood elite over the last 136 years.
I’ve stayed at the resort multiple times and got married there. You need to know things to make sure it’s a good fit for your vacation. This includes choosing the best rooms and suites across its three separately booked sections and navigating its renovation.
Unlike other Hotel del Coronado reviews, my very detailed guide is based on reader feedback, client reviews, tips from the awesome hotel staff we work with, and my personal experience. I was there yesterday but also speak with someone at the hotel almost daily.
I am the top referrer of clients to the hotel. We have people checked in nearly every day of the year. I promise this guide will help you plan and decide if a stay here is worth it.
My Hotel del Coronado knowledge is thanks to…
Hotel del Coronado Reservations with Value-Added Virtuoso Amenities
You have access to special Virtuoso amenities at Hotel del Coronado that include:
*When searching rates on Virtuoso, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
What I love
Good to Know
Also Featured in
When someone emails in to say that they’d like to stay on the beach in a nice, big resort with lots of amenities, Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton is the only answer in San Diego. I will tell you everything you need to know before you check in.
Tip: Book Summer 2025 and Holiday 2024 stays ASAP!
Due to the renovation of the Victorian Building, the resort has fewer rooms available during the holiday season. As room availability shrinks, you can expect it to sell out faster and for pricing to increase.
What to Know about the Ongoing Hotel del Coronado Renovation
We’re in the home stretch of Hotel del Coronado’s massive renovation and restoration project. I closely monitor how it impacts the guest experience (or doesn’t). Here’s what’s happening now and next:
- The Victorian Building room refreshes are underway! (The main lobby has already been renovated and remains open.) You may see scaffolding on the exterior of this building, but it’s not as unsightly as you might think. These rooms are open for booking starting March 1, 2025.
- Sheerwater restaurant is closed and reopening as a Nobu restaurant (yes, that Nobu)!
Rest assured that my Virtuoso bookings will be placed in the best rooms possible to *usually* avoid any disruption. Very little isn’t up and running, but two things come to mind. One is that you can have housekeeping, but you must request it. And there still isn’t in-room dining available.
I am in direct communication with the resort nearly every day. I continually update this post with how the renovation impacts (or doesn’t impact) the guest experience.
How to Choose the Best Hotel del Coronado Rooms and Suites for Your Trip
There are definitely things to know about Hotel del Coronado rooms and suites to figure out which building is best for you. The information you need is below!
Some people choose a specific room or suite because they want to stay in a particular building or neighborhood, while others choose based on cost. I’ll show you how to navigate both scenarios.
Note from Katie
This section is long but addresses most of the questions we receive about choosing a room. We’ll cover every building on the main resort, plus Shore House and Beach Village.
First, Study the Resort Map
I think understanding the resort’s layout is essential. Hotel del Coronado has an online map you should look at before choosing a room. It will give you an idea of where the buildings and amenities are located. Here is a screenshot of the map.
Here’s a quick run-down on how to interpret the map from left to right:
Quick Tips for Choosing a Building/Neighborhood
Now, let’s get into each neighborhood in more detail.
Main Resort: The Victorian (Reopening March 1, 2025)
Now, this is exciting. How pretty are these new rooms in the historic Victorian Building?
Victorian Building rooms and suites had (and may continue to have) historic hotel hallmarks like creaky, uneven floors and smaller, single-sink bathrooms. This charm, though, is why many people prefer these Hotel del Coronado rooms.
What to Know
Main Resort: The Cabanas
A few years ago, The Cabanas rooms received a beautiful design upgrade. Some first-floor rooms feature outdoor fire pits, chaises, and covered terraces for soaking up the California sunshine.
The Cabana Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit rooms are among my favorite Hotel del Coronado rooms. These rooms open up to your own covered terrace and a fire pit adjacent to a common grassy area.
Many families use the terrace as an extra outdoor room. Parents hang out here while babies and younger kids sleep in the room. The sand is just a few paces from your patio, so it’s more or less direct Coronado beach access. Awesome.
Rooms in The Cabanas are closest to the Main Pool and steps from the beach. This building is an excellent location for families and those who want to be close to the beach and the Hotel del Coronado pool.
Available Room View Types
There aren’t any suites in this building. All rooms have a balcony or terrace except for a few rooms in the Resort View category.
- Cabana Resort View King or Two Queens: May not have a balcony or terrace.
- Cabana Pool View King or Two Queens: View may be temporarily impacted by Sun Deck repairs.
- Cabana Pool View Terrace Two Queens: No fire pits, but a low glass wall separates the terrace from the pool for privacy, but it has easy pool access from the terrace via a nearby walkway and may be impacted by Sun Deck repairs.
- Cabana Terrace Fire Pit King or Two Queens: These have a resort view and no direct resort access from the patio.
- Cabana Oceanfront King or Two Queens: May have noise from Sun Deck repairs.
- Cabana Beachfront Terrace Fire Pits King or Two Queens: Faces the beach and grassy area.
What to Know
Most Popular Rooms in The Cabanas
These are the most popular rooms:
Main Resort: The Views
The Views building is on the south side of The Cabanas building, and it’s the most popular building we book right now. It is a bit farther from the restaurants and pool than The Cabanas or Victorian. However, this distance makes it quieter.
Its name reflects what you can expect here — views through new floor-to-ceiling windows. Guest rooms offer white, bright sanctuaries with coastal color accents.
It’s the resort’s tallest building and closer to the beach than The Victorian Building. You can expect panoramic ocean views from the top floors.
Available Rooms and Suites in The Views
Rooms and one-bedroom suites are available in The Views. All have a balcony or terrace.
- King or Two Queens* (the no-named view category typically faces building walls, so there is no view)
- Resort View* (better than the above but can border events on the lawn)
- Ocean View
- Terrace with Fire Pit (this is a resort view)
- Oceanfront
- Beachside Terrace with Fire Pit
- The Views Ocean View Suite
- The Views Oceanfront Suite
What to Know
Most Popular Rooms in The Views
Shore House at The Del
Shore House at The Del is a private neighborhood of seaside residences that have a beautiful, clean coastal design.
Highlights include the ocean view pool with a poolside bar, the communal indoor-outdoor living room area, and the bistro. Only Shore House guests can access all of this.
Available View Types
Rooms and one- to three-bedroom villas all have balconies or terraces and come with the following views.
- No View (the room name will not list a view)
- Resort View
- Bay View
- Ocean View
- Oceanfront
What to Know
Most Popular Rooms in Shore House
Beach Village at The Del
If you want the most luxurious San Diego beach vacation possible in a quieter, more residential-style setting, make reservations at Beach Village at The Del.
The exclusive private enclave adjacent to Hotel del Coronado is only accessible by Beach Village guests. Beach Village guests can access everything on the Main Resort, including the Main Resort pool.
Beach Village at The Del has its own check-in and amenities. I’ve written separately about why Beach Village at The Del may be a fit for you.
Available Views and Locations
Rooms and one- to three-bedroom villas all have balconies or terraces and come with the following views.
- Coastal View Villa (ground floor rooms and suites in the second row)
- Ocean View Villa (second or third floor rooms and suites in the second row)
- Beachfront Cottage (ground floor rooms and suites in the first, beachfront row)
- Oceanfront Cottage (second floor rooms and suites in the first, beachfront row)
What to Know
Most Popular Rooms in Beach Village
Best Hotel del Coronado Rooms
Ultimately which room you choose depends on price.
If budget is not a concern, I would book…
- Anything in Beach Village or Shore House luxury enclaves
- Cabana Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit Rooms
- The Views Beachside Terrace Fire Pit Rooms
- Cabana Oceanfront Rooms
- The Views Oceanfront Rooms
- Cabana Poolside Terrace Rooms (if you want easier pool access, no fire pit)
These rooms work at a lower price point
- The Views Ocean View (partial ocean view angled from your balcony — BEST VALUE)
- Cabana Pool View Rooms
- The Views Resort View or The Views King/Two Queen Rooms
MAIN RESORT ROOMS WE LIKE BEST: Oceanfront and fire pit rooms are the best, then The Views Ocean View.
Answers to Common Room Selection FAQs & Dilemmas
One of our most frequently asked questions is which room to choose at Hotel del Coronado. It truly does come down to price and whether you prefer a renovated or historic building room. Here’s some advice for all the currently bookable neighborhoods.
We can offer a one-category room upgrade at check-in, subject to availability, as part of your Virtuoso package. However, we suggest that you book into the room category you like. This is a big, busy hotel that often sells out, making upgrades unavailable.
Ocean view rooms and suites are incredible. However, you will see plenty of ocean when walking about the resort, so don’t uncomfortably stretch your budget for the view.
Hotel del Coronado Rooms for Larger Families
The maximum occupancy for rooms at Hotel del Coronado is three people (king rooms) or four people (two queen rooms). If your family is larger, look to these options.
Beach Village rooms: The rooms at Beach Village have been renovated to include two queen beds and a queen sofa bed to sleep families of six! They are also spacious at about 550 square feet plus balconies or terraces.
Connecting rooms: The hotel can now guarantee connecting rooms for an additional fee of $20 per room if processed when booking or $25 per room if processed after booking. Connecting rooms can be a king room to a double queen room in the same view type. The Cabanas building has very few connecting sets, so you’ll want to look to the Victorian and Views buildings for the best chances of a guaranteed connection. Our guests do not pay connecting room fees.
I highly recommend having us help you with connecting rooms or calling in-house reservations (not Hilton central reservations) for assistance.
King rooms in The Cabanas and The Views also now have full-sized sofa beds in them, but the maximum occupancy is three people. If your kids are young, two on a sofa bed is likely okay — we can discuss it.
Suites: If you prefer a fully separate bedroom from the living area, you must book a one-bedroom suite. The Views offers gorgeous suites with king beds and sofa beds that sleep up to three adults or two adults and two kids. The Views suites can have rollaway beds, and they are larger at 800 square feet.
Rollaway beds: $25/night fee
Cribs or Pack N Plays: Complimentary, and you can request one or the other.
Ocean Club Upgrade
The Windsor Cottage is now home to the Ocean Club. You can book certain rooms in The Views building at a higher price that include this access for two people. Additional guests pay the daily rate which fluctuates based on the season. Here’s what you get currently, but note these offers change all the time!
Food and beverage:
- Daily breakfast buffet with mimosas at Windsor Cottage (7:30–11:30 a.m.)*
- Light lunch a la carte menu (12–5 p.m.)
- House wine & beer service (3–5 p.m.)*
- Afternoon refreshments (3–5 p.m.)*
- Dinner a la carte menu (5–9 p.m.)
- Oceanfront bar (11 a.m.–9 p.m.)
The Beach Club (seasonal):
- Coffee & pastries (Thurs–Sun, 9-11:30 a.m.)*
- Infused water and light snacks (Thurs–Sun, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.)*
- All Day Dining a la carte menu (Thurs–Sun, 12–5 p.m.)
- Bar service (11 a.m.–6 p.m.)
- Champagne toast (6 p.m.)*
- Evening bonfire and s’mores (6 p.m.)*
- Live DJ on weekends
*Services marked with an asterisk are included in the program fee. Bar and a la carte lunch and dinner are additional. Hours and offerings are subject to change. See the latest online.
- Hotel Guest Daily Fee for Main Resort and Shore House Guests
- Adults (ages 13+): $100–200 per person
- Children (ages 5-12): $50–100 per child
- Children (ages 0-4): Complimentary with paying adult
You must opt into Ocean Club for all dates of your stay.
Is the Ocean Club upgrade worth it? If it is within your budget, then yes, it’s a very nice benefit. However, dining at the resort and nearby Coronado restaurants is also quite good. Not many people ask for it as an add-on. This is because we already provide daily breakfast for two people per bedroom through Virtuoso.
Hotel del Coronado Activities
Plan to spend a decent amount of time at the resort because there is much to do. You’ll receive an event calendar in your room, but you can also check it online before your stay.
The following are some of my favorite things to do with my family while staying at Hotel del Coronado.
Del Beach
CORONADO BEACH TIPS & ALERTS
- A more sensitive ocean water testing system was recently implemented in San Diego County. This system triggers closures of the ocean for swimming when bacteria levels are considered high.
- The ocean beaches most impacted are from Coronado to the Mexico border.
- Closures are most likely to occur after rainfall, but there are occasions when they trigger without rain.
- We haven’t had complaints yet from guests staying at Hotel del Coronado during ocean closures because the beach itself is still open, and there’s still so much to do!
- You can check the latest status at sdbeachinfo.com (updated once per day), or @SDBeachH20 Twitter feed for more frequent updates. Multiple Coronado beach areas are tested. The station in front of the Hotel del Coronado is Coronado Lifeguard Tower. If that is green/open, you can swim in front of the hotel.
Del Beach offers guests the ability to rent lounge chairs, cabanas, and cabanettes in a full-service area. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks (including adult beverages). It’s a lovely way to spend a beach day.
The Hotel del Coronado beach is called Coronado Central Beach. It’s enormous, so if you choose a Del Beach rental, you won’t be able to see kids playing in the water from the cabanas and cabanettes. However, they will set up smaller chairs and umbrellas at the water’s edge if you ask.
See also: Rentals for Residents and Hotel Guests at Del Beach
FAQ: Should I Book a Beach Cabana?
Yes! Having food and drinks delivered to your luxe, comfy cabana is fantastic! However, this is a very wide beach. If you have young children who will want to play at the water’s edge, rent chairs and an umbrella instead and take them closer to the ocean. You can’t see the water’s edge from Del Beach.
Fun Fitness Classes
Opt for morning spinning or beach yoga. Have you ever wanted to try a mermaid fitness class? Here, you can put on a tail for a surprisingly robust pool workout. Fitness classes on the beach also include boot camp, pilates, fitness walk, hula hooping, and meditation.
These classes may require an additional fee. However, the gym is free, open 24 hours, and offers private personal training.
Hotel del Coronado Pools
The Main Pool is heated to 82 degrees year-round. In addition to complimentary lounge chairs and towels, guests can reserve shaded private cabanas for up to eight people.
These luxury seating areas have 2-4 lounge chairs, an L-shaped sofa, a mini-refrigerator with soda and snacks, and a fruit bowl. You can order additional food and drinks.
There are a couple of requirements. Guests need to get a new wristband daily to use the pool. They enforced a kids’ break policy (though I’ve been told this isn’t always the case during the off-peak season).
Kids must take a short pool break at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to use the restroom, rehydrate, reapply sunscreen, grab a snack, etc. There is no lifeguard on duty. Sun Deck restaurant services the pool area.
A small spa pool is available to spa guests, but it’s temporarily closed.
Tip: Book Cabanas and Day Passes ASAP
The new pool cabanas sell out quickly. Book them ASAP if you have a room reservation, even if your stay is months ahead. You can also book pool day passes if you are not staying at the resort through ResortPass.
Water Sports, Bike Rentals, and Boat Rentals
The resort offers a variety of rental options to help keep your whole family entertained during your stay. Private surf and SUP lessons can be arranged year-round. However, they can be canceled in poor weather or when the surf isn’t cooperating. Group surf lessons and surf kids’ camps are offered seasonally, too.
Del Watersports rents boogie boards, surfboards, SUP boards and paddles, wetsuits, kayaks, and more for those who don’t need lessons.
Bike rentals are a must-do. Coronado is fantastic when explored by bike. The boardwalk in front of the hotel is perfect for a surrey ride. You can ride a bike across the island to the ferry terminal or down the Silver Strand and back (the latter is great exercise).
Take a short walk off the resort to Coronado Boathouse at Glorietta Marina for speedboat rentals, sailing, jet-skiing, and other fun options. Seaforth Boat Rentals is also right across the street.
Ocean Explorers Kids’ Club (Seasonal)
Kids’ clubs are hard to find at San Diego hotels, but Hotel del Coronado offers Ocean Explorers (formerly DelVentures) for kids ages 5–12.
You can book a full-day or half-day session seven days a week during the peak summer season and Friday–Sunday throughout the rest of the year. It’s best to check the calendar to see available dates during your stay. .
Usually, two supervised sessions are on offer from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. so that parents can enjoy spa treatments and some rest and relaxation at the resort. You can also book the full day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including lunch. The Explorers’ Night Out program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and includes dinner.
What will the kids be up to? We’re talking about edutainment, including scavenger hunts, tide pooling, crafts, beach Olympics, and fun things your kids will love.
Again, check the schedule and programming before you book if a kids’ club is important to you.
Beach Roasts
I highly recommend booking a Roast during your Hotel del Coronado stay. They’ll set up a private fire pit and chairs for up to eight people on the beach in front of the hotel. S’mores kits are included, and the experience lasts for an hour.
Reserve your fire pit in advance during one of the two offered evening times. It’s a lovely opportunity to watch the sunset and enjoy the beachfront location.
Tip: You may order additional food and drinks from Beach + Taco Shack or ENO to pick up and bring to your fire pit.
Seasonal Activities
During a typical summer, guests look forward to beach movies and more outdoor activities.
No San Diego hotel is more festive during the winter holidays than Hotel del Coronado. Every year, locals and tourists enjoy its gorgeous Christmas tree, annual ornament tradition, and beachfront ice skating rink.
Tip: Winter Activities Are on the Windsor Lawn
Some rooms around the resort overlook the bustling winter activities on the Windsor Lawn. Consider this before booking Cabana Resort View or Victorian Ocean View rooms, which may overlook the events.
It’s busier in the common areas during this time of year, but it is a lot of fun. We always head down to enjoy the winter programming, and many people check in to the hotel to experience it.
See also: Things to Do at Hotel del Coronado During the Holidays
Hotel del Coronado Restaurants
The hotel’s food and beverage program recently went through a revamp that has been well-received. You will pay luxury hotel pricing for food and drinks at the resort. And a Nobu restaurant is coming to the resort in 2025! It replaces Sheerwater Restaurant.
Serẽa
A la carte breakfast is served here (and complimentary for up to two people per room for Virtuoso guests.
The lovely Hotel del Coronado restaurant, Serẽa is just what the resort needed. Here, guests enjoy sustainable seafood served in a relaxed, ocean-view environment.
Guests can take an up-close look at the seafood on offer that day as it sits on the ice near the raw bar. Serẽa is open daily for breakfast, weekend brunch, and dinner.
Serẽa is popular, so make reservations in advance.
On the Rocks
This fun food truck is parked at the Windsor Lawn and open for breakfast and lunch (closing briefly between 11-11:30 a.m.) where you can get The Del Cheeseburger, tuna poke and other fun favorites to-go or to eat at some of the seating near the truck.
Babcock and Story Bar
For the times you want to plop down for a drink in a casual bar atmosphere, Babcock and Story is the place. It’s named after the hotel’s founders and known for signature cocktails, live music on certain nights, and a light food menu.
Sun Deck
Above the Main Pool and beach, the casual Sun Deck is an excellent place for a craft cocktail or a casual meal. They have some fire pit tables and special events like a dog-friendly happy hour on Sundays in the late afternoon. The menu has been completely refreshed, and you’ll find California cuisine like grilled octopus, seared tuna tostadas, salads, and burgers.
Eno Market + Pizzeria
I’ve always enjoyed ENO. It’s a casual neighborhood eatery with pizzas and salads and plenty of wine to pair with them. Dine near the open kitchen or on the patio near the fire pit with an ocean view.
Its Market, with various grab-and-go pastries, drinks, sandwiches, and more, is an open and welcome addition to the resort.
Beach + Taco Shack
Come barefoot; it doesn’t matter, to the beachside Beach + Taco Shack for festive cocktails, mocktails, and daily taco offerings. It’s open on the weekends for breakfast if you’d like a hearty breakfast burrito — another San Diego staple. I can vouch for the Mai Tais.
Smokehouse & Bar at The Historic Laundry
Nosh on sharable appetizers and sides, slow-smoked meats, salads like iceberg slabs, and cocktails at the newest Del dining outlet. They’ve also added 12 television screens to showcase sports.
This is the one place I haven’t eaten at yet. In the surveys we send to our clients, they reply with rave reviews about it. You can also take a family feast back to your villa or room that feeds 4-6 people.
More Grab and Go Options
Sodas, water, wine, sandwiches, snacks, pastries, and more can be purchased on a grab-and-go basis in several small gift shop outlets around the property. Kids will love grabbing a gigantic ice cream cone at Sundaes and fudge at Spreckels Sweets & Treats.
Tip: You can order online for pick-up at most of the restaurants at The Del.
Sunday Brunch at the Crown Room (Temporarily Closed)
The legendary Hotel del Coronado brunch that everyone talks about happens in the gorgeous Crown Room, which is temporarily closed for renovation.
We’re talking about gourmet Bloody Mary bars, made-to-order mimosas, gorgeous dessert bars, seafood towers, and everything a genuinely fabulous opulent brunch should have. We’ll circle back with more info upon its reopening.
For restaurants near Hotel del Coronado (within a short walk or a short Uber ride), see Best Coronado Restaurants.
Full-Service Spa and Salon
The renovated space integrates the coastal location, the hotel’s vibrant history, and a Marilyn Monroe-inspired theme. The movie “Some Like It Hot” was filmed at the property.
The dedicated salon offers shampoo and blowouts in addition to nail treatments and makeup applications. You can also treat yourself to massages, facials, and specialty treatments like hydrafacials and prenatal massages. Make reservations online.
What You Must Understand Before Booking In
Hotel del Coronado is a famous local icon. People who are not staying there visit to take photos, dine in restaurants, and browse the shops. It is a busy hotel, but most people genuinely don’t mind.
It is also incredibly important to remember a location on the best Coronado beach (also considered one of the nation’s best beaches) commands premium pricing.
For example, rates are high in summer if you book at the last minute. You can’t make the mistake of comparing your rate to a European palace or sprawling Mexico all-inclusive that you paid the same price for and consider twice as nice. It’s our nicest beachfront resort, and many people will pay a premium to stay here.
Book everything you can in advance of your stay online, from beach chairs to pool cabanas to fitness classes during peak season. Do not wait until you arrive, as activities sell out.
I used to be critical of the resort’s service, which is a common theme in other Hotel del Coronado reviews. However, it has improved over the last few years. I’m seeing it personally and through my clients’ stays.
Is it perfect? Not yet. Yes, there might be waits for the front desk and little things here and there that you may not see at a five-star resort. The service is getting better as time and the renovation progresses. One thing clients occasionally say is that the service at the restaurants could be improved.
Just keep in mind that the main resort is still a four-star property, so here, you won’t get five-star service. You should at Shore House and Beach Village.
However, after their stays, I send out a survey to all guests, and I get more positive feedback about it than in years past. When I lob in a request for an in-residence Virtuoso guest, it’s dealt with quickly.
What you can expect the hotel to deliver is the basis for a fantastic San Diego beach vacation. Book in with the correct expectations, and you will get the most out of your stay.
Take advantage of the activities and amenities on offer (and schedule as many as you can in advance), enjoy the beach, relax, and you will have a great time. The ability to run back and forth from your room to the beach, especially when in San Diego with kids, is indeed a treat.
People often tell me that Hotel del Coronado is one of their favorite resorts. I personally know and work with many repeat guests, some of who I now book every year or multiple times per year.
Getting to Hotel del Coronado
Coronado is located south of the San Diego International Airport and Downtown San Diego. While there is a pedestrian ferry between Downtown and Coronado, it’s easiest to drive to Coronado from the airport. Unless it’s rush hour, it should take about 15-20 minutes to reach the resort by car.
Follow signs from baggage claim at the airport to the taxis or rideshare waiting area if you’re taking Uber or Lyft (Uber Black is licensed to pick you up curbside just outside of baggage claim, however). Signage here also points to the rental car shuttle waiting areas. An app-based black car/SUV service we use in San Diego and worldwide called Blacklane works well, and they’ll meet you at the baggage claim.
During the summer, there is a shuttle on Coronado Island that can take guests around the island. This shuttle can also take guests from the hotel to the ferry, which would otherwise be a 30-minute walk.
This makes Hotel del Coronado one of the best places to stay without a car in San Diego. You can use Uber for short distances or supplement by renting a car for the day. The closest rental car outlet to Hotel del Coronado is Enterprise, a few blocks away.
If you are sightseeing in North County San Diego multiple times, renting a car is usually worth it. Not having a car, though, will save you the parking fees at the hotel.
Hotel del Coronado Reviews From Our Clients…
We’ve recently started collecting client reviews of their stays at popular San Diego hotels. Here are a few Hotel del Coronado reviews that we have permission to share. Please remember that they booked in with Virtuoso amenities, so they had some additional benefits. In all honesty, we have not had a negative review in I can’t remember how long.
The Best Way to Make Hotel del Coronado Reservations
You can check Hotel del Coronado prices on my Virtuoso page and compare them to Hilton.com. However, you will receive a better level of service and VIP status in addition to my San Diego vacation planning email series if you book with me.
I update this Hotel del Coronado review regularly, so if your stay falls in the future, bookmark this page. You are always welcome to email me with questions.
Click on the tabs to explore booking instructions
Hotel del Coronado Virtuoso Benefits:
Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.
Shore House at The Del Virtuoso Benefits:
NEW: Shore House is now a Hilton LXR property and participates in the Hilton For Luxury VIP program. These rates more beneficial for Hilton members because you receive 2x points. Please use our form to request rates if you would like the extra points, otherwise you can book on Virtuoso.
4th Night FREE: Any 4-night booking from November 1 – December 5 will receive one night free. Travel must be completed by June 13, 2025. Blackout dates: 11/27-11/29, 12/20-12/31, 2/14-2/16, 3/21/25-3/22/25, 4/4/25-4/5/25, 4/11/25-4/12/25, 4/18/25-4/20/25, 5/23/25-5/25/25
Beach Village at The Del Virtuoso Benefits:
NEW: Beach Village is now a Hilton LXR property and participates in the Hilton For Luxury VIP program. These rates can be more beneficial for Hilton members because you receive 2x points. Please use our form to request rates. Otherwise, you can book now on Virtuoso.com.
4th Night FREE: Any 4-night booking from November 1 – December 5 will receive one night free. Travel must be completed by June 13, 2025. Blackout dates: 11/27-11/29, 12/20-12/31, 2/14-2/16, 3/21/25-3/22/25, 4/4/25-4/5/25, 4/11/25-4/12/25, 4/18/25-4/20/25, 5/23/25-5/25/25
We independently select featured hotels and may earn a commission if you book through the links below.
Hilton
If you are eligible for AAA, Military, or Hilton Honors or sale rates that you are more comfortable with, you can book all three sections of the resort through their pages on Hilton.com.
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FAQs About Staying at Hotel del Coronado
I’m asked many questions about this popular resort, so I have answered the most frequently asked here to plan your stay.
Is Hotel del Coronado worth it?
Yes, I believe Hotel del Coronado is worth it. It’s our best beachfront resort with the most amenities. You will get the most value out of your stay by understanding what to expect before you check in, by choosing the right room, and by planning your activities on the resort in advance.
Which is the Hotel del Coronado haunted room?
If you’re looking to request or avoid the Hotel del Coronado haunted room where Kate Morgan stayed in 1892, it’s room 3327. The hotel doesn’t mention the room number much publicly, but we were told the number by a bellman once and have seen other sources confirm this.
Kate Morgan died at the hotel under mysterious circumstances (believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but there is some controversy around this). She is said to haunt the hotel to this day.
Is Hotel del Coronado a Hilton Hotel?
Yes. Hotel del Coronado is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a collection of independent four- and five-star properties worldwide. You can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points when staying at the main resort, Beach Village at The Del, and Shore House at The Del. Virtuoso guests also earn Hilton Honors points.
What does the Resort Fee cover?
Hotel del Coronado, Beach Village at The Del, and Shore House at The Del levy a $50/night plus tax resort fee that includes guest internet access; unlimited indoor fitness classes and beach yoga; live streaming of Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, YouTube & Crackle; local and toll-free calls. It includes access to discounted tickets, but I have the same (or better) here.
The resort fee also includes $15/night that goes to a historic preservation fund, customary of historic hotels, to assist with future restorations of historic features.
Where is breakfast served?
The best Hotel del Coronado breakfast is served at Serẽa restaurant. Seasonally, breakfast is also served at Beach + Taco Shack. You can also grab breakfast to-go at the ENO Marketplace.
Main Resort and Beach Village Virtuoso guests receive free daily breakfast for up to two people to use at Serẽa. Shore House Virtuoso guests use their free breakfast at Shore House Bistro. The value is $45+ per person per day.
What are the best restaurants within walking distance?
Hotel del Coronado guests are within walking distance of many of the best Coronado restaurants. We quite like Bluewater Boathouse for a seafood dinner and view.
Clayton’s Coffee Shop is a local institution with diner favorites and a take-out window for awesome burritos. If you want a good happy hour fried fish taco, head to Brigantine. The list goes on.
Can complimentary breakfast be applied toward Crown Room Sunday brunch?
No, the Virtuoso breakfast for two benefit that I can add to your reservation can only be used daily at Serẽa. Plus, the Crown Room is temporarily closed for renovation.
How much is Hotel del Coronado parking
Valet parking is $75/night for overnight guests, and self-parking is $55/night for overnight guests.
If you are visiting for the day, the rates are as follows:
Self-parking: $25 for the first 2 hours (receive a $10 discount with any purchase) and $10 each additional hour. The daily maximum is $75.
Valet parking: $35 for the first 2 hours (receive a $10 discount with any purchase) and $10 each additional hour. The daily maximum is $85.
What do I pay upfront with a Beach Village, Shore House, or Hotel del Coronado booking?
A one-night deposit is required at the time of booking. At Hotel del Coronado, this deposit is refundable should you cancel no later than three days before check-in (seven days during peak dates).
At Beach Village at The Del and Shore House at The Del, this deposit is refundable should you cancel no later than seven days before check-in (14 days during peak dates). The balance of your stay will be paid at check-out.
A debit/credit card will be authorized at check-in for the full amount due and estimated incidental charges of $150 per day.
What time can I check in?
Check-in time is at 4 p.m. It always helps to let the hotel know what time to expect you, either through me or the Hilton app. The Hilton app allows users to check in the day prior and set an arrival time.
Virtuoso guests are entitled to early check-in, subject to availability, but it is challenging to achieve this during peak seasons like summer and school breaks. Please don’t plan on it. Early check-in may be granted if enough guests check out early (remember they are entitled to stay until 11 a.m.), and housekeeping can clean the room. The other limiting factor is if you’ve given specific room parameters, which many people do, this decreases the odds of you being able to check in early.
If your room or suite isn’t ready, you may drop your bags with the bellman and use the facilities. There is plenty to keep you busy.
What time is check out?
Guests need to check out by 11 a.m. Virtuoso guests are entitled to a late check-out, subject to availability.
It is unusual that the hotel can extend a late check-out for more than an hour or two past 11 a.m. — if they can even extend one. Again, don’t plan on a late check-out during peak season especially.
Should I choose a room through the Hilton app?
If you are a Virtuoso guest of mine, do not choose a room through the Hilton app. I work with guest relations, and they select the best room for you based on your parameters.
If you are not a Virtuoso guest, you may want to select the room on the Hilton app (which you can do the day before check in). I often get asked what the best ones are. It’s a hard question to answer because it depends on your preferences. I would use the map to choose a room with reference to where the various amenities, parking lots, gardens, and panoramic views (beach and ocean) are on the property.
Is Hotel del Coronado open to the public
Yes, you may enjoy Hotel del Coronado on a day-use basis. This means that day guests can shop and dine at the resort. They may also pass through to walk on the boardwalk or to use the beach, even Del Beach rentals.
Day guests will not have access to pools except for the spa pool if booking a spa treatment. Whether you’re a day or overnight guest, visiting Hotel del Coronado is on my list of top things to do in Coronado.
If you are not an overnight guest, you can buy day passes to the Main Pool through ResortPass.
How far is Hotel del Coronado from the San Diego Airport?
Hotel del Coronado is about 9 miles from the San Diego International Airport. The drive should take just over 15 minutes without traffic. The easiest way to get to the hotel is via Uber or car service.
Is the AAA discount better?
The AAA rate at Hotel del Coronado is usually 10% off of Hilton’s Best Flexible Rate. You can book it through Hilton, by selecting AAA in the Special Rate section of the booking engine.
The rate may be lower than Virtuoso, but it will not usually be better on an all-in basis. The AAA rate is not combinable with Virtuoso amenities, so you will not receive the $100 resort credit, $45/day daily breakfast credit for up to two adults, or a possible room upgrade. The same applies to the AARP, military, and other special rates offered by Hilton.
Why are there bad Hotel del Coronado reviews?
I get this question all the time. People comb TripAdvisor and see reviews that cause them to hesitate to book a stay.
I covered some of this already, but the bottom line is that people go in with the wrong expectations. This hotel is expensive because of its offerings and location. It’s our best beach resort. It’s NOT a Four Seasons or a Ritz-Carlton, nor does it bill itself to be. It does not have five-star service. But it can price higher than a lot of five-star hotels. Yet people are willing to pay this, hence the pricing.
People also accidentally booked the older Victorian rooms and are surprised that they are not new for the price. Or, they book renovation view rooms and complain about the construction noise (I know).
You will have a great time if you go in with the right expectations, choose your room wisely, and are not a high-needs traveler. Also, understand that there are not a lot of alternatives in San Diego if you would like to stay at a big beach resort.
Can Hilton Diamond benefits be combined with Virtuoso?
It is still more beneficial for Hilton Diamond members to book into Hotel del Coronado through Virtuoso. If you are a Hilton Diamond member (or any level of Hilton Honors member), you will earn points with a Virtuoso booking.
You will not receive the Hilton Diamond or Hilton Gold daily food and beverage credit (which at the time of this writing is $20/day) as a Virtuoso guest. Remember, with Virtuoso, you receive daily breakfast for two people (valued at $45+ per person per day) and a one-time $100 food and beverage credit.
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Katie Dillon
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