Hotel del Coronado Review & Insider Guide: Best Rooms, Prices, and VIP Perks

Hotel del Coronado is more than a San Diego landmark—it’s my most-booked hotel, and for good reason. With its iconic red roof, beachfront setting, and over 136 years of history, “The Del” has hosted everyone from U.S. presidents to Hollywood legends. I even got married here, and wrote much of this updated Hotel del Coronado review from my Victorian room overlooking the ocean.

As the hotel’s top independent referrer, I speak regularly with resort staff, gather constant feedback from the clients I send here, and stay closely connected to ongoing updates. I know which sections work best for different types of travelers.

But with so many room types, rate differences, and recent renovations, it’s fair to wonder if a stay here truly lives up to the price. This guide will help you decide if it’s worth it—while showing you how to choose the right room and unlock exclusive perks you won’t find elsewhere, thanks to my Crown Club membership.

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.

Is Hotel del Coronado Worth the Money? An Insider’s Value Perspective

Let’s address the big question directly: Is staying at Hotel del Coronado worth the money? In most cases, yes—particularly when booked strategically. However, the value depends heavily on your preferences and expectations.

Why Hotel del Coronado Commands Premium Prices

The Del is uniquely positioned as San Diego’s most iconic beachfront resort, located directly on Coronado Central Beach, which is frequently named one of America’s best beaches.

Beyond its historic Victorian charm, this expansive property offers multiple pools, a luxury spa, diverse dining options, upscale shopping, and family experiences like beach bonfires and seasonal activities. Simply put, there’s no comparable resort experience in the area.

Exclusive Perks That Enhance Value

Booking your stay through my service unlocks exclusive Crown Club perks that go beyond standard Virtuoso or Hilton luxury benefits.

These valuable extras are not available when booking directly, through online travel agencies (OTAs), or with points. Depending on your chosen accommodation, perks may include:

• Daily breakfast for two per bedroom (valued at around $104/day)
• Resort credits ranging from $100 (main resort) to $350 (Beach Village and Shore House)
• Special promotional offers and upgrades

What to Expect—and Not Expect

Hotel del Coronado is a four-star Curio Collection by Hilton resort. While it isn’t specifically known for exceptional service, I found the service to be friendly and excellent during my two recent stays.

It’s essential to note, however, that the main resort doesn’t consistently meet five-star standards—especially during peak seasons, when crowds are larger and requests such as early check-in or late checkout are less likely to be accommodated. For a more elevated experience, I recommend Beach Village or Shore House, which come closer to delivering five-star service.

Staying there with accurate expectations is key—my clients consistently report excellent stays when they clearly understand the resort’s unique offerings and limitations.

Who Will Get the Most Value?

In my extensive experience, Hotel del Coronado is particularly suited for:

• Families seeking an effortless beachfront vacation without needing to leave the property.
• Couples interested in romance intertwined with historical charm.
• Luxury travelers who want spacious, private accommodations (notably in Shore House or Beach Village).
• History enthusiasts who wish to immerse themselves in one of California’s most storied properties.

Booking smartly—with insider guidance—ensures you’ll get maximum value and memorable experiences at Hotel del Coronado.

Comparing the Five Resort Neighborhoods

Choosing the right section, or “neighborhood,” tailors your Del experience. The resort is divided into five distinct areas, each with its own character and advantages.

While all sections represent a luxury experience and pricing fluctuates seasonally, generally, the main resort (Victorian, Cabanas, Views) is the starting point. Shore House represents a step up in price and residential feel, and Beach Village commands the highest premium for its exclusivity and space.  

Let’s look at the map above from left to right:

Quick Tips for Choosing a Building/Neighborhood

Now, let’s explore each neighborhood in detail to help you find your perfect fit…

The Victorian: Stay in the Heart of History

These photos are from my stay in a Victorian Oceanfront King with a Balcony Room. These are the best rooms in the building.

This is the original, iconic 1888 building—the heart and soul of The Del. Staying here means immersing yourself in history, surrounded by stunning Queen Anne architecture, the grand lobby, and the famous Crown Room.

I just stayed in a renovated room and really loved it. The one thing I noticed right away is that the bathrooms are bigger. Other things I liked were that my bottled water was replenished daily. The closet has robes, a steamer instead of an iron (so much easier to use), a safe, and a luggage rack. I also really liked the resort’s Ocean Mist bath amenities.

Best For

• History enthusiasts and architecture admirers who are okay with a historic structure’s charming quirks (like slightly uneven floors)
• Couples seeking a romantic, classic ambiance
• Guests who want to be attached to the main lobby and resort amenities

Pros & Cons of Staying in The Victorian

Pros: Rich historic ambiance, central location, beautifully restored interiors, easy access to main resort facilities.
Cons: Room sizes and layouts vary due to historic architecture, and balconies or patios are not standard and must be specifically booked. Thanks to the renovation, soundproofing is significantly improved, but not as effective as in some hotels. I heard a little bit of hallway activity.

Room Types in The Victorian

All rooms feature elegant Victorian-inspired décor, walk-in showers, and modern amenities. Most king rooms do not have sofa beds and can only sleep two people, plus a baby in a crib at most. Two queen rooms can sleep up to four people. A handful of rooms have sofa beds. The room name will say sofabed in it.

Most Popular Rooms Booked by My Clients

Victorian Oceanfront Balcony
It provides direct ocean views and a small balcony with two wicker chairs. I think this is the best room in the building.

Victorian No View—Caution
This room is only popular because it is the cheapest. I don’t recommend it because you can look at a parking lot or a service area.

The Cabanas: Steps from the Action

Renovated several years ago, The Cabanas section blends coastal design with the convenience of being closest to the Main Pool and the beach. Select ground-floor rooms feature fire pits and terraces, popular with travelers who want to enjoy outdoor space steps from the sand.

Best For

• Families or people with mobility concerns who want to minimize walking to the pool or beach
• Social travelers who enjoy being near the resort’s energy

Pros and Cons of Staying in The Cabanas

Pros: Closest to beach and pool, modern rooms, social atmosphere, popular terrace fire pit options.
Cons: No suites, limited privacy on ground floors (Resort View), few connecting rooms, not ideal for guests seeking a quiet or secluded stay.

Room Types in The Cabanas

King rooms have sofa beds, and up to three people can sleep in them. Two queen rooms can sleep up to four people. You can add a crib to either room type for free (no rollaways).

Most Popular Rooms Booked by My Clients

Cabana Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit King or Two Queens
These open up to grass and the beach boardwalk, and now have Ocean Club access.

Cabana Resort View Terrace Fire Pit Two Queens
It’s a good central location and price point with a large patio.

Cabana Oceanfront King or Two Queens
Best views from your balcony. In my experience, they book up quickly because there are only a handful of them.

The Views: Panoramic Vistas & Contemporary Calm

Previously known as Ocean Towers, The Views has been fully renovated and now offers some of the best ocean views in the main resort area. Rooms feature a clean coastal design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies—perfect for enjoying Coronado’s sunsets.

While it’s set slightly behind The Cabanas, the building’s height makes up for it with sweeping views. It also tends to be quieter, which many guests appreciate.

I just stayed in an oceanfront room here and quite enjoyed it. But I’ve also been in other rooms.

Best For

• Guests prioritizing panoramic ocean views
• Those who prefer a quieter part of the main resort
• Families needing connecting rooms (this building has the most options)

Pros & Cons of Staying in The Views

Pros: It’s the tallest building, so it has the best panoramic ocean views (especially Oceanfront rooms on upper floors), fully renovated contemporary rooms, the highest likelihood of connecting rooms, and is generally quieter than Cabanas.
Cons: Slightly further from the resort hub (requiring a walk past the Cabanas area), “Ocean View” rooms offer only partial views, and outdated reviews may reference stays before the renovation.

Room Types in The Views

All rooms feature modern coastal décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies or terraces. Like the Cabanas, king rooms have sofa beds and can sleep up to three people. All rooms come with a king or two queen beds option. Suites have king bedrooms.

Most Popular Rooms Booked by My Clients

The Views Ocean View
Consistently popular due to usually being able to have some ocean in your view at a better price point than Oceanfront or The Victorian.

The Views Oceanfront
Booked by those seeking the best possible views in the main resort.

The Views Beachside Terrace with Fire Pit
Chosen for a quieter fire pit experience. A landscaped berm separates the boardwalk from this section of rooms for privacy, which means your ocean view is limited when sitting down on your terrace. You can still hear and feel it, though.

The Views (no view)
These are popular because they are the cheapest rooms at Hotel del Coronado. I’m mixed on them because they’re not well located and there’s no view (it can be dark and in high-traffic areas), but you do see a lot of ocean and beach as you go about your day. I will upgrade you from this to Resort View if availability permits.

Beach Village at The Del: San Diego’s Most Exclusive Beachfront Stay

Beach Village is a private, gated enclave within Hotel del Coronado and operates as its own LXR Hotels & Resorts property. It’s the resort’s most luxurious offering, featuring residential-style accommodations—cottages (first row, beachfront) and villas (second row, coastal/ocean view)—designed for maximum privacy, space, and comfort.

Guests enjoy private pools, dedicated concierge and check-in, and a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere while still having full access to the main resort. See my full Beach Village at The Del review.

Best For

• Luxury travelers seeking the most exclusive Del experience
• Families needing multi-bedroom space with kitchens or kitchenettes
• Couples wanting privacy and ocean views
• Special occasions, celebrations, or longer beach vacations

Pros & Cons of Staying in Beach Village

Pros: Highest level of luxury and privacy, gated access, dedicated check-in and concierge, full kitchens or kitchenettes, multiple private pools, and true beachfront options.
Cons: The resort’s highest price point, slightly removed from the main resort hub, and no elevators in the front-row cottages (important for those with mobility needs or young children).

Room Types in Beach Village

Rooms sleep up to six guests, and suites sleep four or more. All include either a balcony or a terrace.

Most Popular Rooms Booked by My Clients

Beachfront Fireside Junior Cottage
A ground-floor front-row small suite with a fire pit, pocket doors separating bedroom and living area, and a kitchenette—perfect for couples or small families.

Coastal View Villa Room
This is the most accessible and affordable Beach Village option for families of 4–6; it includes two queen beds and a sofa bed.

Ocean View Villa Loft
Great for multi-generational or friend group travel—features two king bedrooms across two levels, plus an outdoor soaking tub.

Shore House at The Del: Seaside Residences with Elevated Amenities

Opened in 2022, Shore House is the newest addition to Hotel del Coronado and operates as a separate LXR Hotels & Resorts property. This private neighborhood boasts modern coastal design and residential-style accommodations, many of which feature full kitchens. Guests enjoy an exclusive ocean-view pool, indoor-outdoor social spaces, a bistro, and their own dedicated entrance—plus full access to the main resort’s amenities.

Best For

• Families or groups needing one- to three-bedroom residences
• Guests who prefer a more social pool environment than Beach Village
• Longer stays or travelers who want kitchens/kitchenettes
• Those who enjoy a boutique-style experience within a larger hotel

Pros & Cons of Staying in Shore House

Pros: Stylish design, many units with full kitchens, exclusive pool and gathering spaces, quieter, private neighborhood feel, lower price point than Beach Village. A zero-entry pool is good for kids.
Cons: Higher price point than main resort, located at the southern end of the resort—slightly farther from the Victorian building and swimming beach (but it’s not far).

Room Types in Shore House

All accommodations include a terrace or balcony. Rooms do not have kitchens, while residences (1–3 bedrooms) do. Many of the villas feature both indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

• No View / Partial Ocean View / Resort View / Bay View Rooms & Villas: May face the resort, Glorietta Bay, internal or external areas with limited view. Available as two queen rooms or 1–3 bedroom residences.
• Ocean View Rooms & Villas: Side or angled ocean views that may include parts of the resort; offered in both room and residence formats.
• Oceanfront Rooms & Villas: Prime positioning for full ocean views; available in studio and multi-bedroom residence configurations.

Most Popular Rooms Booked by My Clients

Partial Ocean View or Ocean View Two Queen Rooms
Often priced similarly—or lower—than main resort rooms with comparable views.

Oceanfront Villas
Most expensive, but delivers the best full ocean views in the building.

Multi-Bedroom Villas
Booked by families or groups needing separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and dining areas.

How to Pick the Best Hotel del Coronado Room for Your Stay

With five distinct neighborhoods and numerous room types, choosing can feel complex. Here’s a breakdown based on common traveler needs and desires.

Best Options for Families

• The Cabanas: Excellent for easy access to the pool and beach. Ground-floor Terrace Fire Pit rooms offer convenient outdoor space to hang out in when kids need to nap. Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit rooms border a grassy area where kids and pets can play and run around.
• The Views: Offers the highest likelihood of connecting rooms, which is crucial for larger families needing separate yet linked spaces.
• Beach Village & Shore House: Multi-bedroom villas, cottages, and residences provide ample space, kitchens/kitchenettes, and separate living areas, ideal for spreading out. Beach Village offers ultimate luxury, while Shore House provides the newest residential feel. I think the Shore House pool is a bit more family-friendly.

Top Choices for Couples

• The Victorian: Steeped in history and romance, perfect for a classic getaway.  
• The Views: Modern rooms with stunning Oceanfront views offer a scenic and comfortable retreat.  
• Beach Village: The ultimate choice for privacy, luxury, and romantic seclusion in beachfront cottages or villas.  
• Cabanas Oceanfront Rooms: Offer direct ocean views from a balcony in a more central, social location.  

Recommendations for Luxury Seekers

• Beach Village: The pinnacle of luxury at The Del, offering a private, gated enclave with dedicated service and exquisite villas/cottages.  
• Shore House: Provides the newest luxury accommodations in a chic, residential setting with an exclusive pool and amenities.  
• The Views Suites: Oceanfront and Ocean View Suites for spacious luxury within the main resort areas.  

Guidance by Desired Experience

• Seeking Historic Charm: The Victorian is the definitive choice.  
• Wanting a More Modern Feel: The Views, The Cabanas, Shore House.
• Prioritizing Ocean Views:
  • Best Direct/Panoramic: The Views (Oceanfront, upper floors), Beach Village (Oceanfront/Beachfront. Cottages), Shore House (Oceanfront Residences).  
  • Good Direct: Cabanas (Oceanfront Rooms).  
  • Partial/Value: The Views (Ocean View Rooms).  
  • Slightly More Distant/Over Resort: The Victorian (Ocean View/Partial Ocean View).  
• Needing Maximum Privacy: Beach Village or Shore House.  
• Best Direct Beach Access: The Cabanas Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit rooms.

Hotel del Coronado Connecting and Larger Rooms for 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 accommodate families of six, featuring two queen beds and a queen sofa bed. They are also spacious at 550-600 square feet, plus balconies or terraces.

Connecting Rooms: The hotel now offers guaranteed connecting rooms for a fee—$20 per room when booked upfront, or $25 if added later. My guests are not charged this fee. Most connections pair a king to a two-queen room in the same view type. The best availability is in The Victorian and The Views; The Cabanas has very few connecting sets.

Suites: Book a one-bedroom suite if you prefer a fully separate bedroom from the living area. 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, which 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 Ocean Club, housed in the historic Windsor Cottage, is an upscale, semi-inclusive lounge and dining experience available to select guests.

📌 For the most current schedule and offerings (they change ALL THE TIME), check the resort’s Ocean Club page.

Who Gets Complimentary Access

Ocean Club access for two people (extra kids and adults must pay the daily rate) is complimentary with:

• Cabana Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit Rooms
• Select Views Ocean View and Oceanfront Rooms

Beach Village guests may enter the Ocean Club but are charged à la carte for services used.

What’s Typically Included

Ocean Club offerings rotate often, but generally include:

• A daily breakfast buffet with sparkling wine or mimosas
• Afternoon refreshments such as snacks, light bites, or sweets
• Self-serve or hosted wine and beer hours
• Access to exclusive bar and lounge areas
• Seasonal extras like fire pits, s’mores, champagne toasts, or live music

Some meals (like lunch or dinner) may be à la carte and not included in the daily fee.

Daily Program Fee (If Not Included with Room)

• Adults (13+): $100–$200 per person, per day
• Children (5–12): $50–$100 per child, per day
• Children (0–4): Complimentary with paying adult

Resort Amenities & Things to Do at Hotel del Coronado

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 or at check-in, 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. 

Swimming Pools

The resort features several pools:

• Main Pool (Cabana Pool): This large, recently renovated pool is centrally located near The Cabanas and The Views, accessible to guests of Victorian, Cabanas, and Views. It can be lively. The pool features daybeds and cabanas for rent.  
• Beach Village Pools: Several smaller, more exclusive pools are reserved for guests staying in the Beach Village enclave.  
• Shore House Pool: A stunning, dedicated ocean-view pool with cabanas and bar service exclusively for Shore House guests.
• Spa Pool: A small private, ocean-view vanishing edge pool and terrace exclusively for guests receiving spa treatments.  

The Cabana Pool is heated year-round to 82°F. Guests from all five neighborhoods receive complimentary access, along with lounge chairs and towels.

• Daily wristbands are required for entry
• A kids’ break policy encourages short rests at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. (less enforced off-season)
• No lifeguard on duty
• Sun Deck restaurant provides poolside food and beverage service

Beach Experience

This is a primary reason why people book Hotel del Coronado.

Del Beach

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.

Coronado Central Beach is enormous, so if you choose a Del Beach rental, you won’t be able to see kids playing in the water from this area. 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

S’mores and Beach Activities

• Activities: Enjoy beach yoga, fitness classes, surfing lessons (seasonal), and simply relaxing by the waves.  
• S’mores & Bonfires: A signature Del experience! Reserve a private beach bonfire pit complete with s’mores kits for a memorable evening.  

Spa & Fitness

Spa & Salon at The Del: You can book a range of ocean-inspired treatments (massages, facials, body wraps) and salon services. There’s a small ocean-view vanishing-edge pool and terrace exclusively for spa guests as part of the lounging facilities.

Fitness Center: Fitness classes (like beach spin, yoga, and TRX) are available.  I saw (and used!) a variety of cardio machines from multiple Peloton bikes, ellipticals, stair climbers, and more. There are also TRX stations, kettlebells, medicine balls, weights, mats, foam rollers, and a trainer was working out with a local client. It’s really nice, the equipment feels new, and the view outside is of the Beach Village Oval Pool.

Shopping

I think they did a really nice job revamping the shopping experience. The word that comes to mind is curated. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill shops (yes, there are multiple shops downstairs and on the lobby level). Beach House is an excellent place for gifts, from fun tote bags to Gray Malin prints and home scents.

You’ll also find fun roller skates, clear skateboards, fancy tandem boogie boards, and other activity items for purchase. There’s also homemade fudge, squishies, and pet accessories. I think this is an excellent place for souvenirs or even locals looking for unique gifts.

You can basically show up at the resort having packed nothing and be okay (albeit at resort pricing).

Ocean Explorers Club (Formerly Kidtopia)

The Del does have a kids’ club, but the hours vary. The Ocean Explorers Club offers supervised activities, crafts, and games focused on ocean education and conservation for children aged 5-12.

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. Locals and tourists enjoy its gorgeous Christmas tree, annual ornament tradition, and beachfront ice skating rink yearly.

The resort is 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

Other Activities

Rent bikes to explore Coronado Island, take a historical tour of the property, enjoy seasonal events like ice skating (winter) or the outdoor roller rink (summer), or simply stroll the beautiful grounds and beach boardwalk.  

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 a great exercise option).

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.

Pet-Friendly Information

Hotel del Coronado is pet-friendly and welcomes furry companions. You’ll need to read the pet policy. We book The Cabanas Beachfront Terrace Fire Pit and The Views Beachside Terrace Fire Pit rooms the most for clients bringing dogs. They like the direct backdoor access to the grass, skipping the elevator, and enclosed hallway walks.

Delicious Resort Dining Options

The Del boasts a wide array of dining venues catering to various tastes and occasions. Here’s the overview of what you can expect.

Nobu Del Coronado
World-renowned Japanese cuisine with signature dishes like Black Miso Cod and Yellowtail Jalapeño, featuring indoor/outdoor oceanfront dining, a sushi bar, and a pagoda bar.  You need to make reservations on OpenTable.

Veranda
During my last stay, I was particularly impressed by the overall food quality and service at Veranda. The breakfast buffet was similar to some I’ve had at Four Seasons, with warm dishes served in beautifully copper pans and thoughtful touches, such as a large selection of oatmeal toppings and multiple salsas (both bottled and fresh) for your eggs. And salmon you could tell was smoked in-house. I was offered a coffee to-go, a nice touch!

Serea Coastal Cuisine
Upscale, sustainable sea-to-table dining with ocean views, offering dinner nightly and weekend brunch. I recently had dinner in the back room, which is perfect for larger, multigenerational families who want a private space.

Sun Deck
This is the place to be for lunch by the beach. I love the energy on this huge outdoor deck with a bar, sofa seating, firepit tables, high tables, and regular tables. It’s just a great place to soak up the ambiance with a glass of wine and some coastal cuisine. I recommend the Sun Deck Bowl with tofu for a light lunch.

Babcock & Story Bar
This historic bar in The Victorian building has indoor/outdoor seating and features the original mahogany bar, cocktails, and small plates. Last week during my stay, I took my computer down to have a grilled cheese and tomato bisque. While it was delicious, my best memories of this bar are from my wedding after-party!

Beach & Taco Shack
This is an ultra-casual, toes-in-the-sand spot for tacos, bowls, and drinks right on the beach boardwalk. I can vouch for the Mai Tais.

ENO Market & Pizzeria
I love this grab-and-go spot, which offers a huge variety of curated snacks (some from Erewhon, no less), bottled water, bottles of wine, pastries, sandwiches, gourmet juices, candy—you name it. Yes, it’s resort pricing.
Across the walkway, there is a dedicated patio area where you can order a sit-down meal, including wood-fired pizza.

Sundaes
Popular spot for gourmet gelato and customizable hand-crafted paletas (Mexican popsicles) that you and the kids will love.

Shore House Bistro
Only Shore house guests can dine here. When you book through us, your included daily breakfast for two per bedroom is here. The breakfast is usually a buffet, but may be a la carte in the off-season.

Breezes at Beach Village
This is the seasonal pool bar and lounge that serves lunch fare.

Using the Hilton App to Manage Your Stay

To use the Hilton app, you’ll need a free Hilton Honors account. If your reservation doesn’t automatically appear, you can add it using your confirmation number—or ask the front desk to link it for you.

I recommend using the app. I still pick up physical keycards, but the digital key worked flawlessly. The chat feature was hit or miss. Responses were slow for urgent questions.

Important: If you’ve booked through us, please don’t select your room in the app. Guest relations will have already assigned the best available option for your stay.

What You Must Understand Before Booking In

It’s famous. Hotel del Coronado is a famous local icon. People who don’t stay there visit to take photos, dine in restaurants, and browse the shops. It is a busy hotel, but most people genuinely don’t mind.

The location makes it pricey. It is also essential to remember that a location on the best Coronado beach (also considered one of the nation’s best beaches) commands premium pricing. The ability to run back and forth from your room to the beach, especially when in San Diego with kids, is indeed a treat.

You need to plan. Book everything you can in advance of your stay online, from dinner reservations to pool cabanas to fitness classes during peak season. Do not wait until you arrive,e as activities sell out.

The service is better but imperfect. I used to be critical of the resort’s service, a common theme in other Hotel del Coronado reviews. However, it has improved. I’m seeing it personally and through my clients’ stays.

Our client reviews are very positive overall. I send out a survey to all guests, and I get consistently positive feedback. It’s dealt with quickly when I lob in a request for an in-residence guest.

My bottom line. 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.

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 whom 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. It should take about 15-20 minutes to reach the resort by car unless it’s rush hour.

If you’re taking Uber or Lyft, follow signs from baggage claim at the airport to the taxis or rideshare waiting area (Uber Black is licensed to pick you up curbside just outside baggage claim, however). Signage here also points to the rental car shuttle waiting areas. The hotel uses La Costa Limousine.

During the summer, a shuttle on Coronado Island can take guests around the island and 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 it by renting a car for the day. The closest rental car outlet to Hotel del Coronado is Enterprise, which is 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 VIP Booking Details for All Five Neighborhoods

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 bookmark this page if your stay falls in the future. You are always welcome to email me with questions.

FAQs About Staying at Hotel del Coronado

I’m asked many questions about this popular resort, so I have answered the most frequently asked questions here to help you plan your stay.

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