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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, and its guest list has included U.S. presidents, dignitaries, and Hollywood elites over the last 136 years.
What I will tell you will help you decide if it fits your vacation goals. I’ll share how to choose the best rooms and suites across its three separately booked sections. I’ll also share how to use our exclusive benefits, which include daily breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, and more perks thanks to my Crown Club membership, which is better than any other VIP program around.
I am the top referrer of clients to the hotel. We have people checked in nearly every day of the year. Unlike other Hotel del Coronado reviews, my very detailed guide is based on:
I promise this guide will help you plan and decide if staying here is worth it.
My Hotel del Coronado knowledge is thanks to…
Clients booked in
Nights spent (Client + My STays)
Make Hotel del Coronado Reservations with My VIP Virtuoso/Crown Club Amenities
Through me, you have access to special amenities at Hotel del Coronado that override what you see on Virtuoso.com (because they are better):
*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 Your Summer and Winter Holiday 2025 Stays ASAP!
We are seeing sold-out dates in spring and summer 2025. We also have clients already booking December and onward. Never wait to book a room here, or you may be disappointed.
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 almost done! They are finishing the ocean view and oceanfront rooms.
- Nobu restaurant (yes, that Nobu) opens in the spring!
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 one thing comes to mind.
- In-room dining is unavailable.
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 things to know about Hotel del Coronado rooms and suites to help you determine 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. I’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 rundown 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
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.
What to Know
Most Popular Rooms in The Cabanas
These are the most popular rooms that people book through me:
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.
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 with 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 these.
Available View Types
Rooms and one- to three-bedroom villas all have balconies or terraces and have the following views.
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, I recommend 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.
What to Know
Most Popular Rooms in Beach Village
Best Hotel del Coronado Rooms
Ultimately which room you choose depends on price. Stay tuned for my Victorian building to picks.
If budget is not a concern, I would book…
These rooms work at a lower price point
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 booking, subject to availability, as part of your Virtuoso / Crown Club package. However, we suggest that you book into the room category you like. This big, busy hotel often sells out, making upgrades unavailable. Or we think they’re available, and by the time we get to the upgrade, they’re gone.
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 550-600 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. My guests do not pay connecting room fees.
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 look to the Victorian and Views buildings for the best chances of a guaranteed connection.
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, 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: 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 Windsor Cottage is now home to the Ocean Club. Full benefits are included with Cabana Beach Front Fire Pit Terrace Rooms, certain Views Ocean View and Oceanfront rooms. Beach Village guests can enter but pay a la carte for services used. Here’s what you get currently, but note that these offers change constantly!
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 if not already included with your room.
- 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.
FAQ: 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.
Fun Resort 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
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 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
FAQ: Is a Beach Cabana Worth It?
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 enforce 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.
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. If you plan to invite outside guests to join you at the pool, they need a pool day pass.
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. You must check the calendar to see available dates during your stay.
Usually, two supervised sessions are offered 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. Sometimes, there’s an Explorers’ Night Out program from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and it 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.
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. Locals and tourists enjoy its gorgeous Christmas tree, annual ornament tradition, and beachfront ice skating rink yearly.
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.
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
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.). 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
Babcock and Story is the place for the times you want to plop down for a drink in a casual bar atmosphere. It’s named after the hotel’s founders and is 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 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
At the newest Del dining outlet, you can nosh on sharable appetizers and sides, slow-smoked meats, salads like iceberg slabs, and cocktails. 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
The legendary Hotel del Coronado brunch everyone talks about happens in the gorgeous Crown Room, now on select holidays.
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. Other holiday dinner events happen here, too. Yes, they’re pricey but worth it.
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, blowouts, 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
It’s famous. Hotel del Coronado is a famous local icon. People 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.
The location makes it pricey. It is also essential 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.
You need to plan. 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.
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 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 progress. Our clients occasionally say that the service at the restaurants could be improved.
Remember that the main resort is still a four-star property, so you won’t get five-star service here. You should at Shore House and Beach Village.
Our client reviews are very positive overall. 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.
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.
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 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.
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 baggage claim, however). Signage here also points to the rental car shuttle waiting areas. We use an app-based black car/SUV service in San Diego and worldwide called Blacklane works well, and they’ll meet you at the baggage claim. The hotel uses La Costa Limousine.
During the summer, a shuttle on Coronado Island 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, 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.
Make Hotel del Coronado Reservations With My VIP Perks
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.
Click on the tabs to explore booking instructions
Hotel del Coronado Virtuoso Benefits:
Virtuoso Quick Escapes 15% off sale! Book now through April 15 for stays through March 5, 2026 (two-night minimum). Blackout dates apply.
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:
- Guestroom: one-time $150 resort credit
- 1 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $250 resort credit
- 2 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $350 resort credit
- 3 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $450 resort credit
Quick Escapes 15% off sale! Book now through April 15 for stays through March 5, 2026 (two-night minimum). Blackout dates apply. Applies to both VIP programs below.
Beach Village at The Del Virtuoso Benefits:
- Guestroom: one-time $150 resort credit
- 1 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $250 resort credit
- 2 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $350 resort credit
- 3 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $450 resort credit
Quick Escapes 15% off sale! Book now through April 15 for stays through March 5, 2026 (two-night minimum). Blackout dates apply. Applies to both VIP programs below.
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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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 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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