Like almost everyone else this year, I too have been stuck Stateside.
But, I’ve used that time productively to explore much of the West Coast that’s been on “my list” for a long time.
I finally got the chance to spend a few nights at Coronado Island, California.
Review: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
The Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa is located on the Northeast corner of the island (just across the San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego) just East of the Coronado Ferry Station.
Image: marriott.com
The Arrival
Once across the Coronado Bridge, it took just one right turn (onto Glorietta Blvd) to get to the hotel.
The Lobby
The Marriott Bonvoy Redemption
On the night I stayed at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, the nightly room rate started at $508 a night.
However, as a Marriott Category 6 hotel, I was able to redeem a room for 50,000 Bonvoy points per night (a CPP of 1.02, a very good value for a Marriott).
The Front Desk
Image: marriott.com
Check-In
Upon arrival, I was instantly served in the dedicated Bonvoy Elite line without a wait.
The front desk staff member was very warm and welcoming and thanked me for my Bonvoy loyalty.
What’s more, he noticed that this stay would make night #50 for me, meaning I’d turn Platinum.
Because of this, he told me he’d confer Platinum Status on me then and there and give me a room upgrade and coupons for free breakfast the next morning.
I was handed a room key and told how use it to access the parking lot and also that a resort fee of $40 and a self-parking fee of $35 would apply to this award stay.
The Bonvoy Elite Desk (on the right)
The Welcome Package
I was also given a welcome package with information on resort activities, dining and service outlets, and room service.
The Walk To The Room
I found the courtyard on the way to my room to be “very San Diego”, and I mean that in the best possible way.
There were lush gardens, fountains and running water, places to lounge, and plenty of palm trees – all within the confines of the courtyard.
The Room (Upgrade)
My original reservation was for a “Guest Room, 1 King, Sofa bed, Resort View” room but I was upgraded to a “Guest room, 2 Double, Bay View” room (about a $50 value).
The room was the very last one in the building, closest to the bay.
The room was large, long, well-lit and comfortable.
It definitely had that San Diego/Maritime Oceanic feel (which I quite like).
Room Amenities
The Room Condition
On the negative side, the room was quite dusty (although that was probably due to the pandemic) and looked like it could possibly use a “slight refresh”.
Dusty
The Bathroom
Like the room, the bathroom was also large, well-lit, and slightly dated.
Thisworks was the resort’s toiletry brand of choice.
The Patio
The patio, like the room, was large.
The views varied wildly depending on the time of day (which is to be expected in San Diego).
Morning – marine fog
Noon – the marine layer has lifted
Night – clear view of the skyline
The View From The Room
The room had spectacular views of the resort, the Coronado Bridge, the bay, and downtown San Diego.
View of the pool area and ALBACA Restaurant
The Coronado Bridge
Downtown San Diego
Walking The Property
As one might expect, the property was very green and very pretty.
The flower gardens “popped” with the bay view behind them.
Image: marriott.com
Fountain in the courtyard
The Coronado Bridge
The small pier and [section of] bike path (also great for walking/running).
View of the pool
Breakfast At ALBACA
Being that there was a pandemic raging, I wasn’t expecting much from my first Platinum breakfast in the Bonvoy era.
However, I was pleasantly surprised at the excellent sit-down breakfast we received at ALBACA.
As it turned out, the Platinum benefit for breakfast at ALBACA was $24 per person.
We went with the Buttermilk Pancakes and Avocado Toast, both of which were excellent.
ALBACA
Image: marriott.com
The Buttermilk Pancakes
Avocado Toast
Business Center
The Swimming Pool
Image: marriott.com
Image: marriott.com
The Fitness Center
Image: marriott.com
Image: marriott.com
Nearby
One of the best things about the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa was its location.
It’s located right along the bike path, within walking distance to the many restaurants at the Coronado Ferry Center and Orange Avenue.
We decided on dinner at the Coronado Brewing Company, which I highly recommend (you have to try the Brewhouse Pretzel).
The Bottom-Line Review: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
We really enjoyed our stay at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Yes, it was ever-so-slightly dated but it still felt like a true island getaway.
The service was a standout highlight, as was the breakfast at ALBACA (perhaps the best hotel breakfast I had all year!).
Indeed, at 50,000 points per night, this is a “sweet-spot” in the Bonvoy portfolio.
The bottom-line was the location was great, the service was great, and the resort was great.
Final Rating: 8.5 out of 10
