The legendary Hotel Del Coronado has long been on my “must-stay” list of California hotels – and I finally got the chance to stay there.
Did it live up to its legendary reputation?
Review: Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection By Hilton (San Diego, CA)
About The Hotel Del Coronado
The Hotel Del Coronado was the single largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1888. Since then, it’s been frequented by Presidents, actors, and monarchs – and listed on many “top hotels of the world” lists. Even I ran into a notable celebrity – whom I’ll call “Nel Jibson” – at the ENO Market coffee shop during my stay.
Some Like It Hot (Image: hoteldel.com)
Even today, the Hotel Del Coronado has several important designations: It is the second largest wooden structure in the U.S., a National Historic Landmark (1977), and a California Historical Landmark (1970).
Oh, and did I mention it’s haunted? Yes, seriously.
The Official Blurb (Image: hilton.com)
Location & Parking
The “Del” is located on the west side of gorgeous Coronado Island [which is technically a peninsula] in San Diego.
Valet parking is available, as is ample underground self-parking for $40 a night.
The “Hotel Del” is located across the bay from Downtown San Diego
Property map
FHOP Tip: Parking is located off of RH Dana Place where [strangely] the first prominent entrance is for vendors and employees. To avoid getting “stuck” there, you’ll want to skip that and enter the second entrance on the left which accesses the valet parking circle and the underground parking lot. Make sure to pay attention to the signage.
Use this entrance!
The valet circle
Price, Points, & Booking Redemption
- Average Price Per Night During Stay: $622 ($730.26 with taxes and fees)
- Room Type: “Victorian – 1 Queen”
- Hilton Honors Points Required: 95,000 points (per night)
- CPP for Redemption: 0.77 CPP
- Point Redemption Value: Very Good (for a Hilton Honors redemption)
Due to my rapidly expiring free nights, I opted to use a pair of my American Express Hilton Honors credit card’s free weekend night certificates.
Front Desk & Check-In
The front desk is located in the iconic Victorian building on the left side once you clear the hallway and enter the courtyard.
The desk was bustling, so we waited in line for about 15 minutes. When it was our turn, we were hastily greeted and checked-in.
An old-timey fire engine?
Hilton Honors Diamond Member Benefits
As a Diamond member, we were given an “upgrade” to a higher floor.
We were also informed that our Hilton Honors Diamond status breakfast credit would actually be a $15 per person/per night property credit which could be used anywhere on property.
Welcome Package
Room Key
Front
Back
Elevator Area
Hallway
Room Entrance
Our room was located in the Victorian building, just above the front desk (and opposite the “haunted” side of the hotel).
Bedroom Area
The bedroom area, like the rest of the room, was older and slightly dated – but that was also part of the charm of staying at such an iconic and historic building like the Victorian.
The bed was clean and comfortable, although much of the furniture exhibited signs of wear and tear.
If only these walls could talk…
Living Area
Wear and tear on the cabinet
Office Desk
Room Amenities
Bathroom Area
The Del has its own line of clean and fresh-smelling toiletries
Room Balcony
My favorite feature of the room was the huge balcony that overlooked the Victorian’s storied courtyard.
A curious seagull hanging out
View From The Room
Breakfast At Sun Deck
For breakfast, we decided on the Sun Deck restaurant because it opened earlier than Sheerwater.
Unfortunately, it started pouring rain just as our food arrived so I don’t have any photos to show of breakfast, but I can tell you we went with the California Steak & Egg (it was OK) and the Belgian Sugar Waffle (delicious!).
Our breakfast “table” right before the downpour
Walking The Property
The Del sits on a huge and stunning ocean-front property.
Walking around the property of the hotel (especially near the iconic rotunda) reminded me of walking around a theme-park like Disneyland (with its manicured gardens, gift shops, grand landmark structures, restaurants, and throngs of tourists).
The gift shop
The rotunda
Serea
Babcock & Story Bar
Walking The Property (At Night)
The fountain
Sundaes
The Swimming Pool
Fitness Center (Outdoor Spin Class)
Image: hilton.com
The Beach
The Boardwalk & The Beach Village
A unit at the neighboring Beach Village property (also from Curio Collection by Hilton)
FHOP Tip: Coronado is not wanting for great restaurants, especially on this side of the island. Just across the street from the hotel (on Orange Ave.) is the wonderful and popular Brigantine Seafood Restaurant. I’ve also heard good things about Lobster West Coronado and the Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill in Glorietta Bay (both also walking distance), although I haven’t gotten the chance to try them yet.
The Bottom-Line Review: Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection By Hilton (San Diego, CA)
Yes, our stay was in fact legendary. We really enjoyed the Del. It’s a beautiful building built on a beautiful beach that sits on a beautiful island [peninsula].
Although the Victorian building is over 100 years old, it was an upscale property and unique experience to stay in such a historic place. There were plenty of things to do and see, the boardwalk and the nightlife were great, and the overall vibe was just plain fun.
I would recommend the Hotel Del Coronado for tourists, locals, couples, singles, and families alike. It’s a “sweet-spot” in the Hilton Honors portfolio and a great hotel option for using up those Amex Hilton free night certificates.
Final Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
