When visitors from all over the country arrived to the one-of-a-kind, Queen Anne-style, Hotel del Coronado in 1888, they marveled at its grand scale beauty.
Construction began in March 1887, and was completed in just 11 months. It was deemed as the largest wooden structure in the U.S. When the spectacular dining room with a curved wooden ceiling and sparkling crown chandeliers opened to guests on February 19, 1888, that date was deemed the hotel's birthday.
Recently Hotel del Coronado completed a revitalization of its iconic Victorian building. This is the heart of the resort and the final restoration milestone in Blackstone's real estate enhancements.
Elevating the rich heritage of the hotel with modern day conveniences, there are 404 guest rooms in The Victorian. No two guest rooms are exactly alike. While retaining Victorian architectural and design details that includes wainscoting, woodwork and original finishes, there are now new upgraded bathrooms, modern lighting, new technology, and more functional floor plans.
Rooms are lighter and brighter with one king bed or two queen size beds. Windows look out to the tranquil Victorian gardens or picturesque ocean and city views.
There is a romantic elegant design in the new floral wallcovering reflective of the hotel's lush gardens. The artwork in each room features vintage sketches and drawings, plus black and white botanical photography.
Cane and wicker furniture and soft headboards retain classic curved silhouettes. Victorian-inspired light fixtures and blue and white Chinoiserie lamps are a nice touch to blend the old with the new.
Bathrooms have been redesigned, featuring vanities inspired by antique washstands and classic checkerboard marble flooring.
Many of the guest rooms open out to the Victorian Garden courtyard. Enhancing the verdant grounds is the tranquil Naiad Queen Fountain.
She was originally installed on the property from 1888-1912, and was recreated from a bronze reproduction using a mold from the original duplicate.
Historic walkways and pergolas have been enhanced making this area one of the most popular wedding ceremony destinations. The redesigned landscape includes citrus and palm trees, some are over a century old.
The renovations also include two of the dining destinations in the Victorian neighborhood - Veranda and Nobu. Both restaurants overlook the main lawn and ocean beyond.
The remodeled Veranda restaurant captures the charm and elegance of the property’s past while embracing contemporary design and soothing ocean breezes.
Guests sit outside sipping Aperol Spritz while enjoying a curated menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients and purveyor partnerships. Guests can enjoy starters like grilled California Artichokes or West Coast Oysters with a Dungeness Crab “Wedge.” Entrees including grilled fish of the day, certified Angus Beef Steaks, and hearty Veranda burger.
Nobu at Hotel del Coronado is the newest addition to the world-renowned Japanese restaurant empire. Founded by Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro, the outdoor covered patio space with a 12-seat pagoda bar and dedicated 8-seat sushi bar is a local and guest favorite. Fans line up for sushi, sake and signature Nobu favorites, such as the iconic Black Miso Cod, Squid Pasta with Garlic Sauce, and A5 Wagyu.
“We are honored to bring the acclaimed Nobu to this community and to Hotel del Coronado,” said Managing Director Sanjiv Hulugalle. “Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and the rest of the Nobu organization have created a genre-defining experience and destination for impeccable food and service. Much like what Hotel del Coronado has done to redefine contemporary hospitality, Nobu has done with dining—making this a perfect marriage of quality and timeless tradition.”
Other neighborhoods at Hotel del Coronado include The Views offering a front row experience for guests to see the sand and waves as bike riders pass by along the beach path.
Behind The Views is The Cabanas offering 97 poolside rooms with direct access to the main pool and Serea, the oceanfront bar, lounge and restaurant.
The Beach Village at Hotel del Coronado is near the Victorian neighborhood. Located next to the sparkling sand of Coronado Beach, it's more of a residential enclave with cottages and villas. There are 78 one to three bedroom elegantly appointed units. Many feature a full kitchen, living room, fireplace, fire pits, soaking tubs and either a patio or balcony.
Guests have full use of multiple pools and jacuzzis strategically located within steps of each villa and cottage, including a newly renovated oval pool and jacuzzi.
There is a dedicated concierge for Beach Village guests, plus beach chairs and umbrellas for guests to use throughout their stay. Guests also have priority access to nearby resort activities and dining venues.
San Diego, California is known for its idyllic weather with ample sunshine throughout the year. During the autumn month, Coronado is a little quieter than during the summer months, and a wonderful time to visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
Those looking for an end of the year Beach Escape, will enjoy a daily resort credit ($150 daily resort credit for The Victorian, The Views, and The Cabanas and $200 daily resort credit for Beach Village and Shore House). This credit can be applied to cabanas at the main pool, dining venues, s'mores at a bonfire and wellness treatments at the hotel's spa.
Hotel del Coronado is enchanting during the holidays, as generations of families return each year to create special memories. This year 'A Holiday of Oz' is inspired by the hotel's history with the author L. Frank Baum who wrote Wizard of Oz. As a local, he frequented the hotel and also designed the crowns for the chandeliers in the Crown Room.
There will be a new Oz-themed light show, the return of Skating by the Sea ice rink, holiday feasts, Victorian Teas, a grand tree in the lobby and thousands of holiday lights.
