Hotel del Coronado

Dig in at the Del

Phoenicians have been cooling off on Coronado Island for more than a century. But if you need new reasons to visit an old friend, here are three: deep summer discounts, a massive renovation and kid-friendly attractions debuting in June.

While there are many things to do on Coronado Island – linked to San Diego by a 2-mile-long blue bridge – the historic Hotel del Coronado remains the nexus of activity. The resort sits on a pristine slice of sand, with guest rooms just steps from the ocean.

New Beach Village cottages opened as part of a $150 million renovation for the hotel’s 120th anniversary last year. High rollers and stars like Hayden Panettiere have paid up to $3,000 a night for the extra privacy, space and service. But more affordable rooms abound, starting at $249.

Even before modern amenities, the hotel’s white-wedding cake architecture and signature red turrets called to Zonies. A century ago, desert dwellers spent their summers in the hotel’s “Tent City.” They brought furniture and maids, setting up makeshift summer homes in large tents on the property.

Photo courtesy of the Hotel del Coronado

Camping out is no longer an option, though “the del” is offering a little economic relief with five nights for the price of three.

As an added incentive for families, two kid-friendly centers will open in June. Children ages 4 to 12 can get their hands dirty in the craft rooms of Kidtopia. And teenagers can peel away from parents to hang out at Vibz, a lounge with billiards, karaoke and videogames like Dance Dance Revolution.

Adults can enjoy the onsite shopping mall or spa. It’s not as expansive as Fairmont Scottsdale’s Willow Stream Spa, but Travel + Leisure magazine still named it one of the world’s top 20.

Try the eclectic dining options, like Crown Room’s formal Sunday brunch or Eco’s three basic food groups: wine, cheese and chocolate. Sun Deck Bar & Grill serves cheap burgers in handy to-go cartons. And as a special treat, the hotel will cater private beach parties with s’mores and a root beer float bar (bonfire included).


For more information, visit hoteldel.com or call 1-800-468-3533. For other Coronado attractions, visit coronadovisitorcenter.com.