5 Best Coronado Island Hotels – Recommended by a Local

Who doesn’t fall hopelessly in love with Coronado Island? 

Though technically not an island, Coronado is actually connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus of beach known as the Silver Strand. Nonetheless, it’s one of the most precious jewels in San Diego’s crown, and one of her most magnificent places to stay and play. So I am excited to share my favorite Coronado Island hotels with you. I stayed at each one of them because Coronado is the perfect San Diego Staycation and I simply can’t get enough of this fun little island.

Also read: Best things to do on Coronado Island

Its famous white sand beaches have often been listed among the world’s best. There is even a dog beach in Coronado if you are bringing Fido. Coronado boasts an easily walkable main street and side roads filled with charming boutiques, eateries, and nautical gift shops. Just driving over the Coronado Bridge brings a sigh of relief, as though we’re crossing into a totally different world. 

For guests visiting Coronado or locals looking for a perfect weekend getaway, Coronado has several types of accommodations to choose from – ranging from throwback beach motels to high-end luxury resorts. 

Here are some of our absolute favorites Hotels in Coronado you’re sure to love.

Hotel del Coronado (Curio Collection by Hilton)

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118
+1 (619) 435-6611
5-Star Hotel & Resort|$$$$|3 Pools & Spa|Restaurants|Pet-Friendly $|Parking $|Accessible
Book Your Stay Here

Coronado’s grand lady by the sea is the historic Hotel Del Coronado built in 1888. This is by far the most famous of all the Coronado Island hotels. The iconic red-and-white turreted Victorian architectural masterpiece stands sentinel over a mile and a half of pristine glittery beach surrounded by swaying palms and fronting the azure waters of the Pacific.

From the moment of arrival, the amazing staff treats guests like royalty. Service here is attentive and impeccable. The Del’s lobby exudes a certain timelessness with old-world mahogany pillars, a stunning brass cage elevator, period pieces, and Victorian chandeliers. Its storied past is well documented by fascinating photos on display throughout the hotel.

Guests have many accommodation choices from garden and ocean-view rooms and suites in the main Victorian building, to the contemporary beach-chic Ocean Towers, seaside California Cabanas, and luxurious villas of Beach Village. We’ve stayed in both garden and oceanfront rooms in the Victorian and Ocean towers. Choice comes down to time of year and preference, though I’ll admit we love falling asleep to the sounds of the surf.

Each of the hotel’s 680 rooms and suites is tastefully decorated with warm tones reflecting Southern California’s sun, sand, and surf. Rooms are spacious and those in the Victorian building have magnificent high ceilings. Oceanfront rooms sport white plantation shutters opening out to a balcony. 

We love the soft luxurious robes and high-end bath products here. Beds are of top quality with luxury linens. It’s no surprise slumber comes easy at this resort in Coronado.

A $35 per day resort fee covers pool use, towels, fitness areas, and beach items. The newly-renovated main pool area (one of three on-site) provides extra lounge seating, and of course, there’s the impressive wide beach area where calm waters are perfect for swimming and water activities. A 24-hour fitness facility and fitness classes are available to guests. An on-site spa offers a variety of holistic body treatments.

Building sandcastles is a popular pastime and we’re always intrigued by the unbelievable creations of spectacular professional sand sculpturers bringing oohs and aahs from beach-goers along with photo opportunities. Beach lovers flock to the resort’s classic red and white striped beach chairs and umbrellas. Del Watersports on site is available for watersport rentals.

Two signature oceanfront restaurants, Serẽa and Sheerwater dazzle and delight with their array of coastal offerings. Other quick-pick resort eateries are also available. One of our favorites is the thatch-roofed Beach +Taco Shack, a quintessential feet-in-the-sand Southern California beach bar.
Book Your Stay at the Hotel Del Here

Glorietta Bay Inn

1630 Glorietta Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
+1 (619) 435-3101
3.5-Star Hotel|$$$|Pool & Spa|Parking $|Complimentary Breakfast |Accessible
Book your stay here

Old-world charm is the first phrase that comes to mind when describing the award-winning Glorietta Bay Inn. This boutique hotel in Coronado was originally built in 1908 as the home of sugar baron John D. Spreckels.  A legendary civic giant, his visionary leadership helped put San Diego on the map of national and international commerce.

Famous for its Italian Renaissance architectural grandeur, this stately inn is located directly across from the Hotel Del. The original mansion houses 11 historic rooms which were once bedrooms, parlors, and the library of the family estate. These magnificent accommodations reflect the glory of this epic era with high ceilings, elegant crown moldings, and impressive antique pieces. Guests staying in the penthouse can take a brass cage elevator to their expansive third-floor suite. 

We loved our first-floor library room complete with an original hand-carved travertine fireplace. Each room is unique but all have a “grand chic” throwback feel.  

89 contemporary rooms and suites are also located throughout the property, elegantly decorated with subtle touches of the sand and the sea. All offer plush robes and top-end bath products. 

A heated pool and spa on site are available for guests. Other complimentary amenities include a delightful continental breakfast served in the historic mansion, afternoon snacks, and beverages. Paid parking is provided on site.

The inn’s location is ideal with boutique shops and restaurants of Coronado’s main street and Coronado Beach all within walking distance. It’s a perfect historic place to stay in town. 
Book your stay at the Glorietta Bay Inn here

El Cordova Hotel

1351 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
+1 (619) 435-4131
3.5-Star Hotel|$$$|Pool & Spa|Restaurant|Accessible
Book your stay here

Also located in the heart of picturesque Coronado Village, the Spanish hacienda-style El Cordova Hotel was built in 1902 as a retirement mansion for a wealthy industrialist, Elisha Babcock. In 1930, it was converted to a charming Spanish Village hotel.

The lobby itself is a magnificent showcase of Spanish décor with arched-tiled doorways, splendid furnishings, fountains, and wrought ironwork. 43 rooms and suites are situated in multiple structures throughout the quiet and rambling tropical grounds and alleyways. Each room reflects a unique Spanish flair and design. Robes and bath products are included in each of its colorfully-tiled bathrooms.

Don’t worry about getting lost, as it’s customary for staff to escort guests to their rooms upon check in. There is no parking onsite, however, hotel staff guide guests to free or reasonable parking spaces nearby. 

Suites come with kitchens that include a refrigerator, microwave, stove, and dining area. A centrally-located outdoor heated pool and spa are available for guest relaxation.

The hotel’s signature restaurant is a Coronado favorite, the fun, festive Miguel’s Cocina serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in both an indoor and courtyard setting. The equally impressive Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar is adjacent and right around the corner.
Book your stay at the El Cordova Hotel in Coronado here

1906 Lodge

1060 Adella Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
+1 (619) 437-1900
3.5-star Bed & Breakfast|$$$| Breakfast & Happy Hour|Accessible
Book your stay here

The meticulously restored 1906 Lodge is one of Coronado Island’s best-kept secrets (though I’d venture to say, not for long). The inn has garnished a number of accolades including 2020 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award for “Top 25 Romantic Hotels,” and it’s truly a perfect romantic getaway. Once a boarding house for students of North Island’s School of Aviation and previously a hotel, the lodge fell into years of disrepair until new owners in 2009 transformed it, returning it once more to its glory days.

The inn’s location provides the best of two worlds. It has a quiet residential neighborhood setting, yet located only a few short blocks to Coronado’s main street shops, restaurants, galleries. The dazzling island beaches are easily within walking distance. A private courtyard filled with bougainvillea vines, potted palms, and reflecting pool fountains provide a sense of serenity at its best.

Each of the lodge’s 17 guestrooms are individually and thoughtfully appointed with many featuring furnishings and décor evocative of its earlier history. Some feature a private entrance, balcony, spa tub, wet bar, and cozy fireplace. 

It’s hard to find a place that includes the guest services and amenities found at 1906 Lodge, all at no charge to visitors. The innkeepers prepare a delicious (and complimentary) breakfast daily and bottomless mimosas are on the house. The lodge offers a daily hosted happy hour with wine, hor d’oeuvres, and fresh-baked cookies.

Underground parking is complimentary as are the lodge’s bikes, beach chairs, and umbrellas. If you’ve never done it, exploring picturesque Coronado by bicycle is a wonderful experience. Golf cart rentals are also available for a $20 per hour fee. 
Book your stay at the 1906 Lodge Coronado here

Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

2000 Second Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
+1 (619) 435-3000
4-Star Hotel & Resort|$$$|Pools & Spa|Restaurants|Parking $|Accessible
Book your stay here

Situated bayside on Coronado Island, the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa is an ideal place for a romantic couple or family getaway, but it’s also popular for business stays. This waterfront resort with stunning views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Bridge has 300 rooms, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming due to the meandering layout of the resort among the lush, tropical grounds with wandering streams and fountains.

Accommodations here range from resort, pool, and bay view guest rooms and suites to bayside cottages with full dining and living rooms. Bay view rooms also include a balcony with table and chair seating. The decoration in each room tastefully in soft beachy tones. Bathrobes, beautifully-scented bath products, and premium bedding with down comforters provide a casual comfort with a “now this is vacation” kind of feel.

Three pools on the property include the main bayside pool, a cottage pool, and a lap pool. The resort also boasts tennis courts, a pickleball court, a newly renovated fitness center, and a day spa. An outdoor grassy area is popular for lawn games. The $40 per night resort fee includes all of the above. Bicycles are also available for guest use with a reservation.

Marriott’s signature restaurant, ALBACA serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with picturesque bayside views, outdoor fire pits, and romantic evening lighting. Other delightful Coronado restaurants and shopping areas are located within a half-mile walk from this Coronado resort. You can also take the Coronado Ferry to San Diego and explore downtown.
Book your stay at the Coronado Marriott here

Locals here boast that Coronado is part fun, part sun, and part fairytale. Guests just have to let go to experience its special fairytale magic. When you do, it’s not only splendid, it is magical. So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself and book your favorite of these Coronado Island hotels now!

5 Best Coronado Island Hotels – Pin for later:

Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by Maria Haase