Hotel Review: Hotel Del Coronado

During our delightful 3-night stay at Hotel Del Coronado over Labor Day weekend, we relished the overall experience, though a few minor disappointments merit mention. We used a free night certificate for one night and points for the other two during this holiday weekend. The staff provided attentive and accommodating service, ensuring our dining experience was top-notch.

Traveling with my spouse and two children, our expectations were high for this iconic resort.

Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome and breezy check-in. The hotel's stunning Victorian architecture immediately wowed us as we entered the lobby. Although we couldn't secure an upgrade for the first night, we were promised one for the remaining two nights, which turned out to be crucial. The rooms and bathrooms were smaller than expected, but clean, making it somewhat challenging, especially with two children. Also, the toiletry kit provided in the bathroom was not exactly what I was expecting from a luxurious resort and was similar to what you would find at a Motel or Inn. However, an upgrade to a Bay View room on the second night significantly improved our space, including a sofa bed and a balcony overlooking the hotel's entrance, Coronado Bay, and a partial ocean view. This made a huge difference in our enjoyment of our lodging space but I would still recommend booking a larger room or a room in the newer section of the resort.

Throughout our stay, we fully enjoyed the hotel's amenities, from pristine beach access to the pool area and fitness facilities. The kids particularly loved the beach activities and pool, providing endless entertainment. The Cabana pool and Sun Deck were the true highlights of our stay, offering a serene escape with attentive poolside service. Given the holiday weekend, the hotel was bustling, adding to the festive vibe but making some areas, like the pool, crowded. Securing poolside chairs was a bit of a challenge unless you arrived early.

We dined at one of the hotel's on-site restaurants for breakfast, taking advantage of our $15 per person Diamond Status credit. We also savored the diverse menu at the Taco Shack and Food Trucks on the beach, available for room charge. While the food selection met the needs of our family for our stay, the quality of the food wasn't what we would expect from a luxury resort. This wasn't a huge issue as we were able to take advantage of great restaurants off site that were within walking distance.

In conclusion, our 3-night stay at Hotel Del Coronado was fantastic, offering great value for our family with the free night certificate and points. Undoubtedly, the highlight was the location. Coronado Island's laid-back charm combined with the hotel's beachfront proximity allowed us to take leisurely shore walks and watch Pacific Ocean sunsets. We found numerous spots on the expansive property to relax and soak in the tranquility. Historical charm, a stunning beachfront setting, and excellent service made it a memorable Labor Day weekend getaway. We look forward to returning in the future.