Hotel del Coronado: Which Part of The Del is Right for You?
For my birthday trip this year, I was craving a quick beach escape. Somewhere with easy travel and warm sunny days, and an effortlessly relaxing vibe. Enter Hotel del Coronado. This iconic seaside resort, just across the bay from San Diego, recently wrapped up a six-year, $550 million restoration. It checked all my birthday boxes and then some.
Not only did it live up to its hype and historic charm, but what really surprised me during my 48 hours there was how different each section of the resort felt. It’s like a collection of mini “neighborhoods,” each with its own personality and perfect for a different kind of traveler.
We stayed in the new Shore House building (opened in 2022) and loved it, but it’s worth exploring all the options before you book. Some are perfect for couples, others ideal for families and, with choices that range from high-end to more budget-friendly, finding the right fit can make or break your stay.
Below, I’ve broken down the resort by section to help you find your perfect match and also mentioned our favorite:
The Victorian
Best For: Timeless Charm & History
This is the heart and soul of The Del, the original 1888 building that put Coronado on the map. After a $160 million facelift, it reopened in 2025 with a mix of historic preservation and modern comfort. The rooms are full of character, and - fun fact - no two are alike.
Bright floral wallpaper and deep wood tones in the sleeping area are paired with antique-style washstand vanities and checkerboard marble floors in the bathroom, making these rooms feel both nostalgic and fresh. If you love vintage touches, classic details, and a little old Hollywood glam, this is your spot.
With the formal garden right outside their windows, it feels like stepping back in time in the best way possible.
The Cabanas
Best For: Social, Sunny Vibes
The Cabanas are where the energy is. Steps from the pool and the beach, this area is perfect if you love being in the center of it all. Completely reimagined in 2020, these rooms have a contemporary coastal vibe with fire-pit terraces that feel like your own private cabana. Interiors feature light wood tones, and simple coastal touches that give off a laid-back SoCal vibe. Bathrooms are calm and spa-like, with soft blue-gray tile and etched-glass accents.
This neighborhood is fresh, fun and super easygoing…perfect for friends or families who want to be in the heart of the action. Imagine lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand and music playing in the background. If you're looking for a laid-back, California-cool vibe, this is a great fit.
The Views
Best For: Front-Row Ocean Access
We loved this option for its proximity to everything - surfing, sailing, bike rentals, you name it! This beachfront tower is ideal for anyone looking to stay active and soak up as much of the ocean as possible. Inside, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows, clean-lined driftwood tones and spa-worthy bathrooms featuring large walk-in showers and natural bath amenities. Each room has a balcony or terrace, so even after a full day outdoors, you can still relax with a front-row seat to the sunset. If you’re after an active beach stay with a side of coastal calm and those front-row Pacific views, this neighborhood is a winner
Beach Village
Best For: Privacy & Pampering
Beach Village feels like its own private retreat, and it’s my favorite for that reason. Think VIP check-in, a dedicated concierge, private plunge pools, and exclusive access to the Windsor Beach Club. These multi-bedroom suites and villas are recently refreshed and incredibly polished. Though their design stays true to the resort’s iconic Victorian style I found them to be the highest-end offering within the Hotel Del.
These beachside units have been upgraded with walnut floors, blue-textured linen upholstery, bespoke furnishings, marble bathrooms with ebony-wood vanities, and private terraces. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want more space and privacy, this is as elevated as it gets in Coronado!
This is OUR personal favorite and where we recommend for our clients.
Shore House
Best For: Elevated, Residential-Style Living
As I mentioned above, Shore House is a newer addition, and it’s absolutely stunning. I really enjoyed my two nights there. It features one-to-three bedroom villas with full kitchens, limestone fireplaces, and private balconies that overlook the pool and beach. Complete with its own check-in desk, private pool, wellness lawn, and the private Shore House Bistro restaurant it felt (to me) like a resort within a resort.
The interior design is in modern coastal style and the layouts are perfect for longer stays, family travel, or anyone who wants the space of a home with all the service of a luxury hotel. The only knock I have on it is the lack of balcony privacy since the rooms sit directly next to each other. Otherwise, this is the kind of place you check into and never want to leave…I know I didn’t!!
Hotel del Coronado is seriously one of a kind. It perfectly mixes historic charm with modern luxury, and no matter where you stay, the beach is always just a few steps away. It’s a must see and one of those iconic spots that stays with you long after you leave.
Reach out and we can help you find the “neighborhood” at The Del that’s the best fit for you. As always, we can also add our extra perks like complimentary breakfast, $100 resort credit, top-of-the-list for an upgrade and more!
JETSET & TRAVEL VIP Booking Perks:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (credit is non-cumulative)
$100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Current PROMO: four nights or longer made from June 1 to July 31, 2026 for Hotel del Coronado will receive a 4th night free Travel must be completed by June 8, 2026.