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The Hotel del Coronado debuts a stunning new chapter

Following a six-year, $550 million revitalization, the iconic San Diego hotel blends Victorian charm with modern luxury, new dining, and a star-studded reopening

The lush central garden courtyard was restored to its Victorian “roots” by Burton Landscape Architecture Studio
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Featured Photo The lush central garden courtyard of The Hotel Del Coronado was restored to its Victorian “roots” by Burton Landscape Architecture Studio

I have lived in San Diego for nearly 40 years, but it is still a thrill to drive across that blue steel curve in the sky, the Coronado Bay Bridge. Here I can catch a glimpse of the silvery San Diego skyline, and just below the bridge, boats rocking in the bay. And in the distance, I can see the distinctive red-roof silhouette of the Hotel del Coronado.  

The iconic Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark, has just completed a six-year property wide renovation that cost more than $550 million including the original Victorian neighborhood that dates to 1888
The iconic Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark, has just completed a six-year property wide renovation that cost more than $550 million including the original Victorian neighborhood that dates to 1888

This majestic hotel was billed as the “Wonder of the Western World” when it was built in 1888 by retired Midwestern businessmen E.S. Babcock Jr. and Hampton L. Story. Over the years, it has hosted presidents, royalty, and heads of state, moguls, movie stars, and tourists from around the globe.

Now, after a six-year, $550-million restoration and revitalization by the resort’s owner, New York-based Blackstone Real Estate, this historic hotel is ready for its closeup. At the grand opening event on June 18 marking the end of the project, actress Brooke Shields, a frequent visitor to the resort, welcomed dignitaries and celebrities including Representative Scott Peters, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and Coronado Mayor John Duncan. Festivities included speeches from Blackstone executives, “Taste of the Del” dining experiences, and an evening performance by Chayce Beckham, the winner of American Idol season 19. 

Actress Brooke Shields welcomed guests to the Grand Opening
Actress Brooke Shields welcomed guests to the Grand Opening

Property tours included the recently completed Victorian Building, the final phase of the project, with guestrooms redesigned to improve function while keeping original finishes intact, and The Garden Courtyard, centered with the Naiad Queen, a bronze replica of the original by French sculptor Charles Cordier that graced The Del until 1912. I was surprised to learn that rooms facing the courtyard rather than the ocean were the most popular back then. (Victorians apparently weren’t surf and sun worshippers as many people are today.) 

The restored Victorian courtyard celebrates the return of a fountain featuring a bronze reproduction of the “Naiad Queen” statue by the late French Sculptor Charles Cordier. The original statue graced the space until 1912
The restored Victorian courtyard celebrates the return of a fountain featuring a bronze reproduction of the “Naiad Queen” statue by the late French Sculptor Charles Cordier. The original statue graced the space until 1912
Victorian guest rooms, no two alike, were reimagined to improve function and design while retaining the hotel’s Victorian character
Victorian guest rooms, no two alike, were reimagined to improve function and design while retaining the hotel’s Victorian character
The restored Victorian courtyard celebrates the return of a fountain featuring a bronze reproduction of the “Naiad Queen” statue by the late French Sculptor Charles Cordier. The original statue graced the space until 1912
Victorian guest rooms, no two alike, were reimagined to improve function and design while retaining the hotel’s Victorian character

The resort also offers more modern accommodations including The Cabanas near the pool and sun deck; The Views overlooking the beach; Beach Village, a gated community of beachfront cottages and villas; and Shore House, residential-style units. 

Contemporary spaces include Beach Village, a gated community of beachfront cottages and villas with luxury guest rooms, private balconies, and the Oval Pool
Contemporary spaces include Beach Village, a gated community of beachfront cottages and villas with luxury guest rooms, private balconies, and the Oval Pool

The entire property-wide restoration brought together top trades, architectural, and design talent with an emphasis on historical accuracy. David Marshall, president of the award-winning Heritage Architecture and Planning, oversaw the project. 

The Del has also unveiled new restaurants including the buzzy Nobu Del Coronado, one of 56 around the world founded by Chef-Partner Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert DeNiro, and Meir Teper. The 156-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant has an eight-seat sushi bar. Belly up to the Pagoda Bar for Japanese whiskey and cocktails. Signature dishes include A5 Wagyu, black cod with miso, and squid “pasta” with garlic sauce. Or try lobster truffle tempura and beef kushiyaki skewers, which are unique to The Del.

Veranda, for all-day dining, is named after the 20-foot-wide porch which once surrounded the hotel, a favorite place for hotel guests to take in the salt air. The menu features fresh, SoCal fare including grilled artichokes, broiled oysters, fish, and steaks.

Launched previously is Clique Hospitality’s Serea, with Chef JoJo Ruiz at the helm, offering sustainable, fresh-catch coastal cooking: charcoal grilled octopus, Baja kampachi, shellfish platters, and whole fish.

This summer, visitors can once again enjoy s’mores while watching movies on the beach, including 1959’s Some Like It Hot, the madcap movie classic starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The Hotel Del, the setting of the film’s outdoor scenes, provided the perfect backdrop. 619.435.6611, hoteldel.com

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