The Lodge del Coronado is a sprawling oceanfront resort in Coronado, California, only a bridge crossing away from sunny San Diego. Opened in 1888, the property is stuffed with historic grandeur, and that’s mirrored within the excessive costs you’ll pay to remain and dine there.
The Del — because it’s typically referred to by locals — is exclusive in that it’s cut up into 5 neighborhood zones that comprise three separate Hilton Honors properties: one belonging to Hilton’s Curio Assortment of upscale unbiased properties and two which can be part of LXR Motels and Resorts, a Hilton luxurious model. I stayed on the Curio Assortment property, which encompasses the Victorian neighborhood (the unique property) and the 2 newer Views and Cabanas neighborhoods.
Hilton invited me to remain on the Del in April 2026, roughly a yr after the property accomplished a $550-million restoration. Whereas the property lined the prices of my three-night keep, the opinions on this evaluation of the Curio Assortment property are my very own.
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Reserving with factors and perks
For the reason that Lodge del Coronado is a part of Hilton, you’ll be able to sometimes count on to e book a normal room within the Victorian or Views for 100,000 to 110,000 Hilton factors per night time. When you’re paying money, the most affordable charges not often drop beneath $500 an evening, whereas the costliest can go for greater than $1,000 an evening for a base-level room, in accordance with a Might 2026 search.
Different methods to avoid wasting:
Use a Hilton free night time award. One other nice technique to expertise the Del is in case you have the Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card, which comes with a free night time certificates that may be redeemed on the Del so long as there may be normal room reward availability. The cardboard additionally features a $200 resort credit score each six months that can be utilized on eligible fees to your room, which may help offset the excessive eating prices. Phrases apply.
Hilton bank card choices

Hilton Honors American Categorical Surpass® Card
on American Categorical’ web site
Charges & Charges
Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card
$0 intro annual price for the primary yr, then $150.
Free night time advantages (see opinions for full rundown)
Potential free night time. Earn a free night time award after you spend $15,000 on purchases in your card in a calendar yr.
Phrases apply.
Free rewards night time(s): Get one free night time reward with the cardboard annually. Earn an extra night time after you spend $30,000 on purchases in a calendar yr and one other after you spend $60,000 in a calendar yr.
Phrases apply.
Take pleasure in a $0 intro annual price for the primary yr, then $150 and earn 130,000 Bonus Factors after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card inside your first 6 months of Card Membership. Provide ends 7/29/26. Phrases Apply.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Factors after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card inside your first 6 months of Card Membership. Phrases Apply.
It’s onerous to overstate how spectacular and grand the Del is while you first method it. An enormous driveway leads as much as the doorway of the Victorian-era property, which was restored to its authentic glory as a part of the six-year renovation.

When you’re an enormous Disney fan, like my Lyft driver was, you’ll instantly acknowledge the constructing because the inspiration for the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Florida, with its iconic red-roofed Victorian turrets and white facade.
As you step into the foyer, you’ll really feel as should you’ve been transported to a different time, with darkish pink wooden paneling, a grand chandelier and floral carpeting. Don’t miss the silk wallpaper by the check-in desk the place you’ll be able to spot numerous animals (together with monkeys!) that after referred to as the Del house.

All through the constructing, historic images of previous visitors line the hallways. Amongst them, you’ll spot just a few acquainted faces, akin to Marilyn Monroe, who filmed the 1959 comedy “Some Like It Scorching” on the property.
To totally admire the lodge, I’d suggest signing up for considered one of its paid property excursions or simply performing some mild Wikipedia studying earlier than you arrive. I joined one of many Del’s “Haunted Happenings” night excursions and loved studying about Kate Morgan, a lady who mysteriously died on the lodge in 1892 and whose ghost is claimed to nonetheless hang-out the property to at the present time.
Past the foyer, you’ll discover the backyard courtyard, which was at one level a zoo of types. At the moment, birds are in all probability probably the most thrilling creatures you’ll come throughout.

Manicured inexperienced lawns speak in confidence to a big stretch of seaside simply behind the property. There are many locations to take a seat and admire the view, in addition to a brief strolling path that takes you alongside the coast.

The primary ground of the unique lodge constructing in addition to its grounds are open to the general public, so if you wish to get a really feel for the Del with out staying, that’s potential. The property can also be recognized for its Christmas festivities within the winter, together with an on-property ice rink, making it a preferred vacationer attraction.
Every of the Curio neighborhoods provides a special really feel, so that you’ll wish to select the place you keep fastidiously. For historic allure (and an opportunity to remain within the room Morgan as soon as occupied), you’ll wish to e book the Victorian.
I stayed in a king mattress on the second ground within the authentic lodge constructing, and I had a spacious patio overlooking the backyard.

Initially, I wasn’t very impressed, however my notion of the room modified over time. I beloved the out of doors seating space, which felt peaceable when there weren’t occasions within the courtyard (however that appeared uncommon given how fashionable the Del is for work conferences). I additionally appreciated the comfort of having the ability to take the steps to get to my room — sometimes a lot quicker than the elevator.

The room itself was spacious, and the toilet was giant.

It was well-appointed, though it felt a bit barren. Some extra furnishings, akin to a small loveseat or extra desk, would have helped stability it out.

The Cabanas neighborhood provides a spot close to each the pool and the seaside. I toured one of many rooms, which felt fashionable and beachy. Rooms listed below are unfold throughout two flooring in a low-rise constructing, with some together with simple seaside and pool entry.

The Views tower provides high-floor rooms with sweeping ocean views. Of the three neighborhoods, the rooms right here felt most akin to what you would possibly count on from a contemporary upscale property.

There are a number of eating choices on the property, however be warned, most issues are going to price you some huge cash. When you’re in search of cheaper eats, take into account strolling a couple of minutes to one of many close by eating places in Coronado.
Nonetheless, should you plan on splurging, the Del’s three full-service eating places supply tasty eats with glorious service and an ocean view.
Veranda, which serves American fare, is house to the lodge’s breakfast buffet and can also be open for dinner. When you’re there within the night, don’t miss the restaurant’s souffle dessert that Marilyn Monroe is claimed to have ordered each day throughout filming.

Serea is a seafood-forward restaurant, and I discovered the meals to be extremely contemporary. One of many lodge staff beneficial the entire fish, which was scrumptious (and sure, it actually was an entire fish!).

Nobu del Coronado rounds out the trio of eating places, an outpost of the well-known Japanese restaurant chain recognized for its Peruvian influences. Nobu areas all over the world have a repute for being movie star hotspots, so should you plan on consuming right here, count on to splash out some severe money. I beloved the spicy tuna crispy rice and black cod miso, each Nobu perennial favorites.
Different casual eating choices embrace the Babcock & Story Bar, named after the lodge’s founders, and ENO Market & Pizzeria, a restaurant with grab-and-go sandwiches, pastries and different snacks, in addition to an out of doors sit-down space with wood-fired pizzas, which I assumed have been tasty. There’s additionally Solar Deck, which serves lunch and dinner, in addition to a taco shack on the seaside; nevertheless, at $12 a taco, I wasn’t very impressed with the flavour. You’re a lot better off discovering a neighborhood taco spot.
The on-site gelato store is simple for a fast dessert, however on-line reviewers have been dissatisfied that no samples have been allowed. Whereas the sundae I had was giant and filling, I in the end most well-liked MooTime Creamery, a neighborhood favourite only a quick stroll away from the lodge.
You can too order room service through Del Sprint, which is obtainable for breakfast and dinner every day and for lunch from Monday by way of Thursday. Take into accout you’ll have to pay a $5 supply price and 20% automated gratuity.
Throughout my keep, most individuals spent their day on the huge pool as a result of the seaside was windy most days. There are many pool chairs to chill out in, in addition to a small sizzling tub.

If you wish to get a superb exercise, the health heart is well-stocked with cardio, power coaching and boxing tools. There are even health courses you could join, a few of that are included as a part of the every day resort price. I joined a studio yoga class one morning, which was a good way to get my day began.
The spa, positioned subsequent to the health heart, provides numerous remedies. I actually loved my 50-minute therapeutic massage, which additionally gave me entry to the spa services for the day, together with its personal plunge pool, a steam room and a sizzling tub.


When you’re seeking to go off-property, you may also lease a motorbike and cycle across the island of Coronado.
Is the Lodge del Coronado value it?
Once you keep on the Lodge del Coronado, you’re staying at a historic property that’s arguably one of the crucial iconic inns in America. It’s architecturally beautiful, and its oceanside location is difficult to beat.
Nonetheless, the Del is aware of this about itself and costs its rooms and restaurant menus accordingly.
Whether or not it’s value it to you’ll in the end rely in your finances and what you worth in a trip. In case your aim is to go sightseeing round San Diego, you’re in all probability higher off staying within the metropolis itself as a substitute of on Coronado island. Don’t overlook you’ll be able to all the time come go to the property as a day journey from San Diego.
But when your aim is a soothing getaway (and you’ve got bank card advantages to make the most of), the Del may verify quite a lot of containers.
High picture by Benjamin Din/NerdWallet.
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