Hotel del Coronado

It was our first time ever in San Diego and wanted to come to San Diego's historical staple and stay at this beautiful location. We arrived and the valet was very welcoming and directed us to the front desk. We were there early and our room was not ready, but our check-in person did give us the option to check-in to another room and showed us the floor plan where it was. We were taken aback because this has never been done by any establishments we have visited in the past. We loved that attention by your front desk person. We ended up waiting for the other room and went exploring on the grounds and got acquainted witht he resort in the meantime while waiting for our room. Food and libations were very appealing and tasty at Serea. Service given by Jessie was unmatched with quick attention with the service. We were there to celebrate my birthday and celebrated a few drinks and apps in the evening at the bar at Serea and Anthony, the bartender, took great care of us. We did try to go back for Sunday brunch but were told that we needed to wait for an hour and a half. We did not know we needed reservations, but that was fine we went to the bar since they offer the same menu. It was busy and I have to appreciate how the manager jumped in to help out and the barback Lupita was on task with assisting the manager and the bartender. Other nights we would make our way to Babcock's and score a table and listen to live music. Jamie U and Pepe took great care and offered great suggestions. Since we were not from the area we took advantage of the concierge and Anthony guided us where to go visit and where to have a great dining experience outside of the resort. We purchased zoo tickets through him as well, which made things so much easier when arriving at the zoo. I also have to commend the cleaning staff. I had aske them in passing if there was an iron and ironing board we could request and they told me that I would have to request it. When I arrived back to the room hours later, they had already the items in when they cleaned the room. So if everything was great? Why the 3 stars? There was an incident that involved the indiscretion of a server on the sundeck. That indiscretion led to unnecessary calamity and grief. I did reach out to the Food and Beverage manager with evidence of the indiscretion, gave them a few days, they never responded. I then forwarded the message to the General Manager, Marco Tabet, that is when I got a response from "Tipi" the Food and Beverage director. I would love to go back when the remodeling is all finished but with what happened, I don't know if we could chance it anymore. One should be able to feel safe when being away from home at said location. At this point, we just feel as though we were swept under the rug and not cared about finding anyone accountable.

I needed to take a few days to write this review and let it sit for a bit, because I wanted to be fair. I can’t recall posting a negative review on a property we've stayed at, but really needed to do this one. Basically I want to set expectations for those wishing to stay at the Del and who perhaps have stayed there before. We visited the hotel about 30 years ago. Very historic, romantic and great service. Cozy bar and the Prince of Wales room was very welcoming. We were aware of a remodel, but not so much Hilton turning this once historic property into a "beach club". We get it! Trying to cater to the new generation(s). What once presented itself as a majestic piece of relaxed, sophisticated history now caters to a very casual crowd as long as they have LOTS of money. This was a visit for a special anniversary. There was/is no cozy bar to enjoy a quiet martini. Very metallic and unwelcoming, at least for us. Employees "uniforms" are now similar to those worn on the Netflix show "The Recruit". Black ops casual wear with baseball caps. And service? Almost completely non-existent. When we arrived there was no welcome/greeting such as "Welcome to the Del! Are you checking in? How can we help?" We had to call twice from our room to correct some items from housekeeping that a guest would assume to be standard given the room rate that varied between approximately $650-$825 each night. We had a view of the gardens and would have enjoyed a room service breakfast, but NO room service even offered. The "Gardens"? Quite nice, but sparse and a little sad when we noticed that there was artificial turf rather than actual lawn. Walking the halls of the hotel and seeing the old photos and listening to songs by Mel Torme and other classics was nice, but actually incongruous since after leaving the hallway and entering the bar we walked into a metal chair on linoleum floor cacophony environment that was quite unpleasant. And prices? Especially in the little “gift/deli” shop? For what you get? Even if someone can afford to pay them that's just a slap in the face. The liquor and wine prices in the shop are laughable. Do yourself a favor and take a short stroll down Orange Avenue to visit the cafe’s, bakeries and shops. Nice restaurants and pubs too. So, basically what we expected and actually received were quite dissimilar. So far apart in fact that during the 4 nights we were there it was difficult to reconcile what we had previously experienced and what we found. Due to this, sadly we were more comfortable when we left the property. I will say that our anniversary dinner on property in the Serea restaurant was quite nice. Everything was delicious and we were treated very well. Our sincere thanks for that. So, now the Del is a "beach club". We wish you well. One final word of advice is that you really seriously need to change the "culture" of your employees (The NY Jets are trying to do that and to us, you are now the NY Jets). Those we met at the desk and some of our servers were quite gracious, but our overall impression (especially from the outset when no one greeted us or made us feel welcome) made us think of the wonderful, personal service we have received on river cruises or at European hotels and how that does not even remotely exist at your property. Times are changing for sure, but please at least try to look back at history and replicate a small part of what the Del once was. At least for those of us who remember those times. Very sad.

Checked in early with app which was encouraged because I kept getting notices. However, being summoned to the front desk twice for “need more information” was told the app must not be working as our room was still not ready. This was after I showed my ID and credit card. Had to do it all over again when my room was ready. Digital keys can’t be shared with companions unless everyone has a Hilton app and account—so why bother. In the end I was not impressed with front desk staff, never gave me wifii info, no info on all the “free” stuff like yoga, spin in ams. We did take the legendary tour which was excellent (found that on my own) and a good thing because there is almost nothing on the history of this place in the rooms or elsewhere— (a couple of plaques)Our room was lovely but for the price it should have more than jugs of hand wash, lotion, shampoo and conditioner. I was disappointed there weren’t small packages of cotton balls and q tips or even a gentle facial cleanser bar. Pretty lacking. The bed was comfortable but 2 pillows for each person— both the same and very soft made for poor sleeping. Most places have two pillows of different firmness. Pulled and extra blanket which probably should be cleaned because allergies kicked in once it was opened up. Service in general was “good”. Beach service was the best we had in the place and it was excellent. The grounds are stunning, the location is amazing with Orange Ave full of dining and shops. Walkable. No problems getting Lyft to/from airport. I’d like to come back and guessing it will be better as they are really just getting on their feet after a lengthy renovation project.

Such a dream hotel to stay at. The hotel was under renovation but it did not take away from the experience. Form the food, drink to the views of the beach it was amazing. So much history and enjoyed it. We were upgraded to a suite with a balcony and beach view. The sunsets were amazing. Only wish our stay was longer!

The is lovely, historic hotel masquerading as a luxury resort. I’d wanted to stay at “the Del” since I’d seen it from afar many years ago. Thus, I was disappointed when, from check-in to check-out, my stay lacked the fine touches that differentiate a true resort from a decent hotel. I expected high prices but, in exchange, expected a first-class experience and, in three days, never quite found it. Upon arrival, the valet took my carry-on bag from the taxi and pointed me up the stairs to check in. He also noted there was a ramp. What he didn’t do was offer to carry my bag. I was given vague directions to my room and walked around a bit before I found it. At a luxury resort, they take you to your room. Was never told there was a spa or a historical tour. Handed an info sheet that wasn’t all that helpful (no dining hours for restaurants, for example) – mostly a list of activities that cost extra. My room consisted of a king bed, tile floor, sofa bed and very large TV. Decor was forgettable. Shampoo, etc. were in large dispensers; brand was Courtyard-level. The small tube of body lotion was never replenished. The hair dryer was cheap. No slippers so I had to walk on cold tile in my bare feet. Didn't see cotton balls, comb, etc. View was nice but high-top chairs on deck were very uncomfortable. There is no sit-down breakfast before 7:30 am. I had an early meeting and was relegated to the “quick stop.” Service was slow and unfriendly; the food expensive and not very good. On the other hand, hotel restaurant/bar food and service ranged from good to very good. Construction for the new Nobu restaurant meant guests had to walk around workers and construction to access Serea toting my luggage. Three employees watched me struggle up the restaurant steps without offering to help. What was most disappointing is that the Del doesn’t treat hotel guests any better than folks who walk in off the beach. At luxury hotels (Raffles, Mandarin Oriental), when you show up at a hotel restaurant or bar, they ask if you’re a guest and then give you one of the best tables (which are reserved for hotel guests). Not here. They don’t ask and, when you tell them, don’t care (not even “Thank you for staying with us”). The resort fees are just an excuse to charge more. $35 covers Internet, which I found spotty, and free local calls for the .0001% who don’t have cell phones. Not sure why guests are paying the $15 “historical preservation” fee. Upon check-out, the ramp to the lobby was closed due to construction. I had to lug my carry-on bag up and down 15 steps (and I’m not a young person). Valets stood around and watched – not one offered to help. The reception desk is frequently crowded and the attitude of the staff was somewhat indifferent. To be fair, the hotel was perfectly fine and the setting is gorgeous. But you’re not paying for “fine,” you’re paying for luxury. I’m glad I stayed at the Del to experience it, but when I return to Coronado, I’ll stay elsewhere.