How Hotel del Coronado Became America’s Most ICONIC Beachside Stay

The History
Hotel Del Coronado was the product of the endeavors by Elisha Babcock, Jr., and Hampton L. Story, who wanted to build a hotel that would be “the talk of the Western world.” James Reid was the architect hired to execute their vision, envisioning a Victorian-style hotel with a courtyard, pavilion tower and dining wing. Construction on the massive project was completed, and the hotel made its debut in 1888. The cost back then totaled $1 million, equating to about $34 million today. 

Since its opening, the resort has hosted presidents, celebrities and travelers from around the world. Hotel Del Coronado has also been featured in many blockbuster films, including “Some Like It Hot” and “The Stunt Man.”

Photo by Robert Benson.

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As my fiancé and I walked around the wrap-around porch into the lobby, a sense of nostalgia enveloped me and I felt a strong sense of child-like excitement. The lobby featured exquisite white oak flooring and wall cladding. The walls buzzed with the conversation of tourists and hotel guests admiring the room’s captivating beauty. 

We stayed in The Views part of the hotel. Our room featured coastal contemporary interiors with gorgeous views of the main building’s architecture and a sliver of the Pacific coastline. 

Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado.

After we were settled, we left our room to explore the hotel and walk the beach path. We enjoyed a cocktail at the Sun Deck Bar & Grill before wandering through the hotel shops below the main lobby. 

While we didn’t stay in the main building, it’s worth noting that this portion of the hotel underwent a hefty $550 million renovation. The design reimagines Victorian aesthetics with bright floral textiles, a refreshing departure from the typically darker palettes of that era. Furnishings thoughtfully combine caning and wicker with deep wood tones, achieving a balance of richness and airy texture for a timeless yet fresh ambiance. Headboards in the guest rooms, while retaining classic curved silhouettes, are crafted from woven vinyl raffia and floral wallcoverings referencing the hotel’s lush gardens. 

The lighting scheme integrates modern and traditional designs, utilizing diverse materials. Artwork throughout the rooms presents vintage sketches and drawings through a contemporary lens, exemplified by dramatic black-and-white botanical photography. Victorian-inspired light fixtures and blue and white Chinoiserie lamps introduce notes of romantic elegance, while carefully placed trims and tassels offer subtle Victorian detailing.

Photo by Robert Benson.

Along with the guest room refreshes, the hotel also added two more dining options: Veranda, an American restaurant that sources local ingredients and embraces the property’s charm and elegance, and the ICONIC al fresco Nobu, a luxury sushi restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and award-winning cuisine. 

Being on the coastline, I was craving some sushi, so, of course, we went to Nobu. With it being Labor Day weekend, there was a bit of a wait, so we passed the time by ordering a cocktail at the restaurant’s beautiful Babcock & Story bar. The solid mahogany bar is the talking point as it was built at the same time as the hotel; oh, the stories it would tell if it could talk.

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Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado.

My fiancé and I spent our first evening indulging in the restaurant’s craft cocktails, signature sushi rolls and black cod dish before concluding with the decadent bento box, which featured a molten lava cake balanced with refreshing matcha ice cream. 

The following morning, we took a bike ride around the island, taking in the sea breeze and embracing the present moment of sunshine and serenity. Our rendezvous took us to Clayton’s Coffee Shop, a breakfast joint. The 1950s diner vibe set the tone for a light-hearted day ahead.  

Later, we took a long walk on the beach, letting the brisk water graze our sandy feet. It took some convincing, but I eventually persuaded my fiancé to take a quick dip in the ocean with me. 

We ordered midday coffees at one of the resort’s markets, which sells wine, light bites, knick-knacks and drinks, before returning to our room to prepare for dinner. On our last night, we sat in each other’s embrace, basking in the golden glow of the California sunset. It was the perfect ending to an even more perfect vacation. 

Hotel del Coronado has captured my heart as a historic and charming family getaway. Its friendly ambiance, combined with the luxurious setting of breathtaking Victorian architecture, creates an experience like no other.