I'm very familiar with (and fond of) the Hotel del Coronado, having visited there repeatedly for over 25 years. Most times it's been with out-of-town guests to see their annual Christmas decorations, or just to go "see it for an hour and have a drink" in the summer. But as an adult I've also stayed there many times, having been to many weddings held at the hotel.

Based on that experience, my advice would be:

1. Sunday Brunch in the Crown Room is great. I always looked forward to this as a kid. Great food. Great atmosphere.

2. That being said, in general I've been underwhelmed by almost all the food I've ever ordered there, whether that's at their beach-side cafe, or in the (now defunct) high-end Prince of Wales room, or even the room service.

3. As a result, I recommend visiting there without planning to eat a full meal at the hotel. Definitely have a drink or two at one of the bars, or an ice cream from MooTime Creamery. It's all a little pricey, but very good and well worth it in my opinion. But then go elsewhere for lunch or dinner.

4. I really liked the "old" part of the hotel, and prefer staying there. But at least as of the last time I stayed there those rooms in the "old" part of the hotel had no air conditioning.

5. Weddings are held there all the time. Be prepared for areas of the hotel to be blocked off, and/or to have to walk around these gatherings, especially in the hotel's central garden courtyard.

6. I prefer the Splash bar (out by the pool) to the Babcock & Story bar inside. But both make very good (yet pricey) drinks.

7. If the parking lot next to the hotel is full, I recommend parking on the street nearby. There always seems to be a long line of tourists (with multiple bags) at the valet.

QED

The Hotel Del Coronado is my favorite place to stay in San Diego. It is located right on the beach and a night or two there, or even a stroll through the hotel, will make you feel like you are back in the 1920s or other more glamorous times. The rooms are very beautiful and the staff is wonderful. The lobby and ballroom are gorgeous and there is basically no part of this hotel that is not excellent. There are even condominiums that are a part of the hotel that one can rent, that are right on the beach and really are the best place to stay in San Diego, for a pretty penny.

Recently set out to the Hotel Del to get a drink with friends. Was hesitant at first, as I have been to the hotel many times, but probably not been in about 5 years. Its expensive, and a bit of an overpriced tourist trap, but it DOES HAVE one of the best beaches and views of point loma. <br />
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The drinks were good, but very expensive. We thought our waiter did a great job, but we listened in on a guest berate him about wine or something. It was if she just found out her flight was cancelled and she was stuck at O'Hare International on Christmas Eve. We laughed for him, as he simply apologized to the lady and turned around. <br />
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Once you are inside, take a good look around, the nostalgia is pretty great!<br />
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I heard they recently opened a new wine bar and all staff are Level 1 sommeliers. Tuesday afternoon is supposedly the bargain day.

I stayed in the California cabanas and found it to be the perfect private place. Nice decor and comfortable beds. Friendly and helpful staff. Food quality is nearly top notch, ...

The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California is situated along 31 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island. A national historic landmark, The Del is considered one of America's most ...