Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

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...

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....

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.

Absolutely amazing. Loved everything about the property. The bar, the beach, the breakfasts, the rooms. I can go on and on I would recommend a stay here to anyone in need of pure relaxation, pure joy, and a just incredible guest experience. Suffice to say, we loved it.

We have been to San Diego numerous times and stayed at the Marriott on Coronado and wanted to try the Del for the history, location (walkable to main part of town and beach) and to splurge. We knew going into our 2 night weekend stay it would be pricey and...

We have been to San Diego numerous times and stayed at the Marriott on Coronado and wanted to try the Del for the history, location (walkable to main part of town and beach) and to splurge. We knew going into our 2 night weekend stay it would be pricey and that the hotel had some renovations going on. Stayed in the Views which we loved for being updated (farther from the main hotel renovations) and having quick access to the beach to walk our dog. Our room over looked resort area which was ok we weren’t in it that much so didn’t care about the ocean view when you can just walk outside. While our 2 queen beds room generally looked nice being updated, the shower leaked everywhere due to poor construction (they need a seal at the base of the shower door to prevent water splashing out when using). The shower head also looked like it was getting rusty. The beds were the worst part and biggest complaint, uncomfortable felt like an old cheap mattress; expect a sore/stiff back. For the price you’re paying I expect a comfortable bed not to mention knowing basic construction of having a seal at the base of the glass shower door to prevent so much water getting out on the floor creating a mess and slipping hazard. We didn’t dine at any on property restaurants and instead walked into town which was the main plus to staying here. Generally staff were great all around during our stay, though we booked massages at the spa with the concierge and he messed up our gender preference for masseuse. The spa and massage were lovely though pricy (you also don’t need to be a guest to use). It was lovely being able to use the amenities there though the day of our treatment (you have in and out access to sauna, spa, pool, lounge area). Self parking was included in our reservation which was nice as it’s normally $55/night. Overall it’s not worth the high price especially when the bed felt cheap and uncomfortable and there are other options available.

Yes this is the place to stay. If you want to stay in the best of the best, just book this place. We hated that the main building was under renovations. That just means we will have to return. They have thought of everything here and leave nothing undone.

We, My PARTNER and I, made our annual CHRISTMAS EVE Visit to the Hotel Del Coronado!!! Although they were under construction in several areas, there were a couple of important areas open, including the BEAUTIFUL, and historic LOBBY!!! We walked around the outside, and walked through the front doors!!! I...

We, My PARTNER and I, made our annual CHRISTMAS EVE Visit to the Hotel Del Coronado!!! Although they were under construction in several areas, there were a couple of important areas open, including the BEAUTIFUL, and historic LOBBY!!! We walked around the outside, and walked through the front doors!!! I have a walker, and they have installed a nice ramp next to the stairs. I have to say that this year's CHRISTMAS TREE, is one of the most beautiful in our recent memory!!! As for the weather, it was somewhat overcast. It was very WINTERY WEATHER!!! When we got home, it was time for Hot Chocolate!!!

We went for the ice skating next to the sea. DONOT GO. First, it is very expensive but I didn’t mind because it’s an experience, right? They oversell the tickets and don’t care, we were I don’t know how many people packed in that small ring and you can barely...

We went for the ice skating next to the sea. DONOT GO. First, it is very expensive but I didn’t mind because it’s an experience, right? They oversell the tickets and don’t care, we were I don’t know how many people packed in that small ring and you can barely move, it was not nice at all, again, the money it’s not problem if you are paying for a nice experience but it’s clear they just care about they money…what a terrible experience, everyone was just next to each other and couldn’t move.