Hotel del Coronado completes major revitalization
The legendary Hotel del Coronado recently announced the completion of the revitalization of its iconic Victorian building. This marks the final milestone in Blackstone Real Estate’s more than $550 million restoration plan to enhance and reinforce Hotel del Coronado’s legacy for generations to come.
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Historic Victorian building reimagined for modern luxury
The completion of the Victorian Neighborhood encompassed a total restoration of its front porch and lobby, main entry and drive experience, as well as updates and enhancements to all Victorian guestrooms, the Victorian garden courtyard, event spaces (including the iconic Crown Room) and the addition of two new dining destinations: the acclaimed Nobu Del Coronado and Veranda, an al fresco dining experience with breathtaking ocean views.
“From its earliest days, Hotel del Coronado has been a pioneer, continuously redefining the resort experience,” says JP Oliver, managing director at Hotel del Coronado. “After this transformative journey, we are proud to set a new benchmark for resort excellence and continue exceeding expectations for a new era of guests and visitors.”
Rob Harper, head of asset management Americas at Blackstone Real Estate, says, “Blackstone has been dedicated to preserving Hotel del Coronado’s iconic status as a National Historic Landmark while ensuring it remains a timeless destination for future generations. We are so proud of the thoughtful collaboration that brought this more than $550 million project to fruition and are thrilled by Hotel del Coronado’s transformation into a modern, premier hotel for the enjoyment of guests, visitors and the San Diego community.”
Bringing together top design and architecture talent, the meticulously executed, full property-wide restoration prioritized historical accuracy. Collaborators included Wimberly Interiors, in partnership with WATG, and GSB Inc., Burton Studios, who served as Architect of Record for the Victorian Garden Courtyard, and David Marshall of Heritage Architecture & Planning, who provided historical architecture consultation throughout the duration of the project.
New rooms and reimagined spaces blend heritage and innovation
Hotel del Coronado’s revitalized Victorian guest rooms elevate the property’s rich heritage with luxurious modern accents. Reflecting the building’s history, no two guest rooms are exactly alike, adding to the property’s unique charm.
The design reimagines Victorian aesthetics with brighter 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, while retaining classic curved silhouettes, are crafted from woven vinyl raffia, and floral wallcoverings reference the hotel’s lush gardens.
The lighting scheme seamlessly integrates both modern and traditional designs, utilizing diverse materials. Bathrooms have been redesigned for optimal functionality, featuring spacious vanities inspired by antique washstands and classic checkerboard marble flooring. Artwork throughout the rooms presents vintage sketches and drawings through a modern 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.
Veranda restaurant: A modern interpretation of Hotel del Coronado’s historic veranda
Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s historic wraparound veranda, Hotel del Coronado’s Veranda restaurant captures the charm and elegance of the property’s past while embracing contemporary design. When Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888, a 20-foot-wide veranda encircled the building, offering a continuous walk of 1,800 feet around the hotel. This iconic feature allowed visitors to take in the soothing ocean breeze and symbolized the hotel’s historic charm.
The restaurant’s menu pays homage to Hotel del Coronado’s Southern California roots with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and purveyor partnerships. Guests can enjoy starters like grilled California Artichokes or broiled West Coast Oysters with rich chorizo butter, and entrees including American classics with a twist like Veranda’s French Dip, grilled Whole Red Mountain Trout Noisette, Certified Angus Beef Steaks and a Dungeness Crab “Wedge.”
Nobu Del Coronado: A fusion of global culinary artistry and local California flavors
Nobu Del Coronado seamlessly blends Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature style with Hotel Del Coronado’s timeless elegance. Guests can indulge in an array of Nobu-signature dishes, including Black Cod with Miso, Squid ‘Pasta’ with Garlic Sauce and A5 Wagyu, alongside Nobu’s innovative sushi creations. The concept also offers a selection of locally inspired, Southern California dishes unique to Nobu Del Coronado like Tai Sweet Shiso, Lobster Truffle Tempura, Beef Kushiyaki Skewers and more.
The outdoor-indoor restaurant features 156 seats, 120 of which are beautifully situated al fresco, with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as a dedicated eight-seat sushi bar and stylish 12-seat Pagoda Bar, offering curated selections of sake, Japanese whiskeys and innovative cocktails. The restaurant also boasts 3,700 square feet of oceanfront dining space that serves as a breathtaking venue for private events.
Elevated meeting, group and event venues
Hotel del Coronado’s legendary Victorian ballrooms – the Crown Room, Coronet Room and Ocean Ballroom – have all undergone a meticulous restoration. These revitalized spaces seamlessly integrate historical preservation with state-of-the-art technology and design.
Key features include a rediscovered and thoughtfully preserved 1888 fresco in the Ocean Ballroom, beautifully refinished original wood floors, expertly rehabilitated historic wood finishes, carefully restored doors and a balcony, recreation of historical wainscoting, and installation of updated lighting and sound systems.
Fully restored garden courtyard
The Victorian building’s central garden courtyard has been carefully returned to its original design, complete with historic walkways and pergolas. Adding to this revitalization is the return of the cherished Naiad Queen Fountain, showcasing a bronze reproduction of Charles Cordier’s “Naiad Queen” statue. This recreation, expertly crafted by Carapace Arts using a mold from an original J.L. Mott Iron Works duplicate, reinstates a significant feature that graced the space until 1912.
The Garden will further captivate visitors with an eclectic array of Victorian-era botanicals, including bromeliads, camellias, cycads, agaves, citrus, hydrangeas, daylilies, ferns and specimen palms, thoughtfully integrated with the courtyard’s established tree ferns, foss silk tree and queen palms.
Hotel del Coronado is located at 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118. For more information about Hotel del Coronado or to book leisure or business travel, visit hoteldel.com or call (619) 435-6611.
