El Cordova Hotel

This charming boutique hotel first opened in 1902 as a retirement mansion, but was converted to a hotel in 1930. It’s been expanded several times since and now consists of several interconnected buildings overlooking a beautiful Spanish-style garden and courtyard that's connected to popular shops and restaurants. Many of the rooms overlook the courtyard, which is often buzzing with activity well into the evening. Hand-painted Mexican tiles are featured throughout the courtyard and the hotel’s interior. The quaint lobby has a contemporary feel, with hardwood floors, lots of potted plants in colorful vases, and water fountains. Striking furniture and high ceilings create an inviting ambience. Tourists and business travelers frequent this comfortable property, including some attending meetings at the nearby Hotel del Coronado who don’t want to pay the higher rates there. 

El Cordova has a great location to enjoy all that the Coronado Peninsula has to offer. It’s in the heart of the Village of Coronado, located across the street from the iconic Hotel del Coronado and just a five-minute walk from the beautiful Coronado Beach. It sits on the main drag, Orange Avenue, and is surrounded by shops and restaurants, including several that share a charming courtyard with the hotel. It’s a busy area that can be a bit noisy at times, but the tropical island vibe and convenience are appealing. The Coronado Municipal Golf Course is a 15-minute walk away, or a five-minute drive. Downtown San Diego’s historic Gas Lamp Quarter is directly across San Diego Bay, about 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus. San Diego International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive, or an hour by public transportation.

These clean and comfortable rooms are individually decorated in a simple, yet tasteful fashion that incorporates antiques or quality reproductions. The plaster walls are typically cream or light gold, and the floors are usually covered with neutral or blue carpet. Tropical and Southwestern-themed artwork add rich colors. Standard and Deluxe rooms are quite small at 200- and 250-square-feet (respectively), and they don’t include microwaves and mini-fridges like Suites, which usually feature kitchens with sinks, stoves, dining tables, and utensils. Suites range from 500- to 1,500-square-feet, with separate living rooms that include sleeper sofas. All rooms have Keurig coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Standard rooms also have tiny bathrooms, with pedestal sinks and cramped showers lined by the hotel’s signature Mexican-inspired tiles. Deluxe rooms have larger bathrooms with shower/tub combos. Some Two-Bedroom Suites have two full bathrooms. Some Suites have small balconies overlooking the lovely courtyard. Noise can be an issue at times, especially in those rooms overlooking busy Orange Avenue or the courtyard where the popular Miguel’s Cantina is located. Note that there is no elevator service to rooms on the second floor, and guests must climb rather steep stairs to access some rooms. 

El Cordova doesn’t have a restaurant, breakfast, or bar per se, but popular restaurants like Miguel’s Cantina and several boutique shops share its lushly landscaped courtyard. The area also has a seafood restaurant and cafe that serves breakfast. Free coffee and ice water are available all day in the lobby, and the registration desk has snacks, candy, and soft drinks for sale. The outdoor pool and whirlpool are a bit small, but they both feature the hotel’s signature hand-painted Mexican tiles. The water facilities are located in a cozy and sometimes shady courtyard with loungers and tables. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and guest laundry facilities are on-site. The hotel does not have a parking lot, but metered street parking (free overnight) is relatively easy to find and a public garage is a short walk away. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.