Hotel del Coronado

Built in 1888, this massive, red-roofed Victorian building -- a National Historic Landmark -- has become an icon of the Coronado peninsula (or island, as locals prefer to call it). It hosted scores of celebrities in the Hollywood Golden Age -- including Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, and Jimmy Stewart -- and has been a filming location for multiple movies, including Some Like it Hot. Today, many tourists still take a half-day trip to Coronado exclusively to visit the hotel.Rooms have chic, modern decor, but some are a bit small for the price. The luxurious cottages and villas of the Beach Village, added to the hotel in 2007, have a similar decor style, plus high-end amenities and extra privileges.Dining options include the acclaimed 1500 Ocean restaurant and ENO wine bar. The outstanding and pricey Sunday brunch at the Crown Room always draws hordes of hotel guests and tourists alike.

The hotel is located on Coronado Peninsula (technically an island), across the bay from Downtown San Diego. A two-mile bridge connects the city to this beachside retreat, which is home to restaurants, cafes, seaside bike paths, two golf courses, and several theaters. Some of the best beaches in Southern California are located here, and San Diego’s bustling nightlife, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions are a short drive away.- 4-minute drive or 14-minute walk to Coronado Municipal Golf Course

• 12-minute drive to Little Italy
• 12-minute drive to the Gaslamp Quarter
• 12-minute drive to Balboa Park
• 13-minute drive to Wild Animal Park
• 14-minute drive to San Diego Zoo
• 14-minute drive to the San Diego Convention Center
• 14-minute drive to the Museum of Contemporary Art
• 16-minute drive to Riverwalk Golf Club
• 17-minute drive to SeaWorld
• 17-minute drive to San Diego International Airport
• 22-minute drive to Mission Beach
• 30-minute drive to La Jolla
• 45-minute drive to Legoland California

Most of the rooms are housed in the historic Victorian building, and feature chic decor. They have a tropical feel, with soft yellow walls and white bedspreads with yellow-, green-, and blue-striped throws. Rooms start at 200 square feet, and some have full ocean views. The higher-end rooms may include separate living areas, balconies, and pull-out sofas.- 42-inch TVs with cable access (26 channels, including HBO)

• Free Wi-Fi
• Shower/tub combos
• Coffeemakers
• 24-hour room service
• Daily newspaper delivery
• Resort, partial ocean, or full ocean views.
• Safes

• Swimming pool and Jacuzzi, plus the ocean-view vanishing edge pool for Spa at The Del guests
• Fitness center
• Yoga and surfing lessons, included in resort charge
• Kids Camp: Activities including crafts and sports for kids 4 to 17 (fees apply)
• Spa offers treatments, Jacuzzis and steam rooms.
• Shops
• Babysitting services (for a fee)
• Daily fee for valet parking
• Business center has computers, fax machines, copy service, and shipping and postal services.
• Daily resort fee
• The Del, Beach Spin 
• Del Beach

• 1500 Ocean is an acclaimed fine dining restaurant serving California cuisine.
• Sheerwater is an ocean-view restaurant serving fresh seafood and casual fare; open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Eno Pizza serves artisan wood-fired pizza, wine, craft brews and desserts.
• Crown Room serves an acclaimed brunch every Sunday.
• Sun Deck Bar & Grill serves cocktails and grilled entrees.
• Babcock & Story Bar serves cocktails and pub fare.
• Sunset Bar serves cocktails and appetizers.
• Beach Shack serves tropical cocktails, wine, beer and tacos; open seasonally
• Sundae's serves ice cream-style gelato
• Babcock & Story Bakery serves coffee, tea, pastries and grab 'n' go lunch items
• Splash Bar & Deli is a poolside bar serving sandwiches, snacks and drinks; open seasonally.
• Boardwalk Bar serves smoothies and snacks for breakfast and lunch; open seasonally.