OT: Hotel del Coronado

[Schrute Farms]

We are going to San Diego for the first time. Family includes mom, dad, and two sons(age 4 and 1). Five day trip.

Would the Hotel del Coronado be a good place to stay? Or some where in the gas lamp district maybe?

We are not huge beach people but will spend some time at the pool and a full day at the beach.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

The best vacation I ever went on was to Hotel Del. It was back in 2007. My aunt and uncle treated my grandparents, all the other aunts and uncles, and nine of us grandchildren to a week at the Hotel del.

It was honestly amazing. My sister and I had a room right on the beach, not far from one of the pools. We also rented bicycles and rode down the beach, and boogie boards/surf boards. My uncles and cousins went golfing once or twice.

We had beers and lunch every day by the pool. All you have to do is put the flag up on your lounge chair, and the nice waiter comes and takes your order. We also reserved cabanas every day, that have refrigerators and TVs in them.

We literally spent 2 hours having brunch both Sundays we were there. The food was outrageous, and the service was spectacular.

They also have the most amazing ice cream. OMG.

Coronado is a quick trip to the Air Force Base, as well as the Zoo, Padres' stadium and LaJolla. Very fun.

If you do go there, please take me with you.

 

[KCmike]

My kids still talk about our vacation there. They call it the best ever.
I will tell you that its expensive and they nickel and dime you for everything. Other than that the location is ideal and the shops on and around are fabulous. This was our view when we stayed there....
Pacific Ocean was just to the left of this...

 

[Schrute Farms]

I was looking at the US Grant in the Gas Lamp District. Sounds like you both recomend the del Coronado over my other options.

 

[sshaw10060]

Hotel Del is awesome, but pricey. You will definitely want a car. We also enjoyed the Marriot Marina. There is no beach, but it is waterfront and a short walk to all the bars/restaurants of the Gas Lamp.

 

[ADP]

2 BIG thumbs up for the Hotel Del! Love that place. Hotel is great and the beach is wonderful. I think the Gas Lamp district is more adult oriented.

 

[brergnat]

I have two young boys (6 and 4). We live in So Cal and have considered some weekend getaways to the Hotel Del, but after visiting for a day a couple times, we've not done it because that hotel is REALLY not young kid friendly. It's a beautiful and amazing property, but they have NOTHING for little ones (under 5) to do. The beach is gorgeous, but there are nice beaches elsewhere in San Diego area. Honestly, for the cost, there are better options when you have little ones in tow. The Hotel Del tends to attract people with lots of money, and they come on weekends for brunch, and to be completely honest, the attitude is just really off putting sometimes. Also, the dining options are mostly of the "fine dining" variety, and they don't even have kids menus at the restaurants.

I'd recommend any of the hotels downtown or at the Marina. Being within walking distance to the gaslamp is great, and there's Seaport Village which is nice for families. Coronado is sort of out of the way, and requires about a 10 min drive over the bridge from the mainland. Once on Coronado island, again, you'll find VERY little in the way of "kid friendly".

 

[Schrute Farms]

The beach is gorgeous, but there are nice beaches elsewhere in San Diego area.

go on...

 

[KCmike]

Not for kids??

Um beach, ocean, boogie boards, sand castles, pool, hot tub, pizzeria next door, beach n diner for hamburgers and grub, and grilled food on the patio as well. It's a kids paradise.

 

[WaltD4Me]

A stay in one the beachfront rooms at the Hotel Del Coronado is on my bucket list. I'd be happy to come along and do activities with your kids.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Double post. sorry

 

[cdotla]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Del!!! It is fantastic. Pricey - yes. But it is an experience that is so unlike any other place that it is so, so worth it.

Also, I really wouldn't hesitate to bring kids there. I actually think it is very family-oriented. Even though I was there on 3 occasions for business trips without the kiddos, each time I saw plenty of families there having a grand time. In fact, at many times during the trip I wished my kids were there with me as there were many things I knew they would have liked. I plan to bring my 6 and 8 yr olds with me there next year.

 

[rtobe]

While I have not been able to vacation at the Del, I have seen it. It is truly lovely and would be very relaxing. I have stayed on Coronado, it is nice. Nice to just walk around, rent bikes.

I have been in San Diego a bit and don't know that I'd want to stay at the U.S. Grant - even on business. It is close to Gaslamp (I think Broadway and about 5th) but the Gaslamp district is mostly restaurants.

There is a Hilton near Sea World that may be worth checking out. It has beach along Mission Bay.

I'd definately plan to visit the Zoo and Wild Animal Park if you can. Both worth it.

 

[DSNY4ever]

I don't doubt you would have a wonderful time at the Del. We have never stayed there, but just visited. If you go make sure you get ice cream from the Moo Time Creamery down the street. The pomegranate chip ice cream is to die for.

We have stayed at the Catamaran and had a lovely time. The grounds are great, the pool is just average, but you have mission beach across the street and the bay outside your window. You can rent kayaks, paddle boats or bikes. And you have to eat at The Mission- best breakfast ever.

I guess it depends on how much you want to spend and how much time you'll spend away from your hotel at places like the zoo, wild animal park, balboa park, old town etc.

The Gas Light district seems more of a night life area to me with busy restaurants and fun bars, nit much for kids in walking distance.

Good luck