PHOTOS: Hotel del Coronado unveils completion of $550M renovation

CORONADO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — After years of meticulous work, one of San Diego County’s most iconic landmarks has officially completed a sweeping, $550 million restoration. Hotel del Coronado announced Wednesday the full revitalization of its original Victorian building, marking the final chapter in a massive, multi-year transformation project led by Blackstone Real Estate.

The update modernizes and reimagines the historic property while carefully preserving its architectural heritage — a delicate balancing act for the National Historic Landmark, which has been operating as a hotel since 1888.

“From its earliest days, Hotel del Coronado has been a pioneer,” said JP Oliver, managing director of 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.”

Hotel del Coronado aerial view. (Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado)

Rob Harper of Blackstone Real Estate emphasized the importance of honoring the hotel’s storied past and 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,” said Harper. 

Victorian grandeur reimagined

The renovation of the hotel’s Victorian Neighborhood includes a top-to-bottom restoration of its famous front porch and lobby, updates to all guest rooms, enhancements to the garden courtyard, and renovations of storied event spaces.

The hotel’s event venues — the Crown Room, Coronet Room, and Ocean Ballroom — have been revitalized with preserved historic features and new technology. Notably, the Ocean Ballroom now displays a restored fresco from 1888.

The central garden courtyard has also been fully restored, complete with a bronze replica of the Naiad Queen Fountain — a centerpiece that graced the hotel until 1912. Lush Victorian-era landscaping, including bromeliads, palms and ferns, have also been added to the courtyard.

Victorian garden in the courtyard at Hotel del Coronado. (Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado)

The Victorian guest rooms now boast a modern yet nostalgic design. Each room is unique, a nod to the building’s historic blueprint. The interiors showcase lighter floral textiles, antique-inspired furnishings, checkerboard marble bathrooms, and touches like botanical wall art and Chinoiserie lamps.

Culinary additions

Two new restaurants — Nobu Del Coronado and Veranda — have also been introduced as part of the expansion.

Veranda, a nod to the hotel’s original 1888 wraparound porch, offers ocean-view al fresco dining with a California-focused menu that includes items like grilled artichokes, crab wedge salads, and Angus steaks.

Nobu Del Coronado brings celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature Japanese fusion cuisine to the coast, including crowd favorites like Black Cod with Miso and exclusive local creations like Lobster Truffle Tempura. The restaurant includes an eight-seat sushi bar and an outdoor Pagoda Bar with views of the Pacific.

Visit the iconic hotel

Hotel del Coronado is located at 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado. For more details or to book a stay, visit hoteldel.com or call 619-435-6611.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to relive memories, the newly restored Hotel del Coronado promises a legendary stay for generations to come.

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