Hotel del Coronado announced the completion of a sweeping restoration, culminating in the revitalization of its iconic Victorian building. This milestone marks the final phase of Blackstone Real Estate’s more than $550 million investment to enhance and preserve the historic beachfront resort for future generations.
“From its earliest days, Hotel del Coronado has been a pioneer, continuously redefining the resort experience,” Managing Director JP Oliver said. “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.”
The final phase focused on the complete restoration of the Victorian Neighborhood, encompassing the main entry and drive experience, the front porch and lobby, as well as upgrades to guestrooms and public areas. The project also rejuvenated the Victorian garden courtyard and event venues such as the Crown Room. Adding to the experience are two new dining destinations: the acclaimed Nobu Del Coronado and Veranda, an ocean-facing, open-air restaurant inspired by the property’s original architecture.
“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,” Blackstone Real Estate’s Rob Harper said. “We are so proud of the thoughtful collaboration that brought this project to fruition and are thrilled by Hotel del Coronado’s transformation into a premier hotel for guests, visitors, and the community.”
The restoration prioritized historical accuracy, with a team of designers and architects leading the effort. Wimberly Interiors, in collaboration with WATG, GSB Inc., and Burton Studios, contributed to the architecture and design. Heritage Architecture & Planning’s David Marshall provided historical architecture consultation throughout, ensuring every detail paid homage to the property’s 1888 origins.
Inside the Victorian guest rooms, the heritage is celebrated through thoughtful design that marries historical charm with modern luxury. No two rooms are exactly alike, echoing the individuality of the past. Brighter floral textiles replace the traditionally dark Victorian palettes, and furnishings feature a mix of caning, wicker, and rich wood tones. Woven vinyl raffia headboards, floral wallcoverings inspired by the property’s gardens, and a sophisticated blend of modern and vintage lighting fixtures bring together past and present.
Bathrooms feature spacious vanities styled after antique washstands, checkerboard marble floors, and subtle Victorian detailing in trims and tassels. Art throughout the rooms blends vintage motifs with modern aesthetics, including dramatic black-and-white botanical photography and classic Chinoiserie lamps.
Veranda, the resort’s new al fresco dining experience, draws direct inspiration from the original 20-foot-wide wraparound veranda that encircled the hotel. Guests can enjoy sweeping views and ocean breezes while dining on a Southern California-inspired menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Dishes range from grilled California artichokes and broiled West Coast oysters with chorizo butter to Veranda’s French Dip, whole Red Mountain trout noisette, Certified Angus beef steaks, and a Dungeness crab “wedge.”
Equally exciting is the arrival of Nobu Del Coronado, which seamlessly blends Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature Japanese-Peruvian style with California flavors. Diners can expect classics like Black Cod with Miso and A5 Wagyu, alongside dishes such as Tai Sweet Shiso, Lobster Truffle Tempura, and Beef Kushiyaki Skewers. The space features indoor and outdoor seating for 156 guests, a dedicated sushi bar, and the Pagoda Bar, which offers Japanese whiskeys, sake, and craft cocktails.
The hotel’s iconic Victorian ballrooms—the Crown Room, Coronet Room, and Ocean Ballroom—have been restored to their historic splendor. Highlights include the rediscovery of an 1888 fresco in the Ocean Ballroom, refinished original wood floors, restored woodwork and doors, a recreated wainscoting, and modernized lighting and sound systems.
At the heart of the building, the garden courtyard has been meticulously returned to its original design. Walkways, pergolas, and lush landscaping now feature a wide array of Victorian-era plantings, including bromeliads, hydrangeas, camellias, ferns, and specimen palms. The beloved Naiad Queen Fountain has also returned, featuring a bronze replica of Charles Cordier’s sculpture, recreated by Carapace Arts using a mold of a duplicate originally produced by J.L. Mott Iron Works.
Blackstone’s restoration efforts have transformed the entire resort. New additions include Serea Coastal Cuisine, Shore House at The Del (luxury oceanfront residential under LXR Hotels & Resorts), and the Southpointe Event Center with its 15,000-square-foot ballroom. Other highlights include the Ocean Club, housed in the historic Windsor Cottage; a reimagined spa and salon; updated dining venues; an expanded fitness center; and revitalized guestrooms in The Cabanas and Views neighborhoods.
The resort now also features the Ice House Museum, new meeting spaces, and expanded retail experiences at The Shops at The Del. Hotel del Coronado is located at 1500 Orange Avenue in Coronado, California. For more information, visit hoteldel.com.
