Latest news with #HoteldelCoronado
Epoch Times
11-06-2025
- Epoch Times
Hotel del Coronado: Grand Seaside Victorian
Known over the decades as 'The Del,' the beachside Hotel del Coronado is situated on 28 oceanfront acres in San Diego, California. The original segment of the hotel, referred to as 'The Victorian,' was built in 1888 and offers 404 guest rooms. This spring, a renovation project resulted in a total of 938 guest rooms across five hotel 'neighborhoods.' Besides The Victorian, The Cabanas, The Views, villas and cottages at Beach Village, and 75 new seaside villas at Shore House now make up the resort property. Add-ons and renovations have preserved the hotel's Gilded Age magnificence in its Victorian-style architecture, showcased by distinct turrets, gables, and cupolas. Also known as 'The Grand Lady by the Sea,' the structure's steep pitched, red-hued roof distinguishes it against an aerial view of the metropolitan city's contemporary skyscrapers.
USA Today
10-05-2025
- USA Today
These 12 family beach resorts go way beyond sandcastles and sunscreen
These 12 family beach resorts go way beyond sandcastles and sunscreen Show Caption Hide Caption The Bucket List Family gives five tips for traveling with kids The Bucket List Family sold everything to travel around the world. Here are their tips for traveling with children. Packing up the kids and heading to the beach is one of the most popular family vacation ideas in the U.S. for a good reason. Whether you're into splashing in the surf, building (and destroying) elaborate sandcastles, or just lounging in the sun with a few beach essentials on hand, family beach vacations can be a relaxing reset for the whole family. But relaxing isn't all you can do at the best U.S. beach resorts. In fact, the country's most kid-friendly beach hotels offer everything from soothing spa treatments and oceanfront restaurants to cool kids clubs, over-the-top pools, and more water sports options than you can shake a pool noodle at. From coast to coast, here are the most kid-friendly beach resorts in the US where sun, sand, and surf are just the beginning of the family vacation experience. Why you can trust these picks: Read FamilyVacationist's methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels. 1. Hotel del Coronado Coronado Island, California Recognized as one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. and a National Historic Landmark, Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island (near San Diego) blends more than 130 years of history with modern amenities for a truly unforgettable beach vacation. This kid-friendly beach hotel is finishing up a major multiyear $550-million revitalization to make sure it's ready for its next 100 years. The resort's 938 guest rooms are located in different "neighborhoods," ranging from the original Victorian inn to Shore House at The Del, where one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences done up in modern beach house style are ideal for families. Spend family time on The Del's private beach or book surfing or stand-up paddleboarding lessons to get out on the Pacific Ocean. The beach resort's Ocean Explorers program for kids ages five to 12 offers immersive experiences at its indoor classroom and out on the beach, with a focus on preserving the ocean and its variety of marine life. 2. Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine Located in Cape Elizabeth on the Maine coast, the charming Inn by the Sea is the premier East Coast beach hotel for dog lovers. With everything from gourmet pet menus and beach towels to comfy blankets and special turndown treats, the family pooch truly gets pampered at this dog-friendly New England hotel. Don't have a dog in your family group? You can head to the lobby to meet a shelter pup through a partnership with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Guests can walk and even adopt the rescue dog if so moved. The inn's suites offer plenty of space for families (and dogs) and include kitchens, fireplaces, and furnished outdoor decks. The property sits on a mile stretch of family-friendly Crescent Beach, and a seasonal outdoor pool, schedule of activities (like the Bug's Life program for kids), and complimentary bicycles provide even more summer vacation fun. Sustainability is a focus here, and the inn plants a tree for every guest reservation (amounting to about 7,000 trees a year). 3. Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort Maui, Hawaii Situated on the sands of Maui's glorious Ka'anapali Beach, Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort celebrates Hawaiian culture. Families can take part in complimentary activities like hula lessons, lei-making workshops, and Hawaiian storytelling sessions to learn more about the islands' traditions, and there's nightly live Hawaiian music at the on-site location of Maui Brewing Co. The family-friendly beach resort's 432 recently redesigned rooms are situated in four wings surrounding a lush four-acre courtyard that's also home to the property's iconic whale-shaped swimming pool. Paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and catamaran sails help families get out on the water (and maybe spot some of the sea turtles that frequent the area), and Ka'anapali Beach's many shops, restaurants, and other activities are just a stroll away along a beachfront walkway. 4. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa Amelia Island, Florida Occupying a peaceful stretch of Atlantic Ocean beachfront on Florida's Amelia Island, the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa features 402 guest rooms with balconies and ocean views. Cabanas, chairs, boogie boards, and beach games can be rented during the spring and summer to make your day on the sand even more enjoyable. Two heated pools, a splash park, and three fire features overlook the beach and offer even more fun for families. Golfers can tee up at the resort's completely redesigned Oak Marsh golf course (reopening May 16, 2025), take on the 10-hole "Little Sandy" short course, or putt their way to victory at the 18-hole Heron's Cove mini golf course. The beach resort is also home to nearly two-dozen tennis courts, seven pickleball courts, and a Nature Center offering kayak and paddleboard tours and other activities. And when dinner comes around, even picky eaters will find something to munch on at the resort's nine dining options. 5. Chatham Bars Inn Chatham, Massachusetts Dating back to 1914 and open year-round, the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod has 217 guest rooms and suites along with plenty of classic seaside charm. Book a cabana rental on the inn's private quarter-mile-long beach, or relax by the oceanfront heated pool. Complimentary bike rentals make it easy to explore the area and enjoy shopping on Chatham's nearby Main Street, while the inn's boats take guests on whale watching and fishing excursions. The seasonal supervised "Kids Crew" program at this Massachusetts beach resort offers hands-on activities for little ones, while activities for the whole family include "dive-in" outdoor movies at the pool, lawn games, and crafts. Grownups can head to one of the five treatment rooms at the inn's spa or work up a sweat at a fitness class or personal training session at the 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center. (And for an indulgent escape without the kids, book one of the exclusive adults-only suites located above the spa.) 6. The Cavalier Resort Virginia Beach, Virginia If you want a family beach vacation with options, it's hard to beat The Cavalier Resort in Virginia Beach. Here you'll have three distinct oceanfront hotel choices: the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club (first opened in 1927), the modern Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and the new Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. Families can choose the lodging that best fits their vacation style and then enjoy the nine restaurants and multiple pools found throughout the resort. Open May to October exclusively for Historic Cavalier Hotel guests, The Cavalier Beach Club includes a seaside infinity pool and poolside bar and grill along with access to a semi-private beach. A calendar of activities offers fun for all ages, and the resort's We Scream ice cream and coffee shop makes an ideal spot for an afternoon treat. The beach resort is also home to the country's first in-hotel distillery, which is open for tours and tastings. 7. Kiawah Island Golf Resort Kiawah Island, South Carolina What makes Kiawah Island Golf Resort one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. for families? Start with the scenic setting on a South Carolina barrier island that's only about 20 miles from historic Charleston. Then move on to the three lodging options available: the 255-room, much-lauded The Sanctuary oceanfront hotel and spa; the 500 resort villas and private homes available as vacation rentals; and The Cottages at The Ocean Course, consisting of four two-story, four-bedroom spaces ideally situated for golfers interested in playing the resort's five championship courses designed by famed golf course architects. Amenities and recreational opportunities here include a tennis center, luxe spa, three pool complexes, bike and paddleboard rentals, and all kinds of activities for kids and teens. Later in 2025, the resort will open a new activity center at Night Heron Park with a new nature center, eight bowling lanes, an old-school arcade, a family-friendly pub, and two golf simulators. It all adds up to a special spot for both beach vacations and golf vacations. 8. Mauna Kea Resort Big Island, Hawaii Whether you choose to stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, or one of Mauna Kea Residences's luxury vacation rentals, you'll have access to all that the picturesque Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. That includes three pools (including two kid-friendly pools), two golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and seven dining options. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits along the white-sand Kauna'oa Bay, and The Westin fronts a stretch of family-friendly Hapuna Beach. Both offer complimentary beach activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and daily outrigger canoe experiences. Hawaiian art and cultural classes, the Mauna Kea Luau, and the resort's "Keiki Club" for kids help guests of all ages learn about the islands' history, while teens can enjoy experiences like the nightly Manta Ray Night Swim. And don't miss the collection of Asian Pacific art at the mid-century Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. 9. The Sanderling Resort Duck, North Carolina A U.S. beach resort situated on 12 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, The Sanderling Resort recently unveiled the results of a major transformation. The 123 redesigned guest rooms and suites (including poolside suites with private fire pits) exude a luxe coastal style, and six vacation home rentals offer another option for multigenerational groups. Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2025 is the resort's newest restaurant, Theodosia, which will draw inspiration from the culture and history of the Outer Banks. Three private beach access points take you down to the sand, where you can book kayak, standup paddleboard, or surfboard rentals, lessons, and tours right at the resort. (The Sanderling's sandbar makes it a good spot for novice surfers.) Amenities include a zero-entry family pool, adults-only pool, fitness center, and spa with coastal-inspired treatments and views of Currituck Sound. On-site "adventure planners" are available to help you enjoy activities like golf, biking, and tours for spotting Corolla's wild horses. 10. Sandpearl Resort Clearwater Beach, Florida Sandpearl Resort sits on a 700-foot stretch of white-sand Clearwater Beach, a regular on lists of America's best beaches. Watersports rentals help you get out on the Gulf, while a family-friendly, zero-entry, lagoon-style pool offers another way to cool off and hosts seasonal activities like poolside movies. Kids ages five to 10 can head to the resort's Camp Ridley for nature walks, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts, giving parents time for a yoga session or beach-inspired treatment at the spa. The resort has multiple dining options and a convenient location for exploring local sites like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. And a recent renovation of all guest rooms and suites has not only amped up their beachy style but also added features like nightlights under bathroom counters and mirrors and multiple USB outlets that will definitely come in handy if you're traveling with teenagers. 11. The Ocean Lodge Cannon Beach, Oregon Overlooking a gorgeous stretch of Oregon's famed Cannon Beach, the 45-room Ocean Lodge is one of the best beach resorts in the U.S. for cozy comforts and nostalgic charm. Douglas fir beams and a two-story wood-burning river-rock fireplace set the scene in the lobby, where guests can find coffee and a cookie jar filled with fresh baked cookies throughout the day. No two guest rooms are exactly alike at this Oregon beach resort, but they all have mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and gas fireplaces, and some feature decks and patios for enjoying ocean views. Select rooms are also pet-friendly, and the lodge offers a dog wash on the front lawn for rinsing off after a day at the beach. The grownups can partake in the daily evening wine reception or get a nightcap delivered to their room, while everyone in the family is free to enjoy the hotel's collection of games, books, and movies during a stay. 12. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel Gulf Shores, Alabama Part of the Hilton brand, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is an environmentally friendly family beach resort designed for get-away-from-it-all, nature-filled escapes. Built to meet LEED Gold standards, The Lodge offers 350 guest rooms (including 20 suites) done up in casual contemporary style with views of the Gulf of Mexico or Gulf State Park and a window that opens slightly "to allow the gulf breezes into the room." Amenities include a gulf-front infinity edge pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and three gulf-front restaurants (including a family-friendly poolside bar and grill). The hotel sits within the 6,150-acre state park, which features two miles of beach, 28 miles of hiking trails, lakes for fishing and paddling, an Interpretive Center with exhibits, a fishing pier, and outfitters offering standup paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals. This year's top family beach resorts in the US originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
New York Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A Grand Comeback for a Grand Seaside Hotel
To the people who know it, the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is not a page of history — it's a chapter. Opened in 1888 by Elisha Babcock and Hampton Story, it was then the largest hotel in the world. The owners set out to create a resort that would 'be the talk of the Western world' — a 750-room Victorian right on the edge of the Pacific. Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland, Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford — they all came to the Del, as it is known. 'Some Like It Hot,' was shot at the hotel. Just up the coast from the hotel is the Naval Air Station North Island (as in 'Top Gun'), and during World War II, the hotel housed naval officers for $2 a day. 'The manager was worried they would lose money renting it so cheap but the officers more than made up for it in the bar,' said Gina Petrone, the hotel's heritage manager. Since 2019, the hotel has been undergoing the largest, most ambitious renovation in its history. Meticulously, deliberately — and very expensively — it has been restored to its former glory, and next month, after six years and $550 million, the renovation will be complete. (It is currently owned by the New York-based Blackstone Group.) Construction crews have been pulling out drywall, removing layers and layers of paint, tearing out dropped ceilings and peeling back decades of previous renovations so the Del can reclaim its original grandeur. David Marshall, the president of Heritage Architecture & Planning, a San Diego-based firm specializing in historic renovation, oversaw the restoration project, with guidance from Ms. Petrone, using original photographs and the hotel's first set of blueprints to inform as much of the renovation as possible. The elevator cage, the wood in the lobby, the railings on many of the balconies — all original. 'We even kept the warping on some flooring,' he said, while standing on the undulating balcony overlooking the lobby. 'We secured it so it's structurally safe, but we wanted to keep that bit of history.' A bit of history that may make you feel drunk if you walk too fast. Overlooking the lobby is the newly restored Coronation Window — a 700-piece, stained glass depiction of a woman, the unofficial patron saint of Coronado Island, crowning herself. 'This window was from 1888 but it was moved several times so it's even more incredible that it survived,' said Mr. Marshall. (Only a few panes had to be replaced.) The real crown of the hotel is, well, the Crown Room. Imagine an airplane hangar made of Oregon sugar pine with ceilings 33 feet high and four massive crown-shaped chandeliers hanging down the center panels. (L. Frank Baum, a frequent guest who wrote 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' designed the signature chandeliers.) Walking into the Crown Room is like stepping onto the Titanic on dry land. For the renovation, Mr. Marshall focused on the period from 1888 to 1948, when the hotel was mostly structurally unchanged. 'In the postwar era, people wanted things clean and smooth. They didn't want ornate designs,' said Mr. Marshall. 'They dropped the ceilings and covered anything that showed the hand of the craftsman. Everything was 'form follows function.' There was an architect at that time who actually said, 'ornamentation is a crime.'' Other changes over the decades were more practical. The hotel's 750 guest rooms eventually became 371. 'No two rooms are alike,' explained Mr. Marshall. 'We couldn't reuse a single drawing.' 'You have to remember that Victorians didn't swim; they didn't walk on the beach,' said Ms. Petrone. 'Their swimsuits were made of wool. They came here for the sea air so the best rooms back then were the ones facing the garden.' In other words, the most desirable rooms today were the least popular in the late 1800s. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 eventually put an end to the architectural heresy happening at the Del. And in 1977, it was designated a National Historic Landmark — putting it on par with the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and the Golden Gate Bridge. But almost 50 years later, the architects had to figure out what was original, what was added later, and perhaps most importantly, what was hidden in the walls. One afternoon during the renovation, Ms. Petrone called Mr. Marshall and told him to look at a spot in a second floor guest corridor. According to the blueprints, 'there should be a window there,' Ms. Petrone told him. Sure enough, behind sheets of drywall, workers found original amber windows embedded in massive wooden panels. Then a few months before the renovation was complete, Ms. Petrone was in the vestibule to the ballroom when she looked up. The ceiling was covered by construction equipment but there was something just behind the oil cloth. 'I couldn't believe it,' said Ms. Petrone. She had inadvertently discovered the building's last remaining fresco — a burst of flowers — which has now been uncovered, restored, and marks the entrance to the hotel's ballroom. 'People come to the Del to have a historical experience so preserving the integrity was very important,' said Mr. Marshall. Apparently a 'historical experience' can take many forms — like the presence of 'Miss Kate.' In November 1892, a 27-year-old woman named Kate Morgan checked into the hotel alone under an assumed name. Five days later, she was found dead on the back patio, with a single gunshot wound to her head. But according to many people who stay at the Del, she never left. 'I get pictures every day from guests who have seen the ghost of Miss Kate,' said Ms. Petrone, laughing conspiratorially. 'You know we do like to honor the past here.'
Newsweek
04-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Mexican Sewage Is Flowing Into US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. For years, raw sewage from Mexico has poured across the border into Southern California, fouling beaches, sickening residents and sparking diplomatic as well as environmental concerns. The Tijuana River, which crosses from Mexico into California before emptying into the Pacific Ocean, carries not just water but millions of gallons of untreated sewage. "Each day, a toxic mixture of effluents from maquiladora, Mexican factories that make products for the U.S. market, and raw sewage from Mexico pours through estuaries and out of the Tijuana River, devastating the Pacific coastline - in both Mexico and the United States," James Cooper, professor of law at California Western School of Law, told Newsweek. "This has been going on for decades," Cooper said. "Beaches, north of where the Tijuana River meets the Pacific along the coast from Imperial Beach to Coronado, are closed more often than they are open. The bacterial dangers are immense for those brave enough to get into the Pacific. Surfers who hit the waves, U.S. Navy Seals who train in the area, ranchers whose animals drink water from the watershed, sea mammals who live in the Pacific are all negatively impacted by this ongoing environmental disaster. "And it's even worse when it rains." In this March 1, 2017, file photo, a sign warns of sewage-contaminated ocean waters on a beach in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, California. In this March 1, 2017, file photo, a sign warns of sewage-contaminated ocean waters on a beach in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, California. Gregory Bull/Associated Press San Diego County beaches have been closed for around 1,000 days in recent years due to contamination. Residents have reported illnesses, and military personnel stationed nearby have also suffered. A report from the Department of Defense's Office of Inspector General documented 1,100 cases of illness among Navy SEALs and other service members exposed to polluted waters. "It's horrible," said San Ysidro resident Jose Cariman. "The quality of life is diminished a lot, the price of the house is diminished 'cause who wants to buy a house in the neighborhood that smells like sewage?" he told Inside Climate News. Nonprofit advocacy group American Rivers recently named the Tijuana River the second most endangered river in the U.S., citing pollution as one of the factors. "The Tijuana River is known for its communities on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border as well as stunning beaches, world-class surf breaks and diverse wildlife. This region, however, has been plagued with severe pollution for decades," the group's report said. "Every day, millions of gallons of contaminated stormwater, sewage, harmful chemicals, and trash flow down the river into the Pacific Ocean. Protecting our communities and ensuring clean water is a non-partisan issue—it's a matter of basic governance and national responsibility," it said. According to Cooper, sewage spill damage is a "growth industry." "There are some fixes but it will take billions of dollars and a ton of binational cooperation," he said. "Several studies have been made and several projects on the U.S. side were selected to help mitigate the situation, but still not much has happened to stem the problem. Mexico needs to do way more." The long-running issue made headlines again recently after Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin visited San Diego and called for a "100 percent solution" from both nations. Zeldin said that during an April 21 evening meeting, Mexican Environmental Secretary Alicia Bárcena expressed President Claudia Sheinbaum's commitment to building a strong partnership with the United States "to finally resolve the issue." "Americans on our side of the border who have been dealing with this for decades are out of patience," Zeldin said at a news conference, as reported by The Epoch Times. "There's a very limited opportunity. What's being communicated by the new Mexican president is an intense desire to fully resolve this situation." According to Stephen Mumme—political science professor at Colorado State University with a focus on U.S.-Mexico environmental relations—Mexico should not shoulder all the blame. "The problems faced at Tijuana are the result of at least 15 years of chronic underfunding by federal governments on both sides of the boundary," he told Newsweek. "The tale starts most recently with completion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) in 2010. That facility was designed to process 25 million gallons daily, which was in hindsight insufficient to manage Tijuana's urban growth and its sewage production," Mumme said. This, combined with neglected maintenance, frequent breakdowns in Tijuana's conveyance systems and system overloads producing renegade surface drainage "meant continued drainage to the river both south and north of the boundary, threatening riparian ecosystems, contaminating coastal waters, and producing noxious smells annoying thousands of residents in the south San Diego area," he added. The two nations reached agreements in 2022 on projects and costs, but Mumme suggested the renewed interest may be due to the slow pace of implementation. A significant part of the problem, Mumme said, was also failures by the U.S. to fund repeated requests for funds to perform needed maintenance and improvement to the SBIWTP. "Meanwhile, Trump's DOGE is cutting operating funds to [the International Boundary and Water Commission], EPA, sans any consideration for the Tijuana sewage problem," he said. "So, what's visible is financial wheels spinning in the opposite direction from what Zeldin said he wanted to see done."
Bloomberg
18-04-2025
- Bloomberg
The Grand American Resort Is Making a Comeback—Just In Time
'That building you're looking at right there? It's the birthplace of the American beach vacation,' says Gina Petrone. Petrone holds the unusual title of 'heritage manager' at San Diego's landmark Hotel del Coronado, and she and I are standing in the long driveway that leads up to the vast Queen Anne Victorian pile, whose distinctive ivory shingles and terracotta-red turrets captivate every arriving guest. A gilded plaque hints at the Del's architectural significance, calling it 'one of America's largest wooden buildings' and among the 'few seaside resort hotels of this style remaining in America.
