Orchids & Onions

Hotel del Coronado: Full Building Renovation

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  Historic Preservation And Adaptation

Address

1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118

Owner / Developer

BRE Hotels & Resorts

Architect / Designer

Heritage Architecture & Planning

Photo Credit

David Marshall, AIA

In 2021, the Victorian-era seaside Hotel del Coronado, a beloved National Historic Landmark, underwent a partial restoration which included the front porch and lobby. In 2025, The Del celebrates the completion of its most extensive renovation since opening in 1888. This $160 million restoration project has returned the whole building to the historic grandeur it deserves.

All 404 guestrooms were modernized while incorporating Victorian-era design elements, such as period casework and wallpaper. The majestic Crown and Coronet meeting rooms, adorned with rich wood paneling, were meticulously restored. The open-air central courtyard now features a fountain recreating the lost original, complemented by refreshed tropical landscaping. Outdated systems, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and fire sprinklers, were entirely replaced.

On the exterior, non-historic modifications were removed, and hundreds of replica wood windows were installed to match the original architecture. The building’s historic color palette was restored, including the signature “haint blue” ceilings on the verandas and vibrant red window sashes.

Completed on May 1, 2025, this full building historic renovation of the Hotel del Coronado’s original Victorian building honors the legacy of this iconic landmark while meeting contemporary standards. Under the guidance of a historic architect, Swinerton’s construction team meticulously restored guest rooms, corridors, and public spaces to recapture the original 1888 feeling.

This renovation preserves a treasured piece of local and national history, ensuring the Hotel del Coronado remains a vibrant destination for guests and the community. The restoration of meeting rooms, the addition of new restaurants, and the revitalization of the courtyard  all contribute to the hotel’s role as a cultural and social hub. By safeguarding the building’s heritage and enhancing its amenities, the project strengthens community pride and supports the local economy.

Following this dramatic renovation, the Hotel del Coronado now more closely reflects its original 1888 charm than at any point in the past century — while seamlessly meeting the needs of today’s guests, ensuring its continued status as a premier resort destination.

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