Hotel Del Coronado

Some Like It Hot or Not? Old Hollywood charm meets modern spa cool at Hotel Del

I recently spent a few days at the legendary Hotel del Coronado (Hotel Del), where Victorian grandeur meets seaside calm. Walking past its iconic red turret, sweeping verandas, stained-glass windows, and hand-painted murals, you can’t help but be transported by the hotel’s rich history. Since 1888, “The Del” has welcomed presidents, royalty, and Hollywood stars, and its story gained new sparkle in 1958 when Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot here.

Hotel Del’s recent $550 million renovation breathes new life into the property, blending history with modern comfort to create a place where families, couples, and solo travelers can relax and truly unwind. 

Spa + Stillness, Salt + Science

The Spa at Hotel Del is an oceanfront sanctuary offering marine facials, HydraFacials, massages, seaweed wraps, and scalp treatments. I tried a newer favorite on the menu – the Cryotherapy Facial – and it’s promise of an instant glow did not let me down: cold bursts reduced puffiness, tightened my skin, and made me look brighter and refreshed. It’s no wonder cryo facials, known for stimulating circulation and collagen production, have become such a sought-after spa menu addition. This treatment also includes specialized Cryo Gua Sha massage techniques to boost firmness, tone, and elasticity, leaving skin visibly plumper and more contoured. 

The spa’s Deluxe 80-minute HydraFacial, which is also popular, delivers a deep cleanse, peel, extractions, and hydration, enhanced by lymphatic therapy, a personalized booster, and professional strength LED light therapy. Signature to the spa are rituals rooted in sea and earth, including seaweed-based wraps using strips harvested off the coast of Ireland designed to reduce stress, improve sleep, and restore balance. It’s a beautiful reminder that true wellness still flows from nature.

Move, Breathe, and Restore

Balance here extends beyond the spa. The Del’s activities make it easy to pair indulgence with movement: sunrise yoga on the beach, sand beneath your toes and the Pacific stretching endlessly in front of you. There are surf lessons, paddleboarding, beach spin classes, and even whimsical mermaid fitness sessions (yes, you swim in a tail). These offerings aren’t about intensity but connections to the ocean, to the community, and to yourself. Between treatments, experiences like Full Moon Yoga and Storytelling Beach Walks round out a holistic program that blends stillness, science, and the sea.

Coastal Cuisine with Character

Dinner at Serẽa Coastal Cuisine, led by Executive Chef JoJo Ruiz, was a highlight. My swordfish tacos were fresh and flavorful, blending coastal Baja with a Mediterranean twist. Serẽa’s commitment and emphasis on sustainable, local fisheries shines through every bite. I also dined at Nobu, a modern complement to The Del’s timeless character. The sweetest ending? Gelato from Sundaes. I chose pistachio, then strolled the boardwalk as the sun set. 

Final Thoughts

This visit reminded me why The Del has such staying power. It’s not just the architecture or the renovation…it’s how it weaves wellness, history, and pure joy into one unforgettable stay.