Hotel Del or La Jolla vrbo?

Question

Is it worth a splurge to stay at the ocean front cottages at the del? I found a oceanfront vrbo in La Jolla that looks amazing and maybe just do a day pass at the hotel. Not familiar with staying at either area.

Answer

Both the Hotel del Coronado and an oceanfront VRBO in La Jolla offer excellent coastal experiences, but they provide very different types of trips. The best choice depends on whether you want luxury resort service and historic charm, or a more spacious, quiet, home-style stay in one of San Diego’s most scenic neighborhoods. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Overall Summary: The Del is a splurge for the iconic, full-service, resort experience with unmatched historic appeal and an amazing beach. La Jolla VRBO offers more space, privacy, and local feel, often at a better value, especially if the property is truly oceanfront.

Hotel Del Coronado — Oceanfront Cottages

Staying in the new Del cottages gives you the most elevated version of the property: large suites, private patios, beach access steps away, and full resort services. Coronado Beach is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S., with wide, gently sloping sand and warm, calm waters in summer.

You get resort amenities: pools, beach service, cabanas, spa, dining, bars.
The hotel is walkable to the shops and restaurants on Orange Avenue.
The vibe is lively, social, and polished, with a historic backdrop.
The cottages have a quieter, more premium atmosphere compared to the main building.

The downside is the price—rooms and fees add up quickly, and food, parking, and services are all high-end. But if you enjoy full-service luxury and want the quintessential San Diego beach resort stay, this is it.

La Jolla Oceanfront VRBO

An oceanfront rental in La Jolla offers an entirely different type of stay: more space, privacy, residential calm, and the feeling of truly living by the ocean. Many VRBOs have incredible views, spacious balconies, and quieter surroundings compared to a busy resort.

Great for families or groups who want room to spread out.
You can cook, relax privately, and feel at home rather than “at a hotel.”
La Jolla has dramatic cliffs, tide pools, boutique shops, and upscale dining within minutes.
Oceanfront La Jolla properties often give you better views than the Del, since the coastline is steeper and more dramatic.

The trade-off is that there is no resort service. You’ll rely more on walking or short drives to beaches, shops, and restaurants. Some properties are right above the rocky coastline—not all oceanfront units have direct sand access.

Which Area Is Better Depends on Your Style

Choose Hotel Del Coronado if you want a luxury resort feel, soft sandy beach steps from your room, lively social atmosphere, and access to full amenities without needing to cook or plan much.
Choose La Jolla VRBO if you want space, privacy, dramatic ocean views, a quieter environment, and a more local, upscale neighborhood feel.

About Doing a Day Pass at the Del

A day pass is a great option if you want the experience—beach club, cabanas, pool access—without paying resort-room prices. You can explore the property, enjoy the food and beach vibes, and then return to your more affordable (and possibly more scenic) La Jolla rental.

Best Alternative Approach

If the VRBO truly has exceptional oceanfront views and fits your group well, staying there and buying a day pass at the Del gives you the best of both worlds.
If your priority is convenience, romance, or the classic California resort experience, splurging on the Del cottages is worth it.

Bottom Line

If you value resort luxury, easy beach access, and the iconic experience, the Hotel Del cottages are worth the splurge. If you prefer space, privacy, and dramatic coastal scenery, the La Jolla VRBO is likely the better choice — and pairing it with a Del day pass is an excellent compromise.

Hotel Del or La Jolla vrbo?

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