Questions about Hotel Del Coronado.

Question

Hi looking to visit San Diego late August. We are considering Hotel Del Coronado. I have several questions

1. Reviews and some posts here mention the water is often having high bacterial levels and warnings not to enter the water. How often is that? Does it last for days at a time? Is it seasonal?

2. I don’t understand the hotel room classes- the Victorian looks like some have a small attic type window and others have nice large windows. There are rooms called the view and other cottages. Someone recommended staying in the original rooms, but which ones are those? Any tips?

3. If the Coronado Beach often has bacterial warnings would La Jolla be better? Are there other beaches that are less likely to have the bacterial warning?

Thanks in advance, obviously I am not familiar with the area.

Answer

Hotel Del Coronado is a historic and iconic resort in San Diego, located directly on Coronado Beach. Late August is a popular time for visitors, so it’s good to plan carefully regarding both the hotel and beach conditions.

Regarding your concerns about water quality at Coronado Beach:

Occasional bacterial advisories can occur, usually due to elevated levels of enterococcus or other bacteria after heavy rains or runoff. These warnings are generally short-lived, often lasting a day or two, and are not a constant issue. They are more common in winter and early spring following rainstorms than in late summer.
During late August, the weather is typically dry, warm, and sunny, so advisories are less frequent. Local websites and city alerts post up-to-date water quality reports.
Even when advisories occur, they are usually limited to certain sections of the beach and can clear within days.

About hotel room types at Hotel Del Coronado:

Victorian Rooms: These are part of the original historic building. Some have smaller, attic-style windows or angled views due to the building’s architecture. Others may have larger windows and better views; the difference is often based on location within the Victorian wing.
View Rooms: These are modernized rooms in the Victorian or other wings that prioritize ocean or bay views.
Cottages: Separate units on the property, offering more privacy and space, sometimes with kitchenettes or multiple bedrooms.
For the “original rooms,” the Victorian wing is considered the classic experience, but check with the hotel about window size and view preferences. Booking directly with the hotel allows you to request specific room types.

Alternative beaches if you are concerned about water quality:

La Jolla Shores: Generally has excellent water quality, lifeguards, and is family-friendly. More consistent conditions in late summer.
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach: Popular, but bacterial advisories are less frequent during dry summer months.
Torrey Pines State Beach: A bit farther north, usually good water quality and scenic cliffs. Water tends to be cooler.

In summary, Coronado Beach in late August is usually safe for swimming, though occasional short-term advisories may occur. The Victorian rooms give you the historic charm, but window size and view vary; cottages provide more space. La Jolla and other beaches can be excellent alternatives if you want to be extra cautious about water conditions.

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