Fodor's Expert Review Loews Coronado Bay Resort
4000 Coronado Bay Rd., Coronado, California, 92118, United States See on Map
Set on a private 15-acre peninsula jutting out from the Silver Strand, a scenic sliver of land connecting Coronado Island to mainland San Diego, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is all about the three Rs: rest, relaxation, and recreation. The gated beachfront property features panoramic views of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and at night, of the city skyline twinkling in the distance. With a private 81-slip marina for guests, a huge pool, a serene spa, sandy beaches, and lots of activities, including water sports rentals and guest-only tours of the Living Coast Discovery Center, you might not want to leave the upscale resort. If you do, a complimentary shuttle bus makes it easy, delivering guests to Coronado attractions like the Hotel del Coronado and Coronado Beach.
YOU SHOULD KNOW If you plan to explore beyond Coronado Island and Downtown, you’ll definitely need a car -- or extra time to spend on public transit.
room
Comfortable, recently renovated rooms feature king beds (or two doubles), a soothing color palette inspired by sea glass, classy contemporary furnishings, coastal accents, and furnished private patios or balconies. Views include the resort grounds, pool, marina, bay, and ocean.
Dogs are welcome at Loews as long as they're under 40 lbs, as are cats; you can bring two, and Loews makes them feel like VIPs with blankets, litter boxes, and a gourmet room service menu.
bathroom
Soothing contemporary bathrooms have sea-green walls, striking green mosaic tile backsplashes, dark wood vanities with storage cubbies, white marble counters, deep Japanese-style soaking tubs, and glass-enclosed walk-in showers.
lobby
Talk about first impressions. When you walk into the glamorous high-ceilinged lobby at Loews, the first thing you notice is a two-story chandelier of suspended glass that hangs between the two curving sides of the lobby’s elegant grand staircase. The sculptural element projects the time on a large clock on the lobby’s floor. Straight ahead, perfectly framed by the stairs, floor-to-ceiling windows frame an expansive view of the bay. Armchairs with turquoise cushions and elegant rattan seating encourage lounging. There’s also a sun-soaked patio out front.
pool
Loews features not one, not two, but three large pools -- and one of them is adults-only (was that the sound of angels singing?). Bordered by lush tropical landscaping, the sprawling pool area, which also has a hot tub, includes plenty of lounge seating and a poolside concierge.
spa
Loews’ serene Sea Spa is a full-service spa offering ocean-inspired treatments, including massages, facials, and body skincare.
gym
With views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego skyline, the resort’s spacious, state-of-the-art gym features a large selection of cardio machines, Life Fitness weight-training machines, and free weights, as well as yoga classes and personal trainers on staff. The hotel also has three tennis courts, and guests can rent speedboats from the marina.
dining
Loews’ Crown Landing restaurant has modern, nautical-chic style -- think white walls, royal-blue banquettes, driftwood accents, shimmery silver tile, and a cheerful mural -- and expansive marina views from the curved dining room and outdoor terrace. The menu focuses on California cuisine with seasonal local ingredients.
drinking
Tucked behind the lobby’s grand staircase, the Cays Lounge is a casual spot with bay and city skyline views, nine flatscreen TVs broadcasting sports, communal tables, and a selection of creative cocktails and local craft beers. The outside Bay Terrace features teak sofas and fire pits.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is located near the south end of the Silver Strand, a long, low isthmus bordered by the San Diego Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. A scenic highway runs along the length of it, connecting Coronado Island to Imperial Beach on the “mainland.” (There’s also a 2.5-mile stretch of sandy beach glittering with silver shells.) Coronado proper can be easily explored by bike -- there are paths covering much of the island. From the hotel, it’s a scenic 8-minute drive on SR-75 South to Interstate 5. The I-5 -- more commonly known locally as “The 5” -- is a major north-south freeway. It’s a 20-minute drive north from the hotel to the on-ramp for the Coronado Bridge, SR-75 North, which also connects with I-5 closer to Downtown San Diego. From I-5, you can access other highways and roads that lead to attractions across the sprawling region. If you want to cross by foot to visit Downtown, there’s a regular ferry service at the Coronado Ferry Landing north of the Coronado Bridge.
Restaurants
If you’re willing to splurge, the Crown Room Brunch at Hotel del Coronado (5-minute drive) is worth every penny. The drop-dead gorgeous space features a soaring vaulted wood ceiling and unique crown chandeliers (Coronado means “crowned”). The brunch itself is exquisite, but the historic elegance is a big part of the experience. Did we mention it’s spendy? No matter what, you absolutely must tour the iconic “Hotel Del,” which is a tourist attraction in its own right. For starters, Marilyn Monroe once frolicked on its beach in Some Like It Hot, filmed at the Del. Take in the rare Victorian wood architecture and treat yourself to an ice cream at the on-site Moo Time Creamery (5-minute drive). For a more affordable meal, Miguel’s Cocina (5-minute drive) is a local favorite with hearty Mexican fare.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Loews Coronado Bay feels like a secluded beach resort, from its peninsula setting to its upscale amenities, including a spa, pools, tennis courts, restaurants, and a private marina. Airy rooms feature serene coastal-chic style and panoramic views, and picturesque Coronado Island is a short shuttle ride away.
QUICK FACTS
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