Glorietta Bay Inn

Designated a Historic Landmark by the Coronado Historical Association, the Glorietta Bay Inn was constructed by sugar baron John Dietrich Spreckels in 1908, and his mansion retains many of its original fixtures including chandeliers and ornate moldings. The bright lobby has ornate floor-to-ceiling windows, and an attached veranda. Further in, the original marble staircase with its brass railings leads to the second floor. In the music room, angels peer down from the crown molding in every corner and nine French doors lead out to the breakfast patio overlooking Glorietta Bay. At one point the wealthy Spreckels owned almost all of Coronado Island and was a major developer in the San Diego area.

Located on quiet Glorietta Boulevard, flanked by upscale homes, Glorietta Bay Inn is across the street from the bay on Coronado Peninsula (technically an island), across the bay from Downtown San Diego. It's a short walk up Orange Avenue to all the touristy Coronado shops, or west across the busy avenue toward the beach. A two-mile bridge connects the city of San Diego to this island retreat, which is home to restaurants, cafes, seaside bike paths, two golf courses, and several theaters. Some of the best beaches in Southern California are located here, and San Diego’s bustling nightlife, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions are a short drive away. It's a 30-minute drive to La Jolla, a 45-minute drive to Legoland, and less than 20 minutes to SeaWorld or San Diego International Airport.

This hotel has many different room types, some with patios or balconies, some with kitchenettes, and some with views of the marina. In general, they can be divided into the 11 historic rooms within the original mansion and the 89 contemporary rooms in the outlying buildings which were added later. Each of the historic Mansion Rooms is different, combining furnishings with an authentic patina and some modern amenities. The contemporary rooms are laid out motel-style with direct outside entries. They're done in a neutral decor with attractive wood furniture, but lack the detailed old-world charm of the hotel's other rooms. An iPod dock, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and microwave come standard in all, but only the Mansion Rooms receive feather pillows, fresh flowers, and bottled water.

The hotel has no restaurant, but it offers a free continental breakfast, which for guests of the Mansion Rooms means breakfast in bed. The staff also offers a nightly turndown service (again only for the mansion) with warm cookies and milk. Afternoon refreshments, usually lemonade and ginger snaps, are served for all guests. The heated outdoor pool has a small sun deck for lounging under the splendor of the historic mansion, but unfortunately also has a view to the parking lot. In the music room, guests will find a library, baby grand piano, and a variety of games. There's no fitness center, although the hotel offers day passes to a nearby gym for a charge. A quaint business center has one computer and a large office copier. Guest laundry and in-room massage services are also available.