Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

As expected for a Southern California resort, the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa doesn't show its size vertically but horizontally -- sprawling across its 16 acres of waterfront property. It's low-slung buildings, often in boxy, three-story tiers, zigzag around the grounds, which are full of lush greenery and water features that can invite birdlife -- like flamingos -- to stop and sip. Everywhere, balconies and cushioned seating pointed toward the water, inviting guests to put their feet up.

Circulation is encouraged in the spacious lobby, which keeps decorative frills to a minimum. But the space isn't without personality: Strategically placed plants, ceramics, wood-plank ceilings, and brightly colored rugs add warmth. With ample corporate and event space, this Marriott Resort also attracts business travelers to the mix, but a vacation-style tranquility reigns around its three pools -- apart from the moments when families with young kids bring in a boisterous energy. Another restful spots is the 5,500-square-foot spa, with outdoor garden, steam rooms and treatment rooms. The water and skyline views add a sheen of romance to it all, particularly on the outdoor terrace of the main restaurant, Current. Given this atmosphere, it's not surprising that the property also hosts weddings.

Although staring directly at downtown San Diego from the bay, Coronado Island technically remains its own city, although it hardly displays an urban vibe. "Traffic" consists of bikers and runners on a path that circles the whole island, and sunbathers laze away on its sandy beach that stretches a full mile and a half. At the northeastern edge, the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa faces the water, Coronado Bridge, and the less-than-romantic shipping warehouses across the bay. The bridge means easy and fast access to downtown San Diego. Ferries and a single bus do cross from the island to the mainland, but as with just about anywhere in Southern California, a car is almost essential in getting around. It also puts nearly every major sight within a 20 minute drive. In fact, travelers can reach San Diego Airport in just 19 minutes. Note that the hotel has no shuttle service to the airport.

• 11-minute drive to Maritime Museum of San Diego
• 12-minute drive to Seaport Village
• 13-minute drive to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
• 13-minute drive to Balboa Park 
• 14-minute drive to USS Midway Museum and Mission Beach Boardwalk
• 15-minute drive to Gaslamp Quarter
• 16-minute drive to San Diego Zoo
• 19-minute drive to San Diego Airport
• 22-minute drive to Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument
• 23-minute drive to La Jolla Cove
• 25-minute drive to Torrey Pines State Reserve

Awash in neutral shades, guest rooms at this Marriott Resort are spacious, tasteful, and stylish -- if a touch generic. Sand-colored walls and coffee-colored carpets set a soft backdrop for platform beds topped in white bedding and backed by mocha-hued headboards. Clean-lined dark wood furniture is balanced by a few touches of teal in upholstery, cushions, and accent walls. Although size and layout vary, all rooms come with king and/or double beds, work desks, and sofa beds furnishing roomy sitting areas. Amenities are modern and cover the expected checklist for a Marriott property including air-conditioning, mini-fridges, LCD satellite TVs, laptop-sized safes, coffeemakers with coffee and tea, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms carry on the neutral color palette with beige- and coffee-colored tilework and stone countertops. Oversized bathtubs and separate showers come standard along with robes, hairdryers, and individual THANN toiletries. 

Rooms have furnished balconies that look across the bay or hotel gardens. Larger parties can book one of the resort's 20 cottages, which have kitchenettes and living rooms. 

As a sizable upscale resort, this Marriott is packed with amenities, starting with three heated outdoor pools. The main pool is a freeform body of water surrounded by palm trees, loungers, umbrellas, and patio furniture. Waterfront and city skyline views sit just beyond. The second pool is a smaller version of the same freeform shape surrounded by seating; this pool tends to be a bit more tranquil. The third is a rectangular pool divided into lanes, perfect for swimming laps. Those looking to keep up their workout routine can also make use of the hotel's large two-story gym complete with cardio machines like treadmills and ellipticals, weight-lifting machines and free weights, pickleball courts, and daily yoga classes offered for free. 

Pampering shifts into fifth gear at the Elemis spa, with 10 treatment rooms, steam rooms, and an outdoor garden. Treatments include couple's massages, facials and body scrubs, and nail services like mani/pedis. Guest can also request in-room massages.

On-site dining options are offered at two venues: the more formal Current, serving coastal California cuisine, and the casual Tides cafe, which has Starbucks coffee and light snacks. The hotel's buffet breakfast is extensive, but costs extra.  A small mini-market on the premises also sells snacks along with other staples, and room service is available around the clock.

The hotel charges a $25 resort fee which covers water bottles; rental of boogie boards, beach chairs and gear; bikes; daily fitness classes; and Wi-Fi. The lobby has an ATM and two public computers for guests' use. Business travelers can make use of 25,000 square feet of meeting space, including a massive ballroom, which can hold up to 800 people. Wedding services and packages are also available.