Hotel del Coronado, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, will undergo the next and final phase of Blackstone Real Estate’s more than US$550 million development plan to preserve and enhance the National Historic Landmark property.
Historic property
The upgrades will encompass all Victorian guestrooms, suites and event spaces such as the Crown Room, with a targeted completion date of spring 2025.
For more than 135 years, Hotel del Coronado has welcomed travellers from all over the world to experience the best of southern California coastal lifestyle. The Victorian building is the original beachfront hotel established in 1888, evoking a bygone era.
Victorian yet contemporary
Led by Wimberly Interiors in partnership with WATG’s California architecture studio, the design for the Victorian building celebrates the legacy of the property, ensuring the public areas remain truly Victorian with original finishes remaining intact, but with contemporary design enhancements to bathrooms, furnishing, artwork and state-of-the-art technologies to elevate the level of comfort and luxury.
David Marshall of Heritage Architecture & Planning is leading The Victorian guestroom redesign effort with the same vigour and attention to detail that awarded the firm a ‘Preservation Project of The Year’ honour from the Save Our Heritage Organisation, as well as a ‘Preservation Design Award’ from the California Preservation Foundation following their extensive and diligent reconstruction of the hotel’s front porch and lobby areas.
Longtime plan
Beginning in 2018, Hotel del Coronado embarked on a renovation and development plan, facilitated by Blackstone Real Estate, to ensure the resort remains a sought-after destination.
This includes Beach Village at The Del, an enclave of cottages and villas, which is set to unveil a full makeover by the end of 2023.
Final journey
Harold Rapoza, general manager, Hotel Del Coronado, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting and final journey of Blackstone’s investment in this one-of-a-kind resort.
“The Victorian building holds a special place in the hearts of our guests, and we are dedicated to preserving its historical significance while elevating the bespoke guest experience to new heights.”
Diligent preservation
Rob Harper, head of real estate asset management Americas at Blackstone added, “Since our more than US$550 million investment plan began in 2018, we have worked diligently to preserve The Del as a National Historic Landmark while cementing the property’s status as an iconic and timeless destination for generations to come.
“We are immensely proud of the thoughtful work completed to date and look forward to partnering with the local teams to make this next phase of the project a reality.”
California cleaning
Other Californian renovations for Hilton group brand properties include La Quinta Resort & Club, another Curio Collection site, with works due to complete at the 700-key property in Q4 2024.
Plus, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Paso Robles will be the result of rebranding the 60-room La Bellasera Hotel & Suites by Q4 2023; and nearby, the 81-key Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles will be revitalised by Q2 2024.
