The hype
Guests love the peaceful location and massive rooms but consistently groan about the 'nickel-and-dime' fees.
Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa
$220-350/ night
Book this if You want a quiet, spacious family resort with skyline views, avoiding the chaotic crowds of the Hotel Del Coronado.
Why People Love It
- Stunning views of the San Diego skyline across the bay
- Walkable access to the Ferry Landing and calm bayside beaches
- Spacious rooms (500+ sq ft) that actually fit families
Quick Take: A relaxing bayside retreat that feels slightly stuck in 2007, with parking fees that will make you gasp.
Reviewed by @mommythrives: I checked into the Marriott on Coronado for a quiet weekend. The lobby is welcoming and the bathroom amenities are fully stocked—perfect for a relaxing spa vibe. It felt like a safe, quiet haven just a quick ferry ride from downtown San Diego.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'resort' feel is dampened by dated touches like noisy mini-fridges and dusty hair dryers.
- You prefer a quiet pool scene over a party vibe
- You need a room with a sofa bed and real floor space
- You plan to take the ferry into downtown San Diego frequently
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Consistent daily service, though guests note occasional missed dusting on high surfaces.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling grout and tubs, but hair dryers and vents often have visible dust buildup.
- Maintenance: The property shows its age (1988) with peeling paint on some balconies and noisy HVAC units.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality—clean and crisp, but not ultra-luxury plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh 'white tea' scent; rooms can smell slightly musty if patio doors are left shut too long.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoing voices in the central atrium hallways
- Loud, buzzing compressors in older mini-fridges
- Thin connecting doors
Before you book
Good to know
- The ferry to downtown San Diego is a 5-minute walk and costs ~$8 each way.
- Bikes are included in the resort fee—use them to get to the ocean beach.
- There is no free parking anywhere nearby; the residential streets have strict permit rules.
What to pack
- Earplugs for the atrium echo
- Walking shoes for the Ferry Landing boardwalk
- A light jacket for breezy bayside evenings
Room Genie
Best picks
- Cottage Rooms (ground level, separate from main building) for maximum quiet
- Bay View Executive Suites for the best skyline sunsets
Rooms to avoid
- Atrium-facing rooms near the elevators (noise funnel)
- Ground floor main building rooms (less privacy from foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on the top floor, as far away from the elevators and atrium center as possible to minimize echo noise. If available, a Cottage unit would be preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is this hotel on the beach?
No. It is on the San Diego Bay. There is a small sandy area, but the waves and big beach are 1.5 miles away.
How much is the resort fee?
Approximately $56 per night, covering bikes, internet, and fitness classes.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, all three pools are heated, including the lap pool at the wellness center.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, the Ferry Landing is a 5-10 minute walk and has several dining options like Peohe's and Il Fornaio.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, up to 2 dogs (40lbs max) for a fee (~$150/stay non-refundable).
Does the room have a microwave?
Most standard rooms do NOT, but Cottages often have kitchenettes. Request in advance.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to 'Tartine' for breakfast instead of paying hotel prices—it's a local favorite European cafe nearby.
- ✨
The 'Wellness Center' pool is often empty compared to the main family pool.
- ✨
You can see the fireworks from Petco Park across the bay from the pier if a game is on.
5 things to know before you go
💡The flamingos in the front pond are real and surprisingly loud.
💡The 'resort view' often just means looking at the other side of the building.
💡The mini-fridges are notorious for humming loudly all night.
💡You have to pay for parking even if you are a Marriott Bonvoy elite member (usually).
💡The walk to the room can be long if you are at the end of the sprawling wings.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.