The Bower Coronado is just what the island needed. It’s a new, sleek 39-room boutique property that some of our clients have already made their go-to hotel in San Diego.

If you value aesthetics—like Japanese minimalist wabi-sabi design elements—walkability to the heart of Coronado’s restaurants and shops, and easy beach access, this is a fit. It doesn’t have some of the big resort amenities like a pool or spa, but you’re in luck because those are available across the street at Hotel del Coronado.

We also offer VIP amenities to enhance your stay at The Bower Coronado, and I’ll share what to expect in this review below.

Rooms at The Bower Coronado

All rooms at The Bower are designed with comfort in mind and thoughtful details. Guests sleep on Stearns & Foster mattresses with Frette linens and start their days with Fellows pour-over coffee made from locally roasted beans. Bathrooms are stocked with Le Labo amenities, luxury robes, and include a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer for a premium touch.

Additional in-room amenities include:

• Flat-screen TV for entertainment
• Complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected
• Daily housekeeping and evening turndown service
• In-room safe for peace of mind
• Minibar stocked with snacks and drinks
• A well-placed desk for work or leisure

Here’s a breakdown of the main room types, with bed configuration and occupancy. Note that the room size for most rooms is about 250 square feet, with the Premium Rooms and ADA rooms a bit larger. This information isn’t on the hotel’s website.

Normally, I would recommend you avoid a street-view room, but I make an exception here. The Bower directly faces Hotel del Coronado, the ocean, and the beach over Orange Avenue. It’s a pretty view of a stunning Victorian hotel that gives you a sense of place.

During the holiday season, you’re overlooking the light show on the trees, which is really neat. Also neat, in my opinion, is watching the people and the kids, as they see the lights and “snowfall” and enjoy the property.

See also:

Coronado’s Only Rooftop Bar

The Bower Coronado’s standout dining experience is Dive, its rooftop bar and restaurant. Offering open-air seating and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink while taking in the sunset.

Dive serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu features seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, served in a warm, social atmosphere. Plus, happy hour specials run on weekdays.

Amenities and Activities

While The Bower Coronado doesn’t isn’t a full-service resort, it covers the essentials well:

• 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight equipment
• Complimentary cruiser bikes for exploring the island
• Dog-friendly rooms with treats and pet beds (Lanai level only)
• Lobby bar/lounge serving coffee, snacks, and cocktails
• Rooftop bar and restaurant with open-air seating and views
• Send-out laundry and valet services available upon request

I consider the hotel a more peaceful complement to Hotel del Coronado. To use The Del’s amenities, you have to book day passes, spa treatments, or fitness classes through that hotel. And, make reservations at its restaurants in advance. The shops, restaurants, and gardens/walkways (The Views building, The Cabanas building, and pool require key entry) are open to the public.

Is It Good for Families?

Yes! The Bower is good for the right kind of family.

If you’re traveling with design-conscious teens or want a boutique-style stay with beach access and walkability, The Bower works really well. The Double Queen and Lanai Queen Queen rooms comfortably sleep four, and the location makes it easy to explore the heart of Coronado on foot or by bike.

However, there is no pool, no kids’ club, and no resort programming. If swimming is essential, you should buy a day pass to Hotel del Coronado pool or beach areas via ResortPass or through the hotel’s online Experiences Page. You can choose whether you’d like Del Beach, pool cabanas, spa access, and other seasonal options. They sell out fast, so book in advance.

Coronado is our most requested neighborhood in San Diego by families, though for a good reason. It’s lovely.

See also: Guide to Visiting Coronado Island With Kids

Location & Things to Do Nearby

The Bower Coronado sits in a prime spot on Orange Avenue, Coronado’s main street. From here, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the island’s boutiques, cafés, and galleries — or bike to the bay, ferry landing, or nearby parks.

Getting There
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest major airport, about 15 minutes away by car. You can take a taxi, use ride-sharing apps, or rent a car if you plan to explore more of San Diego County.

If you’re coming from downtown San Diego, take the I-5 south to the San Diego–Coronado Bridge. Once over the bridge turn left on Orange Avenue. GPS may take you through residential streets, but I think Orange Avenue is better for first-time visitors as it helps you get the lay of the land.

Public transportation is available via buses, but it’s not that simple take and requires transfers. For most travelers, rideshare or rental cars are way easier.

From The Bower’s front door, you’re steps away from:

• Coronado Beach — One of the widest stretches of sand in California, just a 5-minute walk
• Hotel del Coronado — Great for dining, drinks, or beach day passes
• Orange Avenue shops & cafes — Browse bookstores, pick up gelato, or grab an outdoor table for lunch
• Biking paths — Ride along the Silver Strand or around the island using the hotel’s complimentary bikes
• Glorietta Bay — Has access to bay activities like boating and kayaking
• Ferry Landing — Bike to the ferry (or walk 30 minutes) and enjoy a scenic 15-minute ride to downtown San Diego

See also: The Best Things to Do in Coronado

Who Stays Here and Why

This is a great fit for:

• Couples seeking a quiet, boutique-style escape with design-forward rooms
• Small families who don’t need a pool or kids’ programming
• Solo travelers who want a peaceful place to unwind after exploring the beach and local shops
• People who want a luxury experience at a lower price point than Hotel del Coronado or they don’t want to stay on a busy resort

Is It Right for You?

It’s a great fit if…

• You prefer boutique hotels over big resorts
• You’re a solo traveler
• You love modern design, natural light, and walkable neighborhoods
• You’re planning a romantic getaway or small family beach trip
• You want to explore Coronado without needing a car

It may not be right if…

• You’re traveling with small kids who want a pool or daily activities
• You need suite-style space or connecting rooms
• You prefer a traditional luxury resort with all-day room service and full spa offerings
• You’re a family of five or more

How to Make The Bower Coronado Reservations

We can book you into The Bower using the Curated VIP program. Amenities at no extra cost to you include:

If you can only stay one night, I recommend the AAA rate if you’re a member, which we can book for you, or you can access through our hotel booking tool. If you’re not a member, use the best flexible rate.