"Start us off with an overview.Coronado is known for its charming downtown, "Pleasantville"-esque mansions and the historic Hotel del Coronado. But Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers a more off-the-beaten path option that’s five miles from the downtown hubbub yet still opens up to views of the bay and San Diego skyline. The design screams “vacation!”—think bright, white, and airy. It's polished without forgetting its chill SoCal surroundings. You’re here to relax sans pretense. Give us the backstory on this place. Is it part of a chain or independent?Part of Loews Hotels & Co., the Coronado Bay Resort is one of the brand's many North American hotels, stretching from Boston to San Francisco to Montreal. Tell us about the rooms.Tucked away, yes. But small it is not. Coronado Bay Resort touts 440 rooms, 40 of which are suites. The interior design pulls inspiration from the nearby bay with whites, blues, and sand-colored hues, and every room and suite has a balcony or patio that overlooks either the resort, garden, marina, pool, or bay. The vibe is comfortable and polished, albeit slightly generic. Amenities are standard, including a mini fridge, in-room Keurig coffeemaker, and terrycloth robes. Is there a charge for Wi-fi—and is the quality good?Wi-fi is free in rooms and throughout public spaces. Let's talk F&B: What's on offer?The hotel has three onsite restaurants, all of which pull from San Diego’s favorite food groups: seafood, tacos, and beer. Crown Landing, the poshest of the trio, partners with local purveyors like Catalina Offshore Products and farmers’ market on its seafood-heavy menu, while La Cantina, by the pool, serves Baja fish tacos and locally made vegan cotton candy sure to please kids (and big kids). Cays Lounge stocks their menu with craft beers, including nationally loved local labels from Stone Brewing Co. to Modern Times Co. How did you find the service, start to finish? Smooth and efficient, or clumsy and forgetful?The staff is attentive, friendly and always watching out for anything you need. This being a family-centric hotel, staffers are pros at chatting up and mingling with kids. Can you tell us a bit about who else is staying here?You'll spot couples and some friend groups, but Coronado Bay Resort is big with families and their young kids, which makes for a sometime bustling pool area. Rest assured, there's an adults-only option and hot tub when you need R&R and a stiff tropical cocktail. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?The hotel has all the Coronado vibes—laid-back, beachy, and water-centric—but in a removed location that's great for quiet but not ideal for walking to restaurants and shops. Thankfully the daily resort fee (included in your room rate) includes a complimentary shuttle between the hotel and Coronado Village from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Is there anything you'd change?More stylish decor accents in the rooms. Tell us what we missed!This place has activities aplenty. There are watersport equipment rentals (jet skis, sailboats, kayaks), mountain bikes and beach cruisers, surf lessons, and a shuttle to transport you to the beach (or take the five-minute stroll). In the summer, their Pool Concierge can dole out Italian ice, frozen grape kabobs, chilled towels, and sunscreen spray. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Worth it for families and for travelers seeking a more budget-friendly beach stay that doesn't skimp on class." - Archana Ram
