Coronado Beach Resort

Coronado Beach Resort (CBR) is not a mediocre resort. To be honest, I really dislike big sprawling resorts. I prefer smaller, older resorts that have a lot of charm. That is why I am a CBR owner. I enjoy CBR because of its location in a walkable, bikeable, and safe beach town with ample public transportation to city life across the bay in San Diego.

UNITS

Exchangers can call 30 days in advance to request a unit. Because of the unique design of the building, units can vary in size and some have patios/balconies/jetted tubs/fireplaces. Every unit has a kitchenette with a full fridge but no oven - just a hot plate and microwave. Every unit also has a flat screen tv with dvd player.

AMENITIES

Every week, there is a full calendar of daily activities, including a welcome breakfast on Mondays.

The lobby is a very nice area to relax and enjoy the complimentary coffee, tea, and newspapers. There is also free popcorn in the afternoon in the lobby.

In the lobby, there is a business center with two free-to-use computers and a printer/scanner. Next to the lobby is a small but well-equipped gym.

At the front desk, you can rent dvds and borrow board games. Also, there is free use of beach chairs, beach equipment (umbrella, cooler, beach toys, boogie board, beach towels), and bicycles.

On the second floor is the owners lounge which has a billiards table, table tennis, and a flat-screen tv.

On the third floor is the rooftop deck with lounge chairs and a nice view of The Del Hotel. There is a sauna, jacuzzi tub, and two barbecue grills for use.

There are laundry facilities on-site and vending and ice machines.

UNIQUE PRIVILEGES

When staying at CBR, you have a VIP 10% discount to various shops and restaurants in Coronado. Also, the front desk has coupons for certain restaurants, such as free appetizers at Miguels, etc.

When staying at CBR, you also gain free access to the swimming pools, jacuzzis, basketball and tennis courts at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort (5 miles away). There is a free shuttle to the Loews (or you can park your car at a discounted rate). There is also a discount for the restaurant and spa services.

NOTABLE INFO

You do not need a car to fully enjoy CBR and the surrounding area. Coronado is a walkable town with the beach a block away and a free shuttle to enjoy amenities at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. If you need groceries, there is a nearby Vons grocery that you can walk to and take a taxi back to CBR. Also the city bus and tourist trolley literally stops right in front of CBR. One bus line (904) stays on the island of Coronado, which you can take to the other side of the island to eat and shop at the Ferry Landing, etc. The other bus line (901) will take you straight to the Gaslamp District which is the restaurant and bar neighborhood of San Diego. The 901 bus connects to other bus lines if you want to visit Old Town, Sea World, Little Italy, etc. The tourist trolley is also ideal if you want to see the sights of San Diego. But, if you want to simply stay on the island, there are over 15 miles of dedicated bike paths to explore using the free bikes at CBR.

Also, CBR has a daily resort fee for renters and exchangers. It is mandatory and covers the secured parking and WiFi regardless of use. Paying for parking is typical for hotels and timeshares in Coronado and downtown San Diego. The resort fee is far less than the daily parking fee at The Del, Marriott, and Loews hotels in Coronado.

Be advised there is a $22 per day resort fee which is ridiculous. I exchanged a 5 star for this mediocre resort, and my 5 star has no "resort fee" and luxurious accommodations compared to this.