HBA Los Angeles has completed the interior design of Beach Village at The Del. The enclave of beachfront cottages and villas is set within a gated neighbourhood at the north end of the legendary Hotel del Coronado in San Diego.
Established as a resort destination in the late 1800s, the island of Coronado continues to be ever an evolving getaway. What could have remained a barren landscape was quickly transformed into a one-of-a-kind resort community. Upon opening in 1888, Hotel del Coronado epitomised the luxurious lifestyle of America’s wealthiest families, attracting sophisticated travellers from the Midwest and East Coast and becoming part of the United States’ westward movement.
A living legend, Hotel del Coronado has proudly hosted celebrities, royalty, U.S. Presidents, and beach-loving guests for generations. Movie stars and moviemakers have frequented The Del since the early 1900s. Charlie Chaplin vacationed here, as didCary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. Hollywood history was made at The Del in 1958 when “Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe was filmed at the hotel.
Over the past 136 years, Hotel del Coronado has remained a highly sought–after destination. Modernising with the times while maintaining its Victorian-era charm. One needs to look no further than its iconic red roof to know you’ve arrived.
Seamlessly nestled at the north end of the iconic Hotel del Coronado is Beach Village, a gated beachfront community developed in 2007. Accessed via a private entrance with its own dedicated valet and separate check-in, the “resort within a resort”promises personalised, elevated service with access to exclusive experiences and amenities. In addition to all the amenities on the hotel grounds, guests of Beach Village enjoy secluded pools, complimentary use of beach chairs and umbrellas, priority dining, and a personal concierge service.
The enclave of 78 residential-style accommodations is housed within a collection of cottages and villas, whose exteriors reflect a modern interpretation of Queen Anne Revival architecture in a vernacular complementary to the hotel’s historic Victorian building.
Boasting more space than a conventional hotel room for a “touch of home,” Beach Village is an appealing option for families and long-term guests. Cottages are positioned steps from the sand with full ocean views, while villas are set back in the neighbourhood’s second row for more privacy from passersby. Accommodation layouts range from one to three bedrooms and bathrooms and span categories, from Beachfront and Coastal View with expansive terraces to Oceanfront and Oceanview with balconies on the second or third floors. Marble bathrooms and at least one fireplace can be found in all accommodation types. Layouts may include full kitchens, a dining area, a living room, a seating area, and outdoor fire pits or private outdoor spas.
HBA Los Angeles approached the design for Beach Village with a fresh perspective on the original luxury of The Del. Enveloped by the simple pleasures of sun, sea, and time together is a sophisticated tactile experience with a refined sense of aesthetic and the added embellishment of contemporised traditional detailing.
Walls refreshed in new paint serve as a canvas for natural light to brighten each space and welcome an air of opulent ease. Inspirations from the golden sands of Coronado Beach and the interplay of light and shadow in the ocean tide’s ebb and flow are subtly woven throughout the materiality. Coastal blues introduced in the carpets and accent fabrics are both soothing and invigorating at the same time. Adorning the walls are curated portraits of past celebrity guests in celebration of The Del’s rich history.
Replacing the former, more traditional dark wood furniture are layers of texture and neutral tones that intuitively reflect the lively coast. Plush upholstery and washed woods are met with clean lines and dark metal, blending the natural with the refined. The cool, tonal palette allows the richness of warm, leather-like textures and updated accents to speak to the present. Oversized sofas and loose seating are thoughtfully positioned to promote comfort and conversation. New arrangements of ample dining seating beckon the entire family to congregate, encouraging memory-making for years to come. Traditionally refined detailing is maintained in the crown moldings and kitchen cabinetry to honour the past.
Board and batten molding accent the headboard wall in the sleeping areas, adding a subtle pattern with streamlined execution. Luxury is in the details, where leather-like accents exemplify exquisite craftsmanship, and furnishings are a gentle gesture of tactility. Washed wood finishes nod to the elements of the surrounding environment you may stumble upon as you stroll along the coastline.
“To weave our story of place, our team drew upon elements of the California coast, The Del’s history, and the elegant charm of Beach Village with its distinct guest experience,” said HBA Los Angeles Senior Designer Lauren Hausner. “The result showcases a balance of the brand’s signatures with site-specific references.”
“This project holds significance for us, having led the original interior design of Beach Village when it opened in 2007,” said HBA Los Angeles Partner Kathleen Dauber. “Our goal with this renovation was to keep its timeless approachability while elevating its level of aspiration through exceptional quality in our design, where guests experience a sense of, ‘I want my home to feel like this.’”
