What to expect: The refurbished interior of the landmark Hotel del Coronado resort complements its wedding-cake exterior of white siding and red-roofed turrets. A uniformed operator still runs the original birdcage elevator, though the controls are now automated. The vast lobby is filled with families, conventioneers, San Diegans on weekend getaways, history buffs, and those imagining the days when Hollywood's elite trod the grand staircases.

Amenity Highlights: The "Del" (as it's known by locals) pampers guests with shopping, oceanfront dining, and a new health spa (opened January 2007). The spa offers 21 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, steam rooms, and relaxation areas for men and women. A new fitness center (opened April 2007) offers personal training by appointment. There's also bicycle, boat, and Jet Ski rentals, yoga classes on the beach, and special programs for children and teens.

Insider tip: Frequent guest and Wizard of Oz author Frank Baum designed the chandeliers in the spectacular Crown Room. Also as guests, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz concocted their I Love Lucy personae. There's even a resident ghost—Kate Morgan.

What to expect: Families with kids, from toddlers to teens, and their pampered pets, share this slice of land with the resort’s 80-slip marina and an exclusive residential community. Guests can catch unfettered views of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and San Diego city skyline on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other side.

Amenity highlights: The self-contained Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa has outdoor spa tubs and sundecks; a wireless Internet connection in the pool area; a tennis pro; a full-service fitness center; salon services; shops; a café; a deli; a fine-dining restaurant; and sailboat, bicycle, kayak, and roller-blade rentals. The roster of activities typically includes arts-and-crafts, Ping-Pong challenges, basketball shoot-outs, and sunset cruises.

Amenity highlights: The resort provides scheduled water-taxi service to a partner hotel across the bay (surcharge). A restaurant serves California coastal cuisine with terrace dining and bay views. Room service is available 24 hours. Leisure options include three outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a health spa with fitness center and complimentary yoga and Pilates classes.

Insider tip: Guests can walk or bike four blocks to Ferry Landing, not only the departure point for the Coronado/San Diego ferry but also a complex of shops and restaurants. Occasional concerts are held on the grassy bayfront expanse.