The Baby Grand: This Dizzying New Hideaway Near San Diego Proves That More Really Is More | Hotels Above Par

The Above Par ReviewAugust 13, 2026

Hotel Review • North America • United States • California • Coronado

The Baby Grand: This Dizzying New Hideaway Near San Diego Proves That More Really Is More

A 31-room maximalist hideaway in Coronado turns a former 1950s motor lodge into a theatrical world of clamshell beds, hidden bars, Champagne, and delightful excess.

The Baby Grand. Photo: Ethan Jones.

The Baby Grand shines in its ability to subvert expectations.

BY MARGARET WILLES

Why it works

Hotel Snapshot

Vacationers have long descended upon the idyllic Coronado Island, across the bay from San Diego, for its sparkling beaches and coastal-chic atmosphere. But a buzzy new resident, the second collaboration between CH Projects and Post Company, who reimagined San Diego’s storied Lafayette Hotel, is breathing new life into the community.

The 31-room Baby Grand hotel is a maximalist affair where giant clamshell beds mingle with animal prints and Murano-glass chandeliers dangle near rushing waterfalls. A former 1950s motor lodge, sandwiched between a steak house and an Enterprise car rental, may seem like an unlikely setting for a mystical hideaway. But The Baby Grand shines in its ability to subvert expectations, and it’s precisely why curious travelers, from mother-daughter duos to anniversary revelers, have been flocking to the property since it opened in May 2026.

Design & Character

Stepping onto the premises is an instant sensorial feast. At Night Hawk, the outdoor Greek restaurant, classical statues keep watch while oversize plants run delightfully rampant. Behind an unobtrusive white door hides the lobby; there, guests will find a space that feels more like the library of a sophisticated friend, while a custom soundscape from megaproducer (and San Diego resident) Swizz Beatz plays in the background. The property’s most opulent moment comes in the form of a Champagne bar tucked behind the lobby: mirrored walls reflect moody amber lighting and red-mohair booths for an atmosphere that’s at once intimate and diverting.

The Rooms

Accommodations come in three categories, including a terrace suite that can interconnect with an additional room. An iridescent clamshell bed takes pride of place, which is somehow complemented by cheetah-print chairs, tropical wallpaper, and mirrored armoires. A glowing in-room bar stocked with over 50 spirits, wines, and beers, plus recipe cards and a bowl of fresh citrus, invites you to craft your dream cocktail right then and there (a minibar this is not). And in the sprawling jewel-toned bathroom, complete with a Moroccan sink and clawfoot tub, you’ll relish even the act of brushing your teeth.

A note for light sleepers: You may experience some noise bleed from late-night diners at Night Hawk, so be sure to use the complimentary earplugs found on the bedside table for a solid night’s sleep.

The Food & Drink

In true Baby Grand fashion, every dining experience feels thoughtfully choreographed but rarely forced. From dawn to dusk, guests refuel (and caffeinate) at an outdoor café offering such delights as breakfast tacos and strawberry coconut matchas. At Night Hawk, diners enjoy their meal family-style, tucking into Mediterranean-leaning dishes like za’atar-dusted french fries and meat skewers cooked on the outdoor grill while seated in faux-rock banquettes. And for a truly special moment, book a reservation at Fallen Empire, the glitzy raw bar that hides behind the lobby. Take your pick of bubbly from the robust menu, which draws from all five Champagne subregions, and sample the caviar cones: petite sesame-speckled cones are filled with avocado mousse and bluefin tuna, then topped with Kaluga caviar for a most memorable bite.

The Amenities

The property occupies a fairly compact footprint, so certain amenities may be limited. (What was previously the adjoining parking lot became the outdoor restaurant in order to maximize space.) But a series of thoughtful offerings make up for the lack of, say, a gym or spa. While you won’t find any ice machines, you get something far more personal at the café bar, where the staff can offer you the optimal shape of ice for whatever drink you’re concocting. Then there’s the man-made beach, complete with Turkish-imported sand, that sits at the heart of the property, plus a beach valet service that can set up camp for you at the nearby shoreline. And letterpress stationery printed with your name will remind you of your stay well after you’ve returned home.

Location & Neighborhood Recs

The Baby Grand’s central location on Orange Avenue ensures there’s plenty to do, see, and eat within walking distance, like the Michelin-recognized Little Frenchie and Garage Buona Forchetta, a lively market and eatery in one. With the legendary Hotel del Coronado just down the street, guests can easily pop over for s’mores on one of the firepits or a guided tour of the historic property. And the beach is less than 10 minutes by foot; while the water may not be suitable for swimming (contamination concerns have escalated in recent years), there’s no question that basking in the Coronado sun is good for the soul.

Fast Facts

Address: 1315 Orange Avenue, Coronado, California

Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Starting Rate: From $350 per night

Room Count: 31 rooms

Vibe: More is more.

Best For: Celebratory couples, design enthusiasts, and anyone craving a bit of drama.

Amenities: All-day café, outdoor Greek restaurant, hidden speakeasy, 24-hour parking valet, beach valet, wading pool, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, and dog-friendly stays.

Nearby: Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Beach, Coronado Ferry Landing

Our Favorite Thing: The perpetual feeling of discovery as you move through the property. Sea crab door handles, Pompeian-inspired tapestries, and gas-lit torches all add to the tastefully curated mayhem.

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