A few “Things to Do” in Coronado that you may not know about

Many of Coronado’s charms are obvious: walking on the beach, bouncing in the waves, strolling through charming shops, dining in great restaurants, picnicing in the sand, collecting sea shells…

Here are a few more that you may not be aware of:

–Coronado’s own Farmers Market is a Tuesday tradition in Coronado. Fresh produce, flowers, eggs and plants for sale by local growers from all over San Diego County. Tuesdays from 2:30pm – 6:00pm at the Coronado Ferry Landing In the parking lot of the Il Fornaio Restaurant.

–Biking through the beautiful neighborhoods of Coronado. Coronado is flat, offers stunning views of the beach and the bay, and is home to great architechure and well-manicured lawns. Bring your own bike and store it in our free bike storage area or rent one from one of the nearby bike shops.

–Surfing lessons. Our concierge can assist you with reservations, 800-283-9383. Coronado’s gentle waves are the perfect place to give it try.

–Ferry to downtown San Diego. The ferry offers an enjoyable ride to downtown San Diego. Schedules and info here.

–Historic Walking Tour. This 90-minute tour explores the glamorous history of Coronado and is a real favorite with our guests. The tour leaves right from the Glorietta Bay Inn’s Music Room every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and is available for a nominal fee.

And for your Twitter-lovers, Glorietta Bay Inn is now on Twitter. Follow us at www.twitter.com/gloriettabayinn or @GloriettaBayInn to keep up with current specials, photos, contests, and more.

–Claudia LudlowGonzales, Assistant General Manager

We’ve Promoted Claudia LudlowGonzales to Assistant General Manager

I’m delighted to announce a promotion for Claudia LudlowGonzales to Assistant General Manager.

Claudia has been working for the hotel since May 2002, and most recently served as Reservations and Sales Manager.

Claudia’s passion for guest service, attention to detail, and knowledge of the hotel make her a true asset to the management team. I am delighted to announce her promotion.

Claudia has spent her career in the hospitality industry, working for the U.S. Grant Hotel and Pala Mesa Resort before coming to Glorietta Bay Inn. She has long-term ties to Coronado, as her family has been in Coronado since 1919.

–Holly Ansley, General Manager

Military and Government Per Diem Guests Welcome

Glorietta Bay Inn is pleased to welcome the military and government per diem guests. Special rates are based on availability and are open to personnel traveling on government orders. Enjoy Coronado’s Best Boutique Hotel at the low government per diem rate. As for all of our guests, an expanded continental breakfast and afternoon refreshments are both complimentary. Glorietta Bay Inn is located close to both NAS North Island and the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Please call 800-283-9383 for reservations. And, pack your swimsuit – our pool is heated year-round.

–Holly Ansley, General Manager

A Community Relations Award

I wanted to share with you our recent win for best community relations program in a statewide competition. The award was presented by the California Hotel and Lodging Association in its annual “Stars of the Industry” awards.

The award was presented in Anaheim on December 2, 2008.

This is the third time Glorietta Bay Inn has won the award on a statewide or national level. The Stars of the Industry awards were created more than 40 years ago by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Glorietta Bay Inn will represent California in this year’s national competition for best community relations program.

We are so happy to be a part of a wonderful community like Coronado, and it is our pleasure to give back in the ways that we can. It is truly an honor to be recognized for our contributions to the community.

–Holly Ansley, General Manager

Romantic Things to Do in Coronado

I am often asked about how to make a romantic getaway extra special so I thought I would put together a list of some of Coronado’s most romantic things to do.

The Most Romantic Things to Do on Coronado:

1. Rent bicycles and cruise around Coronado’s beautiful neighborhoods, admiring the architecture and lush landscaping.

2. Take the gondola ride through the canals of the Coronado Cays at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Reservations and info are available here.

3. Walk on the beach and stop for a refreshment at the Hotel Del while watching the sunset.

4. Have dinner at Il Fornaio overlooking San Diego bay and the lights of downtown San Diego.

5. Relax with an in-room massage.

6. Get married or renew your vows…on the sand.

7. Sit on our sun-warmed porch and enjoy hot coffee, fresh muffins, and looking out over Glorietta Bay.

8. Ask your Glorietta Bay Inn reservations agent to sprinkle flower petals on your bed before arrival. This complimentary service lends a distinct air of romance to any occasion.

–Holly Ansley, General Manager

Consider spending the holidays with us…

Each year, we see a greater number of multi-generational families choosing to spend the holidays vacationing together. It takes a lot of the stress out of gathering at one person’s house. Leave the cooking to one of Coronado’s great restaurants and spend your time enjoying the family, walking on the beach, playing outside, and generally having fun.

December is very pleasant in Coronado. Temperatures are usually quite mild, with the average being 65 degrees. Coronado is always beautifully decorated for the holidays. Walk down Orange Avenue and find unique gifts or simply enjoy all the trees and lights.

The holiday festivities get underway December 5th with the Coronado Chamber of Commerce’s 33rd Annual Christmas Parade, Open House, Tree Lighting, and Snow Mountain. This free event runs from 4pm-8pm.

Also, that weekend, the Balboa Park’s December Nights 2008 (previously known as Christmas on the Prado). San Diego’s favorite kick-off to the holiday season, will take place for the 31st consecutive year on Friday, December 5th, 5pm-10pm, and Saturday, December 6th, noon-10pm. In the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. both evenings. The largest free community festival in San Diego, December Nights is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors over two days.

The 35th Annual San Diego Parade of Lights (a spectacular boat parade on San Diego Bay) is happening on December 14th and December 21st from 5:30pm-9pm.

December 14th-28th, Lamb’s Players Theatre and The Hotel Del team up for “An American Christmas.” The dinner and show take you back to 1908. Lamb’s also has the “Festival of Christmas: The Angel’s Arms” running from December 2nd-28th. The Lamb’s Theatre is just two blocks from Glorietta Bay Inn.

These are just a few of the magical things happening this holiday season. Hope to see you in December!

–Holly Ansley, General Manager

Traveling with Kids in Coronado

Of course, there is the beach. Not just any beach, but the beach voted “Best Beach for Families” by the Travel Channel. It’s perfect for families because of the wide swath of soft white sand and the relatively gentle waves.

Riding bicycles in Coronado is another family favorite, as Coronado is scenic, flat, and has lots of places to discover. Bicycle rentals are readily available, and we have storage if you bring your own.

Just across the beautiful Coronado bridge, is San Diego. Glorietta Bay Inn is just minutes to Sea World, The World-Famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park with dozens of museums…and much more…

Coronado has a small town charm where you and the kids will enjoy walking around and discovering shops and restaurants. The MooTime Creamery on Orange Avenue is a favorite stop of many kids.

Parents love Glorietta Bay Inn’ complimentary expanded continental breakfast and afternoon lemonade and cookies. Our contemporary inn family suites are another favorite, as they feature a separate bedroom and a full-kitchen. Free cribs, pregnancy body pillows, beach balls, and baby-proofing kits are popular amenities.

A couple of tips for traveling to Coronado with kids:

• Bring a jacket, because as warm and sunny as it is during the day, evenings can be a bit chilly.
• Don’t forget sunscreen.
• Bring your kids’ favorite DVDs, as all of our rooms have DVD players.

We look forward to welcoming your family.

–Holly Ansley, General Manager