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T he Hotel del Coronado is the undisputed Grande Dame of its charming seaside city home. But there's a new kid on the block — right across the street. My husband and I checked into e Bower, a chic 39-room boutique hotel along Orange Avenue for a weekend getaway. Developed by J Street, a San Diego real estate firm led by Coronado resident Saj Hansji, the hotel is on the site of what was once the Japanese tea garden of San Diego businessman and philanthropist John D. Spreckels, a former Hotel Del Coronado owner, whose mansion was nearby. In 1956, actress Bettye Vaughen and her mother Dulcie Trowbridge opened the Villa Capri motel on part of the estate's garden to entertain Hollywood friends and locals. Today, the goal of the new owners is to transform e Bower's historic site while honoring Coronado's unique character. Staff greeted us with glasses of champagne in the living room lobby and bar by SFA Design, which opens onto a patio and fireplace. In keeping with its early Japanese roots, e Bower embraces wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy which translates to an appreciation of imperfection, simplicity, and nature. e décor, in soothing but sophisticated earth tones and textures, extends to well-appointed guest rooms with comfortable beds, Frette linens, walk-in showers, Le Labo bath products, and other amenities. Some have small patios and Juliette balconies. e Bower's centerpiece is Dive, Coronado's only rooftop bar and restaurant, which overlooks e Del, Glorietta Bay, and high-rises along the Silver Strand. Dive is named after the Villa Capri's iconic neon sign of a diving lady which still glows on the side of the hotel. Over the bar, another neon sign spells out Villa Capri. PHOTO BY AUDA & AUDA PHOTOGRAPHY Coronado Getaway Stay, play, and dine in this coastal community BY ANDREA NAVERSEN detour destinations ranchandcoast.com 76 AUGUST 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE