The freshly renovated front facade of the historic Hotel Marisol Coronado
The Hotel Marisol Coronado was selected as one of three historic renovation projects to be honored as finalists with a Going the Extra Mile GEM Award by the Coronado Historical Association. This annual award recognizes Coronado property owners who have made the challenging decision to rejuvenate one of Coronado’s charming but sometimes neglected buildings. The Hotel Marisol Coronado was the first commercial structure to be considered for this accolade.
The Marisol began its life in 1927 as the Blue Lantern Inn and has hosted visitors to our seaside village ever since then. However, it had been forty years since it had received a serious refresh. In fact, enhancements over the decades had detracted from its original elegant façade.
In June 2013 the building was purchased by Coronado real estate investors Ann Keyser and John Murphy. At the time, it was operating as the Village Inn and was known as a somewhat quaint but tired lodging option. The new owners closed the property and undertook a total renovation over seven months that included a complete interior remodel and new custom furniture. The exterior received a good “scrubbing”, removing non-original stucco, paint, and awnings. The beautiful wrought iron grilles and molded quoins and cornerstones were uncovered and once again delight guests. The hotel reopened on August 1, 2014 and within four months gained and has held the number two rated hotel position in Coronado on TripAdvisor.
Two other Coronado properties were GEM finalists and the winner was announced March 14, 2015. The top honor went to an amazing restoration project at 1000 Adella Avenue. Marisol owner Ann Keyser, was thrilled to be a finalist but was fully supportive of the association’s choice. “The Esrocks (owners of the winning structure) have truly given Coronado a gift by resurrecting the 1902 Kneedler House. I’m honored to have been considered alongside them,” said Keyser.
“And the third finalist was also very worthy of attention a Palmer-Built Bungalow, located at 576 “I” Avenue, owned and restored by Ken and Beth Slanie,” Keyser concluded.
Fore more information about the 15-room hotel, or for a tour, please call (619) 365-4677, or see their website: www.MarisolCoronado.com.
Reception Lobby of the Hotel Marisol Coronado
Note the original ceiling beams, staircase and front desk from the 1927 Blue Lantern Inn
