El Cordova Hotel

1351 Orange Ave., 1 blk. to beach, (800) 229-2032, (619) 435-4131. 42 rooms; 2 stories. 3 restaurants. Pool; hot tub. Continental breakfast.

Well located directly across the street from the mega Coronado Hotel, this sleepy cousin resembles something you might see in a Mexican village. A strip of shops along the front of the El Cordova Hotel welcomes you with enticing wares spilling out onto the sidewalk. The atmospheric touches at this 114-year-old property include hacienda-style architecture and a courtyard abloom with colorful flowers.

swimming pool at El Cordova Hotel on Coronado Island, California

Rooms mostly surround the pool and feature hand-painted Mexican tiles and heavy carved-wood furniture.

guest room at El Cordova Hotel on Coronado Island, California

guest bathroom at El Cordova Hotel on Coronado Island, California

The lobby is particularly inviting, with plenty of seating, fresh cold water, and hot drinks always available, and the shopping and restaurants of Coronado’s main street are just steps away.

lobby at El Cordova Hotel on Coronado Island, California

Though under separate ownership, three restaurants operate within the hotel:

●Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar

1333 Orange Ave., (619) 435-4166. Featuring an upscale traditional seafood menu and a casual atmosphere, this spot serves everything from fresh oysters to ahi poke wonton tacos to fish & chips. A large cocktail menu is available along with wine and beer.

●Fabrison's French Creperie and Cafe

1120 Adella Ave./Orange Ave., (619) 435-1322. M-F 8am-8pm, Sat 8:30-8, Sun 8:30-3. Fabrice and Alison (thus the name, Fabrison's) met in a meditation class in San Diego. He is from Marseille, France, and she is from Columbus, Ohio. Crepe both sweet and savory are among the choices in their warm European-style cafe, and the hotel’s front desk can provide a discount coupon.

●Miguel's Cocina

1351 Orange Ave., 619-437-4237. B M-F, Sat-SunBr, L-D daily; $-$$. No reservations. This location is the original cog in a local chain known for a fun and festive atmosphere. Dining is in a warren of rooms plus outside in a delightful courtyard reminiscent of colonial Mexico--the place to be on a warm evening. Delicious complimentary chips include regular red tomato salsa plus a jalapeno white sauce that it is famous for. The menu offers traditional Mexican fare plus a variety of excellent margaritas that are, fortunately, available by the pitcher.