Coronado's newest addition, the Baby Grand hotel, is a maximalist wonderland that promises to captivate and intrigue. This $17 million, five-year project, led by the visionary Arsalun Tafazoli of CH Projects, is a bold statement in a city known for its traditional charm. With a design philosophy rooted in the mantra 'more is more', the hotel boasts a 35-foot faux rock wall, a 20-foot waterfall, a Mediterranean restaurant that mimics Greek ruins enveloped in jungle, and a hidden oyster bar adorned with crystal and mirrors. The hotel's interior is a testament to Tafazoli's unique vision, blending Spanish statuary, Moroccan fixtures, and Murano glass. The challenge of securing city permissions, as Tafazoli admits, adds a layer of intrigue to this ambitious endeavor.
Tafazoli's journey in hospitality began with eating and drinking establishments, but his true passion lies in creating and managing hotels, the pinnacle of hospitality. His personal experiences, including a childhood marked by divorce, have shaped his understanding of energy and atmosphere in spaces. Tafazoli's attention to beauty and his desire to convey care through design are evident in every detail of the Baby Grand. The hotel's compact location, a mere 2/3 of an acre, has led to innovative solutions like exporting parking and creating a faux beach with a wading pool, all in the name of maximizing space.
The main restaurant, Night Hawk, offers a Mediterranean dining experience with open-fire cooking and a Greek ruins ambiance. The hidden oyster bar, Fallen Empire, is a sanctuary for those seeking a more intimate experience, featuring red mohair booths, built-in Champagne buckets, and mirrored walls. The guest rooms, each measuring 300 square feet, are adorned with custom-made clamshell headboards, animal-print seating, parquet oak flooring, and marble tables. The bathrooms, in particular, are a highlight, with separate tubs and showers, and sinks from Morocco.
Despite the hotel's grandeur, it is situated in a location that presents unique challenges. Coronado, a city known for its sandy beaches, faces issues with untreated sewage from Tijuana, leading to frequent beach closures. Tafazoli, however, remains focused on the hotel's potential as a staycation destination for locals from San Diego County. He believes that the Baby Grand's unique character and immersive experiences will resonate with those seeking a break from the status quo.
The Baby Grand's design draws inspiration from Coronado's rich history, including the Circus Room at the Hotel del Coronado and Marco's Restaurant with its Roman Room bar. Tafazoli's personal connection to the city, a mere six-minute drive from his office in San Diego's East Village, adds a layer of emotional investment to his work. As the hotel opens its doors, it invites guests to embark on a journey of maximalist wonder, leaving them with a sense of awe and a desire to explore the hidden gems within.
