CH Projects, a renowned hospitality group based in San Diego, has announced the upcoming opening of its second hotel, Baby Grand, slated for early 2025. Located on Orange Avenue, directly across from the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, Baby Grand will be the first design hotel to debut in two decades in this beloved Southern California locale. The $17 million investment has been entrusted to the award-winning Brooklyn design firm, Post Company. Featuring 31 guest rooms and three innovative dining concepts, the hotel’s design will draw inspiration from its coastal surroundings while embodying CH Projects’ signature maximalist aesthetic. This venture aims to enrich the social landscape of San Diego’s unique neighborhoods and cultures. CH Projects is well-known for its acclaimed restaurant and bar venues, including Morning Glory, Youngblood, and Born & Raised, alongside the pioneering Lafayette Hotel and Club, the group’s inaugural hotel project located in North Park.
“Coronado presents a distinctive facet of San Diego’s multi-layered identity. Our goal is to establish a high-low gathering space that not only reflects the island’s historic allure as a Southern California getaway but also serves as a community hub for residents,” said Arsalun Tafazoli, founder of CH Projects. “I’m captivated by the idea of transcending the present. Baby Grand is designed to thoughtfully evolve the cultural tapestry of my hometown and to foster meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences.”
The hotel will boast a 6,000-square-foot al fresco entrance featuring an upcoming bar and dining establishment that highlights lush, overgrown landscaping, dramatic rock formations, and sculptural water features. The design will encapsulate the dynamic interplay between nature and urbanity, creating an immersive experience for guests. Two additional dining concepts will include an oyster bar and an omakase venue.
Baby Grand’s design reflects the narratives and symbols of the iconic California dream from the perspective of a consummate host—a collector of lost cultures, a guardian of memories, and a connoisseur of nostalgic treasures. The hotel embodies a romantic fusion of past and future, reminiscent of a classic motel caught in a timeless limbo, celebrating nostalgia while embracing an innovative vision. Guest rooms will feature a stunning pearlescent clamshell bed complemented by scenic wallpapers depicting imagined ancient civilizations. Expansive mirrored minibars open to reveal bronze and red glass accents, creating an evocative hospitality experience. The interiors will showcase an array of collected objects, art, sculpture, and antiques. Luxurious bathrooms will be adorned with custom wallpaper, elegant stone flooring, opulent marble washstands, and freestanding bathtubs.
The space outside the rooms has been transformed from a parking lot into a lush oasis—an enchanting jungle brimming with towering palm trees, vibrant flora, and climbing vines. Across from the hotel, a captivating two-story waterfall descends over sculpted rocks, framing the tented bars and structures inspired by Napoleonic aesthetics that populate the grounds. This urban escape will house a yet-to-be-revealed all-day restaurant concept, offering exquisite outdoor dining amid the lush surroundings.
Returning to the lobby, guests can enjoy a cocktail or coffee under a futuristic awning. Inside, the cozy reception area serves as a treasure trove of art, memorabilia, and sculptures. Vintage hand-painted tapestries adorn the walls beneath a draped ceiling, culminating in an oversized Murano light fixture that adds to the charm. This space is steeped in storytelling and welcomes visitors into the world of Baby Grand. For those in the know, tapping a sculpture in the corner reveals an entrance to Fallen Empire, a sought-after oyster bar and lounge. The floor is an intricate mosaic of fish and sea creatures, while chrome and mirrored walls reflect plush crushed velvet banquettes and clamshell chairs. The ambiance captures the essence of 1950s cocktail lounges, all while echoing the opulent mirrored closets of a 1980s Versace loft.
To learn more about Baby Grand or CH Projects, please visit consortiumholdings.com.
Hotel website
Baby Grand
Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
United States
