‘Sandcastle Man' told to stop building outside Hotel del Coronado

They’re a spectacle on Coronado, catching the attention of tourists and locals alike. It’s the sandcastles that are displayed just across the Hotel del Coronado. They’re hard to miss for anyone walking “The Strand.” But after the Hotel del Coronado sent a notice to the man behind the creations, the sandcastles so many are used to seeing across from the iconic hotel will no longer be a fixture.

It’s a photo-op, and makes people do a double-take, and whether it’s the quote that catches their eye, or the intricacies made of sand, sculptures made by “The Sandcastle Man” are spectacles that so many enjoy.

“I walk this beach every single morning, and every time I come, you’ll see guests just gathered around pointing to what he’s written, laughing, taking pictures, he’s very, very popular,” Laura Plumb, a resident of Coronado, told NBC 7.

Friday was no different, except the sandcastles were there, but The Sandcastle Man – Bill Pavlacka – was not.

In an emailed statement, the Hotel del Coronado said to NBC 7:

“We can confirm that Hotel del Coronado and The Sandcastle Man have parted ways, effective February 5. We wish The Sandcastle Man continued success.”

NBC 7 obtained a picture of a notice that was sent to Pavlacka from the Hotel del Coronado.

The hotel wrote, in part, that its decision to part ways came as a result of conduct that violated hotel policies, and that a second and final warning was issued in October. According to the notice, a new incident had been reported involving the consumption of alcohol, resulting in a negative guest experience.

NBC 7 reached out to the Hotel del Coronado to receive more clarification on what took place and led to the hotel’s decision, but did not hear back in time for publication.

As a result, many locals say they are upset and are rallying behind The Sandcastle Man.

“They do this to our beloved Bill,” Plumb said. “We’re just upset about it.”

NBC 7 reached out to Pavlacka for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

“I don’t want to speak for Bill, but I think it’s disappointing for him. He loves building sandcastles; he loves making people happy,” Plumb said. “He loves seeing all the children who get such a thrill from seeing all his sandcastles.”