Stunning Mediterranean decor, built in 2007 at the expense of more than $1 million per guest room, the Grand Del Mar features gold-leafed ironwork, hand-stenciled ceilings, marble columns, and mosaic tilework. Service recently named #1 in the US by Conde Nast Traveler's January 2009 Gold List issue.
Star Rating:
Local Attractions:
Natural canyon preserve (hiking/biking/horseback riding) on-site as well as championship Fazio golf course, spa, tennis, shopping, dining. Nearby attractions include Del Mar and La Jolla beaches (Kayaking/surfing/shopping), paragliding, hot-air ballooning, sailing, yacht racing, Balboa Park museums, San Diego Zoo, Miramar Marine air station, and downtown San Diego.
My hubby and I were here last weekend and had mixed feelings about the hotel.
Yes, it is luxurious with lovely amenities. You can see pix and other reviews to...
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My hubby and I were here last weekend and had mixed feelings about the hotel.
Yes, it is luxurious with lovely amenities. You can see pix and other reviews to find out about that.
But keep in mind it is beyond sprawling (try an 10-minute confusing walk from the pool to our room) and pretty far inland. Some love the decor; we found it extremely tacky.
Surprisingly, we were given poor restaurant recs by concierge. SD is no culinary hub but it seemed they had deals with some of the factory-like touristy places that served glorified wedding food. I would have expected better from GDM. Our friends who live in the area were appalled by the places they suggested. We felt shafted.
We were overcharged for valet by an extra day ($30/ day--make sure to look closely at your bill) and charged a whopping $50 for a 22 minute phone call to a local cel phone. Incredibly offensive after paying $500/ night.
I don't think I would have written a negative review if the hotel wasn't so apathetic about some of these issues. I did let them know we were disappointed with concierge and the extra charges on our bill. While they were cordial, they were not apologetic.
I dunno. I miss the old Four Seasons and would opt to stay on the water at the gorgeous L'Auberge Del Mar next time. « less
“Three nights of amazing accomodations and service”
May 13, 2013
Charles I, Toledo, Ohio | Trip type: Family
Went to visit my sister and her family who live in Encinitas and stayed 3 nights/days at the Grand Del Mar.
Absolutely the most beautiful property/architecture/materials/ and best service we...
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Went to visit my sister and her family who live in Encinitas and stayed 3 nights/days at the Grand Del Mar.
Absolutely the most beautiful property/architecture/materials/ and best service we have ever had!!!!
Everything from the time you hit the front door is top notch and spectacular.
May 8, 2013
BillySOS, Chicago, Illinois | Trip type: Business
I spend four days at The Grand Del Mar on a business trip with my wife. The hotel is simply stunning, the rooms could be a review of their own,...
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I spend four days at The Grand Del Mar on a business trip with my wife. The hotel is simply stunning, the rooms could be a review of their own, the staff are both friendly and competent, and the food and dining options are worth a visit on their own. If you plan on visiting the are and are looking for a high quality option, look no further. No stone has been left unturned at this hotel from the fitness center, to the pool, to the dining options, and most importantly the simply fantastic rooms and amenities. We will be back. « less
“Golf Package with Your Honey a Must!!!”
May 8, 2013
maggiephotonut, Poway, California | Trip type: Couples
Wow and more wow. My husband and I travel a lot, all over the world and enjoy hotels which provide service, comfort and elegance. Of the many, many hotels we...
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Wow and more wow. My husband and I travel a lot, all over the world and enjoy hotels which provide service, comfort and elegance. Of the many, many hotels we visit and revisit, Grand del Mar ranks in the top three and there is no winner of those three. Living local to Del Mar, the Grand del Mar is a stay-cation for us, but that does not diminish its appeal.
As many reviewers have spoken of the fabulous hotel accommodations, I will give my kudos to the Grand del Mar Couples Golf Package. As a gift to friends for a special birthday we invited this couple to join us at the Grand del Mar for a golf package. The stay included a night at the hotel in their Grand Rooms, one for each of us and two rounds of golf with a shared caddy. The accolades and praises from this couple were non stop. The attention to detail and comfort were more than they had experienced at any other hotel. Besides the room, the golf was top notch. We saw one single player on the course the two days we played, otherwise the course was ours. A challenging beautifully constructed Tom Fazio course with two tee choices for women which from the back tees provided a lot of challenge. But as I am a long ball hitter, I might try the men's forward tees our next visit. What made our golf so memorable and fun was our caddy, Scott. Both couples tipped him $100/each per day, but he earned every penny of this tip. If you play this club as a guest I highly recommend him. He is funny, kind, and a great caddy (oh the stories), and one of the best readers of putts and putting coaches I have experienced. The fun putting was also helped by the pristine condition of the greens. As for mens play, there are three or four mens tees and the guys found plenty of challenge with some good carries from the second tee box for the men.
Our getaway golf package activities included dinner at Amaya (not part of the package) which was excellent. Before dinner we visited the hotel bar, the lobby lounge and enjoyed the inviting fireplace complete with fabulous martinis and wine.
For the $$$ the trip was very reasonable, especially when you add in the two rounds of golf and fabulous hotel accommodations. Selfishly, I hope the Grand del Mar stays unknown to locals and other travelers. We really love the feeling of being one of the few players on the course and one of the most important guests at the hotel. « less
“Special Coastal Resort”
May 8, 2013
HeartTraveler, Chicago, Illinois | Trip type: Business
We stayed at this lovely resort with our 9 year old twins and on our own. What a special treat! From the moment we walked in, we felt the personalized...
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We stayed at this lovely resort with our 9 year old twins and on our own. What a special treat! From the moment we walked in, we felt the personalized service that this resort is known for. The kids were handed a business card with free gelato scoops. The room was comfortable with appreciated amenities, ie nepresso machine, stocked bar and unlimited bottled water. The rooms were decorated with European touches. We loved the patio which was a treat to wake up to and having espresso either leisurely or my husband had to work early and was able to do this on the patio without waking me or my twins up. The bathroom was spectacular - the soaking tub was a generous size with daily bath salts, nice touch with the tv, generous bath amenities, the closet was huge with a seating area and appreciated the separate toilet. We had dinner at the 5 star Addison - what an experience - the service, lovely menu with impeccable service - we celebrated our anniversary there and it was mentioned several times. Loved the spa! The attendants had special touches, e.g. sharing an article after learning I was a yoga instructor, sweet truffles/fruit chews after each service. The pools were incredible -piped in music, pool service: bed trays for lunch in our reclining chairs, hot chocolates before leaving. Missing this special place!! « less
These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
SAN - San Diego International - 20 miles, 25 minutes
Airport Shuttle? Yes! There is an airport shuttle.
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