It's obvious that no expense was spared when building this property. The architecture and surroundings are beautiful, and it's a good choice for a golf or romantic getaway.

Here's the good and the bad from my point of view:


The Good:

Rooms are beautiful and spacious, with all the 5 star appointments. Bathrooms really are stunning with big tub and a wonderful shower, great bath amenities.

The landscaping and golf course are lovely. Take a walk around the resort, and check out all the amazing architectural details. There is a chapel in the hotel that looks like it is hundreds of years old. Amazing.

Pools looked great.

Cocktails in the lobby bar were excellent. The pomegranite mojito and the spicy margarita were delicious!


The Bad:

I reserved the lowest priced room, and when I phoned, asked for a room with a good view. I was told all rooms have a good view. After seeing the website pictures, I was a little disappointed when I saw how small our balcony actually was, with no privacy and too small for any seating, and our room was on a 2nd floor interior courtyard, which had beautiful landscaping, but no real view.

Our room was a real hike from the lobby and we got lost a couple of times on the way to our room. Signage directing to your room could be better. And I'm used to huge Vegas hotels and have never had a problem...!

Dinner at Amara (sp?), the in house restaurant, was a real disappointment. Food was barely average ... do not order the Ahi! Mine looked like a preformed frozen patty, and was mushy and tasteless. My husband's steak was no better than something I'd buy at the grocery store. Service was good, but the food needs improvement.

Lighting in bathroom was way too dim. Who knows what I looked like after I put my makeup on?

No coffeemaker in room. I know 5 star places want you to order room service, but it would be so nice to have a little coffeemaker in the room!

Rooms were not completely soundproof. Someone had a long chat on her cell phone out in the hall at about 2 am, and it felt like we heard every word.

I'd visit this hotel again, but next time, I'd opt for a fairway view room to guarantee a great view, or ask for a first floor room, which have comfy big chairs on a nice little patio. And I'd skip dinner at Amara. Make reservations in advance for Addison; it was booked up when we were there.

All in all, though, a very nice place.

The Grand Del Mar was a very nice hotel. It is somewhat overpowering with a lot of marble flooring and high ceilings. You can defiantly tell the resort is new. When we asked for Ice no one knew where it was. Finally the ice arrived by room service and we felt we had to tip. The hotel is not in San Diego, or Del Mar so we were a little disappointed in the fact we had to drive for 30 minutes to get to anyplace. The hotel does have some nice shopping. We wanted to take advantage of their spa, but were unable to get an appointment even though it felt like we were the only guests in the hotel. I would recommend this hotel if you can’t find anything closer to the ocean or in San Diego. It is not a kid friendly hotel.

My husband and I just returned from a six night stay at the Del Mar. The facility is absolutely stunning - the stone work and fabrics are breathtaking. If you have the good fortune (and it takes a small fortune) to stay here, be sure to pay attention to the details of your surroundings. The concierge service is phenomenal - you will be considered a friend by the end of your stay. My favorite meal was at Addison, my husband's was at Amaya - but neither one of us was disappointed either time. There is a cart path only rule at the golf course - not an imposition since you're on a cart with a fore caddy who's chasing down your ball. Because of this rule, the grass is in incredible shape. My only complaints? Due to their shape, the knives have trouble staying perched on the rim of the plate and the shower products are difficult to get out of the bottles. You know I was searching for something to complain about if that's all I could come up with!

My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting the Grand Del Mar in late December/early January. The hotel and grounds are beautiful, and the staff members are cordial and attentive. We stayed in a suite overlooking the golf course, and it is obvious that no expense was spared in building the facility and furnishing it. All of the rooms are spacious and have plasma TVs (including the bathrooms.) From the lobby to the restaurants and lounges, to the shops and spa, to the pools and tennis courts, the attention to detail is amazing. This is a resort that obviously cares about pleasing its guests, and it succeeds brilliantly. If you're looking for the atmosphere and amenities of a luxury hotel without the attendant snootiness, the Grand Del Mar can't be beat.