Del Mar beach is one of my favorite beaches in the world and my absolute favorite beach in California. I always made it a point to make a trip down for a weekend at least once a year. It was also one of my parents’ favorite trips when they came out to visit. I have wonderful memories of happy times there.
We always stayed at a funky place called the Del Mar Beach Hotel. It was older and very family friendly and was literally the only hotel right on the beach.
I missed going down there during the pandemic and then the Del Mar Beach Hotel closed for renovations. I had a conversation with the investment company that was part of the renovation and they told me they were going to make some significant changes.
When I saw the hotel was finally opening in July, I jumped on the website and checked it out.
Of course, the first change was the price of a room. Although never cheap in the prime summer months, the rates had increased, but the pictures looked great. I found a Sunday and Monday night rate that was reasonable for the end of August. I even convinced the D-Man, who was not a fan of the old place, to come down with me.
The old Del Mar Beach Hotel was what I liked to call “bring your own.” Although there are a couple of great restaurants right next door, there was no food or drinks available at the hotel itself. Need a beach towel? Bring your own. Cooler or beach chairs? Bring your own. Boogie boards and beach toys? Bring your own.
We always stayed at a funky place called the Del Mar Beach Hotel. It was older and very family friendly and was literally the only hotel right on the beach.
I missed going down there during the pandemic and then the Del Mar Beach Hotel closed for renovations. I had a conversation with the investment company that was part of the renovation and they told me they were going to make some significant changes.
When I saw the hotel was finally opening in July, I jumped on the website and checked it out.
Of course, the first change was the price of a room. Although never cheap in the prime summer months, the rates had increased, but the pictures looked great. I found a Sunday and Monday night rate that was reasonable for the end of August. I even convinced the D-Man, who was not a fan of the old place, to come down with me.
The old Del Mar Beach Hotel was what I liked to call “bring your own.” Although there are a couple of great restaurants right next door, there was no food or drinks available at the hotel itself. Need a beach towel? Bring your own. Cooler or beach chairs? Bring your own. Boogie boards and beach toys? Bring your own.
There was a deck off the back that opened to beach, but you had a hill of sand to climb over to get to the water. The patio furniture was mostly old picnic tables. I don’t want to say the service was bad, but even that had kind of a “bring your own,” kind of feel.
Not really knowing what to expect, I packed the truck with what I would have usually brought and off we went late Sunday morning.
Check in time wasn’t until 400pm, but we took a chance and got there early. We immediately saw the difference walking in the lobby. Our room wasn’t ready, but complimentary wine and beer were. They checked the luggage for us and off we went to the newly done outdoor patio.
Not really knowing what to expect, I packed the truck with what I would have usually brought and off we went late Sunday morning.
Check in time wasn’t until 400pm, but we took a chance and got there early. We immediately saw the difference walking in the lobby. Our room wasn’t ready, but complimentary wine and beer were. They checked the luggage for us and off we went to the newly done outdoor patio.
After taking a wonderful walk on the beach, we headed over to the Poseidon restaurant next door. Reservations are highly recommended, and it is pricey, but the food is amazing. The D-Man had the Chilean sea bass and he talked about it the whole rest of the trip. I had one of the best lobster tails I have ever had. Whatever you do, don’t skip the bread or the calamari!
The sunsets are also amazing. So much so, that everyone applauds when the sun finally goes down. The D-Man thought it set off the corny meter, but I find it charming.
We relaxed by one of the two new fire pits back at the hotel and I enjoyed a nice glass of wine.
The sunsets are also amazing. So much so, that everyone applauds when the sun finally goes down. The D-Man thought it set off the corny meter, but I find it charming.
We relaxed by one of the two new fire pits back at the hotel and I enjoyed a nice glass of wine.
The next morning, we had a great breakfast at the Americana in downtown Del Mar, about a six-block walk from the hotel. They have been there forever, and they are always good.
Back at the hotel, I hit the water. No need to take the beach chairs or towels I had packed, out of the truck. The days of “do it yourself” at the Del Mar Beach Hotel are gone. It has become, “you want it, we have it for you.” They even provide beach toys and boogie boards. Wavestorm (my board) and I had a wonderful afternoon. The weather was perfect, and the water was warm.
We had dinner that night at the Monarch in downtown Del Mar. I hadn’t eaten there before, but the food was good. They open up all the windows, so the place feels open and they have a great happy hour.
The only issue I could find with the new Del Mar Hotel was the rain shower in the bathroom. Having only a rain shower head and no alternative, meant a girl like me who doesn’t wash her hair every day was going to be shower challenged. I went to the lobby to ask if they had a shower cap. After a brief search, the two people working were thrilled to find out they did have shower caps and presented me with the first one anyone had asked for. Their enthusiasm for making their guests happy is not something I have seen since the pandemic.
Wonderful service, nice décor, but still a beachy not stuffy, vibe, makes the Del Mar Beach Hotel my happy place. More than worth the higher price and the great views haven’t changed a bit!
Back at the hotel, I hit the water. No need to take the beach chairs or towels I had packed, out of the truck. The days of “do it yourself” at the Del Mar Beach Hotel are gone. It has become, “you want it, we have it for you.” They even provide beach toys and boogie boards. Wavestorm (my board) and I had a wonderful afternoon. The weather was perfect, and the water was warm.
We had dinner that night at the Monarch in downtown Del Mar. I hadn’t eaten there before, but the food was good. They open up all the windows, so the place feels open and they have a great happy hour.
The only issue I could find with the new Del Mar Hotel was the rain shower in the bathroom. Having only a rain shower head and no alternative, meant a girl like me who doesn’t wash her hair every day was going to be shower challenged. I went to the lobby to ask if they had a shower cap. After a brief search, the two people working were thrilled to find out they did have shower caps and presented me with the first one anyone had asked for. Their enthusiasm for making their guests happy is not something I have seen since the pandemic.
Wonderful service, nice décor, but still a beachy not stuffy, vibe, makes the Del Mar Beach Hotel my happy place. More than worth the higher price and the great views haven’t changed a bit!
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