The Grand Del Mar Rating: 5.0 Pearls

Del Mar, San Diego, California

The Grand Del Mar is indeed grand, with Spanish-Colonial-style architecture, marble columns in the lobby, fireplaces, and wood accents. But touches like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and free car service in an Escalade or Mercedes ensure that guests will get a thoroughly modern luxury experience.

Although the decor is undeniably romantic, there's plenty for families to do too. The hotel features a teen center, a kids club, an Equestrian Center, tennis courts with free racquet rentals, and golf lessons.

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The resort is located in Carmel Valley (not to be confused with the northern California community), near Del Mar and La Jolla. It's a 15-minute drive to the beach, and a 20-minute drive to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, known for beautiful canyons, waterfalls, sycamore trees, oak trees, and a variety of animal species native to the area. The resort's house car will take guests anywhere in a 14-mile radius, including Torrey Pines State Park, Torrey Pines State Beach, Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, Del Mar, and some parts of La Jolla.

• 15-minute drive Torrey Pines State Park and the Torrey Pines State Beach
• 15-minute drive to Del Mar Village and Del Mar Beach
• 20-minute drive to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
• 25-minute drive to La Jolla
• 25-minute drive to Downtown San Diego
• 25-minute drive to San Diego International Airport

Palazzo Suite

All rooms include:

• Marble bathroom with 13-inch TV, walk-in shower and separate soaking tub, and gold detailing
• 40-inch TV with 30 channels including HBO
• Pillow-top bed with Pratesi linens and goose-down pillows
• Wet bar and stocked minibar
• Safe large enough for a laptop
• Balcony or terrace
• King or two queen beds

Room types:

• Guestroom: 550 square feet; view of golf course or pool
• Prado Suite: 1,000 square feet; separate bedroom; two bathrooms
• Veranda Suite: 1,100 square feet; fireplace; dining room for six; kitchenette; sleeper sofa; golf course views
• Palazzo Suite: 1,500 square feet; one, two, or three bedrooms available; fireplace; dining room for eight; kitchenette; sleeper sofa
• Mizner Suite: 2,840 square feet; two bedrooms; terrace with fireplace; study; butler's pantry; 2.5 bathrooms
• Manchester Suite: 2,840 square feet; top floor; study; patio with fireplace; butler's pantry; two bedrooms; 2.5 bathrooms
• Brisa Villa: 4,500 square feet; two bedrooms with sitting areas; wood floors and decorative antiques; kitchen with Sub-Zero appliances; media room with Sony appliances; office space; terrace and patio; Jacuzzi; all confined by privacy walls; laundry room with Whirlpool appliances; personal elevator; attached garage for cars and golf carts; baby grand piano; wine cellar

The Equestrian Center

• Free Wi-Fi
• Free off-site parking and or valet parking, for a fee
• Free roundtrip shuttle to the Del Mar Beach based on availability (it's best to reserve at least 24 hours in advance)
• 18-hole Grand Golf Club course designed by Tom Fazio, winner of many design awards; golf lessons available
• Four heated pools with a poolside bar and underwater music
• 24-hour fitness center and fitness classes available
• 24-hour front desk staff
• Concierge available daily
• Two tennis courts with free racquet rentals and lessons available
• 24-hour business center with computer access, printers, and scanners
• Mercedes, Escalade, and van house cars will take guests anywhere in a 14-mile radius when available during daytime hours
• The Spa at The Grand Del Mar, one of top spas in the country, has 11 treatments rooms and is open seasonally
• Equestrian Center offers riding lessons, trail rides, and day camps; open seasonally
• Kids club
• Teen center

Addison

• Addison: Award-winning French cuisine from renowned chef William Bradley; wine room; open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Amaya: American and Mediterranean cuisine; open for breakfast daily 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., lunch Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., brunch Sunday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Intermezzo daily 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and dinner daily 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Club M: Restaurant, nightclub, and sports bar; open Sunday to Wednesday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 7 a.m. to midnight, and Friday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
• Lobby Lounge: Light cuisine and drinks, including afternoon tea, Friday to Sunday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; live entertainment Wednesday to Saturday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; open Friday to Saturday 2 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Sunday to Thursday 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Poolside service: Light cuisine and snacks; available daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (later during the summer)
• Cent' Anni: Cafe serving coffee, tea sandwiches and other light food; open daily 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• 24-hour room service from Amaya