Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar

The Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar is a smallish purpose-built hotel that opened in 2008. It's geared mainly towards visitors with business in the surrounding area, though it also draws leisure-minded couples and families looking for reasonable rates and proximity to La Jolla or Del Mar. Typical of the Garden Inn chain, the atmosphere is casual and homey, with sunny interiors featuring soft contemporary furnishings and colorful decor. Although there's little in the way of gardens, the property is surrounded by a few patches of well-tended lawns, palm trees, and colorful flowerbeds, while a spacious lobby leads to a pleasant furnished rear terrace. A pair of elevators transport guests to one of four floors. 

The hotel is located in San Diego's peaceful Sorrento Valley district. While the neighborhood is mainly composed of upscale residential apartments and condos, it's also home to much of the region's biotechnology industry. The rugged and picturesque Torrey Pines Nature Reserve is just a couple of minutes' drive away in La Jolla, and sits right next to the Torrey Pines Golf Course. La Jolla Beach is a 15-minute drive away to the south. The University of California San Diego campus is about 10 minutes away by car, while downtown San Diego and the airport are around a 20-minute drive. Despite the hotel's name, the property is not actually in Del Mar, but the posh seaside town is a 10-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 80 rooms, all of which are decorated in a traditional, chain-like style, with patterned fabrics, polished wood furnishings, and carpeted floors. In-room amenities cover all the bases and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers. There's an emphasis on physical comfort, with adjustable-firmness beds and ergonomic desk chairs in every room. Bathrooms have granite countertops, shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and Neutrogena bath products. While all rooms feel clean, past guests have reported that sounds travel between the thin walls separating the rooms. 

The two dining options on-site are Bistro 39 -- for breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- and the New York Garden Deli and Cafe, which serves sandwiches and snacks with an emphasis on local ingredients. There's also an outdoor hot tub as well as pool (though it's too small for a proper swim) along with a 24-hour fitness center and a spa with six treatment rooms. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available for guest use. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free.