San Diego Marriott Del Mar

The San Diego Marriott Del Mar is designed to impress from the first step inside its high-ceilinged lobby, where rich wood paneling and polished marble floors envelop guests in a bright glow. Tucked away off the main lobby is a cozy yet sophisticated living room lounge that’s separated by brightly colored drapes and frosted glass wall panels. Contemporary designer-quality furniture creates an intimate space to relax in. The hotel's Arterra restaurant is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. The sleek, sunlit space has floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of light. Modern, circular chandeliers and ceiling panels hang over oval tables in front of semi-circle bench sofas upholstered with elegant fabrics. The hardwood floors are equally attractive. Overall, this is a business-oriented hotel that draws many corporate travelers, though weekends and summer months see plenty of discerning vacationers.

The hotel is located just off Interstate 5 in a commercial district with office complexes and several other hotels surrounding it. Some restaurants are as close as a one-minute walk, and others can be reached in a five-minute walk or short drive. A shopping center with a grocery store can be reached in two minutes by car. Solana Beach and Del Mar attractions like the village, fairgrounds, and race track are a 10-minute drive, while the Torrey Pines State Nature Preserve and Torrey Pines Golf Course take 12 to 15 minutes. The hotel's location off I-5 makes drives to many of San Diego’s notable attractions relatively quick and simple. Driving to the Gaslamp District, La Jolla, Petco Park, Balboa Park, and other attractions in central San Diego takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. San Diego International Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive from here.  

Rooms at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar are clean and spacious, decorated in a modern and tasteful way with a color palette of white, brown, and beige shades. The beige and brown carpet has distinctive circular patterns and complements the bright white bedding with beige accents. Drapes and walls are light beige, except for gold accent walls. Quality, reddish brown furniture includes desks, headboards, dressers, and nightstands. Mosaics of colorful San Diego photos add color, while green and brown armchairs provide seating. Overall, its the typical contemporary look expected from the Marriott brand.

Bathrooms have roomy, wood vanities with tan granite tops and shower/tub combos framed by white tile. THANN toiletries are standard room amenities, as are coffeemakers, mini-fridges, iHome docking stations, 24-hour room service, and nightly turndown service. Be aware that Wi-Fi incurs an extra fee, though it's free for Marriott Rewards members who book directly through the hotel website.

Standard Deluxe Rooms with one king or two queen beds are nicely sized at 325 square feet. The Concierge Rooms and Allergy Friendly Rooms (with an air cleaner) offer the same size and bed options. The Larger Guest Room (430 square feet) and One Bedroom Suite (675 square feet) also include concierge lounge access. The two-room suite adds a separate living room with a sleeper sofa and a second 32-inch flat-screen TV. 

Features at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar cover the full spectrum of business-travel amenities, recreation, and dining. The hotel's Arterra restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but breakfast is not included in room rates. The upscale restaurant includes a lounge and popular sushi bar with Sashimi-grade seafood. Concierge-level rooms have access to the Concierge lounge, which offers a free continental breakfast and afternoon snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, business services, and an honor bar. The hotel also has a lovely, large outdoor pool surrounded by cabanas and a hot tub. During summer months, the hotel shows family movies here on special "dive-in" movie nights. The 24-hour fitness center is roomy and includes several cardio and weight-training machines as well as free weights. The lobby has a gift shop with snacks and drinks as well as an ATM. 

Business travelers are well catered to with almost 23,000 square feet of meeting space as well as a business center with two computers and printers. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and public spaces; it's an extra fee in rooms, except for Marriott Rewards members that book directly. Concierge and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available. Self-service laundry facilities are on-site, too. A guest safe deposit box and free newspapers are at the front desk. On-site, covered parking options include valet and self-parking, but both are a bit pricey for a hotel not in downtown. The hotel operates a free shuttle service within a five-mile radius. Pets are welcome in select rooms, but it comes with a hefty surcharge.