L'Auberge Del Mar

If you want to experience the art of escapism, look to L'Auberge. L’Auberge Del Mar is coastal elegance done right. From the moment you arrive, it feels less like a hotel and more like a perfectly curated escape. The ocean views steal the show, but the details keep you hooked—thoughtful service, beautifully designed spaces, and an atmosphere that manages to be both relaxed and refined. Whether you’re sipping coffee with a sea breeze in the morning or unwinding as the sun sets over the Pacific, everything feels intentional and effortless. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and start planning your return before you’ve even checked out. Christopher Maranto, the manager, was exceptional, and moved mountains to ensure our stay was extraordinary. The hotel is steps away from the beach, and the sunsets were sensational.

Our experience at L’Auberge was simply wonderful. From the moment we arrived, it was clear how beautiful, clean, and newly renovated the property is, every space feels thoughtfully maintained and inviting. We would like to recognize Andrés at the front desk and Hadia the concierge whose professionalism and kindness made us feel welcome from the very beginning. A huge thank you to Amanda Briggs and Michael Calvillo, whose outstanding leadership truly makes this property so special. We would definitely return to L’Auberge and highly recommend it!

On the plus side, if you're going to the Fairgrounds, this is super convenient. And I love that the hotel is very pet friendly - cute pix of doggie guests in the entry and loads of furry friends wandering through the lobby. Now for the downsides... Given the price of the room (about $500/night once you factor in resort fees and taxes), I would expect more. WAY more. The room was tired, with a postage stamp sized shower, scuffed furniture and frames, and no magnifying mirror in the bathroom. Furniture was uncomfortable. Art entirely without personality. Cleanliness was just okay. We were upgraded to a room with a balcony, but who wants a balcony overlooking the street? Besides the fact that the restaurant had dusty fake plants, the service was terrible. The wait for a very simple breakfast (toast and fruit) was so long we just gave up and left. Another in our group waited 45 minutes. And the restaurant was NOT crowded. To top things off, when my daughter left the valet gave her a bag of oranges "from her father" - you guessed it, her father did not leave her oranges. So to whoever DIDN'T get their oranges, sorry!

Amazing resort stepped in old California history with some of the most amazing views and access to the ocean available. The staff is the real crown of this resort - everyone is focused on your visit and takes the time to treat you like a returning friend.

The best hotel location ever. Close to tons of great restaurants and easy to get to the beach. The staff is exceptionally helpful making decisions easy. In particular the bar staff and the bell staff are absolutely the best in the business anywhere in the world. I have been coming to the hotel for 11 years for Thanksgiving and would never be anywhere else. Just fabulous on all fronts. Worth every nickle and then some.