Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Our stay was unforgettable— I’m already planning our return trip! If you can, book a poolside room. Opening the doors and stepping out to the courtyard elevates the whole stay. For a special occasion, book the high tea in advance and you may be be lucky enough to get serenaded by the pianist. Kara listened really well to us and tailored our tea experience, kudos to her. Joel managed to bring by a couple of our favorite tea bags before our departure, talk about making special happen. SPEND YOUR TIME ON THE PROPERTY, sunbathe by the spa or overlooking the golf area, go to the Preserve shop, walk the grounds, have the best dinner right there on site. There is something special going on there everyday, lots to try. What truly sets the place apart are the people. Evelyn greeted us at the pool, Rustin not only recommended a whole plan for us, but his little hand motion when saying “thank you” was such a special touch. Shea, Carlos and Andrea were great to meet, all so gracious. Ignacio was a familiar face as well as our favorite, Nadia she made us feel taken care of in the most special way. Victoria and Maria Rosales kept the room tidy, and really the entire team was incredible. Considering the craziness going on in the world, the Del Mar feels like an escape to an oasis. Don’t overbook your schedule. Just arrive, settle in, and let the property (and the people) take care of the rest. A special thank you to Nenad.

PROS - The property is super baby friendly! We stayed for a weekend with our 14month old and had a great experience! We were able to request for a baby crib, diaper pail, and baby bath tub before arrival so everything was already in the room by the time we checked in! There was even a treasure chest of toys that my baby can pick a toy from before we were shown our room. - The family pool was huge! There were 3 pools, 1 in the front and 2 in the back. The one in the back had a pool that was only 1 foot deep which was perfect for my 14 month old toddler as he was able to walk around the pool while holding my hand. - Amaya, the on-property, restaurant was delicious! We had dinner there and sat in the terrace to enjoy the views. - There’s literally something to do for all ages! CONS - Unfortunately we didn’t use the humidifier since there was mold - There was no complimentary toiletries in the bathroom like toothbrush/paste, comb, shaver. My husband went to ask for a shaver and they said they’ve run out so we had to buy it from the gift shop. - We were not aware the bell service required a huge lead time. After waiting for 30mins, we ended up taking all our stuff out ourselves because we were on a time crunch.

My stay at The Grand Del Mar was exceptional from start to finish. The property strikes a rare balance between refined luxury and genuine warmth — something that can’t be manufactured, only lived by a team that truly cares. The rooms were spotless and beautifully maintained, offering both comfort and understated elegance. Every detail felt intentional, from the crisp linens to the serene ambiance that made it easy to unwind. What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is the staff. Their warmth was authentic — not rehearsed or overly polished. Interactions felt personalized and engaging, with a level of emotional intelligence that made every exchange meaningful. The team clearly listens, anticipates needs, and adapts naturally, creating an experience that feels both attentive and effortless. Service was present and proactive, yet never robotic or intrusive. The food and beverage program deserves special recognition. The offerings were thoughtfully curated, showcasing creativity and quality without feeling pretentious or inaccessible. There was an excellent variety, allowing for both elevated dining and relaxed, approachable options. The menus felt authentically local, highlighting regional flavors and ingredients in a way that was refined yet welcoming. It struck the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. The location is equally impressive — peaceful and picturesque, yet conveniently positioned to enjoy the best of the surrounding area. It’s the kind of setting that enhances the entire stay. In a hospitality landscape where service can sometimes feel transactional, The Grand Del Mar stands out for its dedication to the guest experience. It doesn’t just provide luxury — it delivers care, connection, and a sense of being genuinely valued. I would return without hesitation.

We arrived with our 12 yr old Staffie, Stella, and everyone welcomed us with smiles and a beautiful upgrade to a suite. The next evening I upgraded us to a larger suite and it was so spacious and beautiful we didn’t want to leave. The valet and bellmen Tristan, Brian, Brooklyn, Angie and the rest of the illustrious crew were especially accommodating towards our (many ) needs since we had a few parties and evenings with friends by the fire. Pool and spa are gorgeous and just right temperature, activities numerous and as said the staff was the best. It’s a can’t miss in San Diego County

What an absolute slice of heaven. This place is not only magical, but the top-tier service is truly second to none. If you have the pleasure of crossing paths with Niel at the desk, he will absolutely go above and beyond. And if you meet Rustin around the property, you’ll quickly see he’s an absolute gem who genuinely wants you to live your best life. I cannot wait to come back and feel like royalty all over again.