Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of my top recommendations for a true five-star resort experience in Southern California—and not just because I’ve stayed here multiple times.
I regularly book clients into the resort and maintain a close relationship with the hotel team, which gives me access to up-to-date insights and helpful details you won’t find in most reviews.
Set on 400 acres in a scenic, central San Diego location, this Mediterranean-style resort features a Forbes Five-Star spa, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, four outdoor pools, tennis courts, yoga and fitness classes, an equestrian center, a kids’ club, and complimentary house car service.
In this review, I’ll help you choose the best room or suite, share what makes the resort exceptional for both couples and families, and explain how booking through me unlocks exclusive VIP amenities to elevate your stay.
Check-In as a VIP Guest with My Benefits
Through me, you can book with the following amenities added to your room or suite through Virtuoso or Accor Hera:
*When searching rates on Virtuoso, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130
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Which Fairmont Grand Del Mar Hotel Room or Suite Should You Choose?
Feel free to email me as well, as I can help you choose a room or suite very quickly. I know details that you will not find on the resort’s website.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, many with private balconies or terraces overlooking the resort’s gardens, the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, or the Tom Fazio–designed golf course.
Accommodations reflect the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired design, with arched doorways, stately pillars, white French doors, and handcrafted dark-wood furnishings. A palette of navy, cream, taupe, and gold is used throughout, giving rooms a formal but comfortable residential feel.
All guestrooms and suites include the following features:
- Pillow-top beds with goose-down pillows
- Flat-screen televisions
- Private bar areas with minibars
- Large work desks with oversized chairs
- In-room laptop safes
- Nespresso coffee machines and tea kettles
- Alarm clocks, hairdryers, irons, and ironing boards
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (included in the resort fee)
- Twice-daily housekeeping including evening turntown service
Bathrooms are generously sized and finished in marble, with European-style deep soaking tubs, separate showers, dual vanities, and wall-mounted televisions. I’m also a fan of the Italian-woven cotton bathrobes, towels, slippers, and custom luxury bath products.
Helpful Tips for Large Families
Fairmont Resort View Rooms
The thoughtfully appointed Fairmont Resort View Rooms, located on the first and third floors, offer 500-550 square feet of space.
You can choose a king bed or two queen beds, and they’ll come with a view of either Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve or the undulating resort golf course from your patio or terrace.
Deluxe Resort View Rooms with Balcony or Fire Pit
Deluxe Resort View Rooms measure about 550 square feet. You can book them with attached balconies overlooking the resort’s pretty scenery or the Relaxation Pool. Or, you can book them with a lovely furnished terrace and fire pit!
The balcony rooms are on floors 2 and 3, and the fire pit rooms are on the ground floor. Both offer one king bed or two queen beds.
Signature Poolside Room (Adults Only)
My room 
That gate leads to the adults-only pool. 
Bathroom window to bedroom closes with shutters.
In the mood for a quiet retreat away? Consider staying in one of the Signature Poolside Rooms. Situated on the first floor, these rooms are the resort’s adults-only accommodations. With 550 square feet of space, they feature expansive patios overlooking the adults-only Relaxation Pool.
These guestrooms have a king bed and step-out access to the pool from the terrace. They are very popular for couples’ getaways. You can also now book them with fire pits.
I stayed in one during my last visit and loved the room. It also has a patio with direct access to the spa pool, which provides privacy and convenience.
Bathrooms have a shuttered window that opens to the main bedroom. You also can’t stay here with dogs.
Del Mar Suites
If you’re looking for more space, consider a Del Mar Suite. These suites offer 1,000 square feet of space with separate living and sleeping areas. The private bedroom includes one king bed with lavish dual master en-suites (yes, two full bathrooms).
The connecting parlor features a pull-out sofa sleeper, an antique coffee table, a large work desk, and a comfortable chair/ottoman nook.
Most Del Mar Suites are located on floors 2 and 3, offering incredible views of the Relaxation Pool and lush resort grounds. A few are on the ground floor with fire pits that you can book directly.
This is the most popular suite we book for families, thanks to the separate bedroom and living room, and two full bathrooms. Rollaways fit tightly.
Vista Suites
My favorite is the Vista Suite. With 1,100 square feet of space, Vista Suites are spacious and comfortable, with separate sleeping and living areas.
They’re a great option if you’re traveling with multiple kids or extended family. The bedrooms include a king bed, a large work desk, an elegant dresser, and a small sitting area with French doors leading to a small patio or balcony.
The living space features a six-person dining table (which the Del Mar Suite does not have), a stone fireplace, an elegant built-in bookshelf, and an expansive seating area with a pull-out sofa sleeper.
Located on floors one (with fire pits) and three, these rooms offer scenic views of the golf course. You can also fit a rollaway bed into these suites.
Paseo Suites
The most family-friendly accommodations, Paseo Suites offer 1,500 square feet of living space with the choice of one, two, or three bedrooms. All overlook the resort grounds.
These suites provide an expansive living area with a stately stone fireplace, plush pull-out sofa sleeper, two built-in bookshelves, and rustic oversized brown leather chairs.
An adjacent dining area has an eight-person dining table. Located on floors one (with fire pits) and three, Palazzo Suites also include a small kitchenette and two balconies or patios. I also like that there’s a two queen bed suite option with a sofa in the living room that sleeps up to six people.
We combine Paseo Suites with rooms to create a two or three-bedroom suite!
Grand Suites
If you like having lots of space to sprawl out, these are the suites for you. Located on the second and third floors, Grand Suites (formerly known as Manchester Presidential Suites) boast a whopping 2,840 square feet of space with picturesque views of the landscaped resort grounds and golf course.
There are only two of these suites, and each offers a lavish living room with two comfortable couches, two cozy chairs, a magnificent stone fireplace, a study, outdoor seating (the balcony off of the living room has a stone fireplace), and a large eight-person dining table with adjacent butler’s pantry and powder room.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar Villas
These ultra-luxurious residences, ranging from 4500-4900 square feet, combine privacy and pampering. Guests enjoy VIP amenities including a personal golf cart, unlimited golf for adults, access to the Explorer’s Club for kids (ages 5–12), and use of the Grand Beach Service.
Round-trip airport transportation is included, as are daily chef’s choice amenities, personalized welcome gifts, and in-villa beverage replenishment. Staff are available to unpack and repack your luggage, and you’ll check in and out from the comfort of your villa.
On-Site Restaurants and Lounges
Now that you’ve decided on what kind of room you’d like to reserve during your stay, it’s time to discover all of the incredible on-site dining options. My Fairmont Grand Del Mar review includes everything you need to know about dining at the Mediterranean-style resort.
The resort offers six dining options, including its signature restaurant, Addison by William Bradley, where you can indulge in Michelin-starred fine dining. From contemporary cuisine to casual fare to gourmet coffees and crafted cocktails, there’s a dining option to fit your every mood.
The resort offers foodie-related experiences beyond restaurant dining, such as afternoon tea, cooking classes, and wine events.
Dining Program for Kids
Registerd resort overnight guests receive complimentary dining for children five and younger and half-price dining for older children six to 12 at:
Addison by William Bradley
Addison is San Diego’s only three Michelin-starred dining experience. With nearly 40 culinary and wine awards under their belts, including Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef, Addison is where haute cuisine becomes a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The menu is a multiple-course tasting experience priced at $395/person (the price changes every once in a while). That’s before any wine pairings, which you will certainly want if you drink wine. The cocktails and mocktails are exquisite as well.
You’ll be asked in advance about any dietary restrictions, but there is no menu. These are photos from my recent dinner at Addison, and every single dish was outstanding. I’ve eaten at many Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, but this one ranks very highly among them.
I highly recommend trying to secure a reservation. They are hard to come by, and unfortunately, the restaurant is so popular that the concierge can’t pull strings to get you in. If it’s booked, it’s booked.
Dishes are served course by course at a measured pace for a dining experience elevated by an elegant ambiance. You will need to reserve months in advance. Even the concierge can not wedge hotel guests at the last minute.
Amaya
Amaya serves Italian-inspired cuisine in a refined yet relaxed dining room, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You can eat in the graceful dining room or the shaded terrace overlooking the golf course. On weekends, a spectacular à la carte brunch menu with breakfast and lunch selections is available.
The Explorer-in-Training Dining Program for kids five and younger allows them to eat free when they order from Amaya’s children’s menu. Kids aged six to 12 eat at half price here.
The Clubhouse Grill
For a more relaxed dining experience, The Clubhouse Grill is the resort’s answer. From early morning pre-golf energy smoothies to classic full breakfasts, this restaurant starts the day right.
At lunch, approachable cuisine from the grill, like burgers and sandwiches, takes center stage, and at night, it’s all about SoCal-inspired tapas with specialty cocktails and craft beer.
Regular culinary events include 19th Hole Happy Hour, weekend brunch, and fall football fare. Kids aged six to 12 eat here for half price.
Cent’ Anni Café
Cent’ Anni, Italian for 100 years, is a gourmet cafe focused on aromatic espressos, organic iced teas, and breakfast light bites. Or the self-serve mimosa bar I saw, which is a nice touch!
You can also stop in this warm and inviting space for soups, salads, sandwiches, and gelato. Check for their daily specials.
This cafe is a great option for grabbing something delicious on the go. Have an early flight or tee time? Cent’ Anni opens at 6 a.m.
Lobby Lounge
Lobby Lounge is an intimate and sophisticated space where you can relax with a handcrafted cocktail or a specialty coconut water upon arrival. They just renovated, and I love how elegant yet comfortable it feels.
There’s a library with antique books at one end, a grand marble bar at the other, and a fireplace and comfortable seating in between.
You can also grab light bites here, like lobster tacos or West Coast oysters. Live music on the grand piano is a treat.
Afternoon Tea, Poolside Dining, and In-Room Dining
Beyond the resort’s six dining and entertainment venues, other foodie amenities include Afternoon Tea on weekends in the Lobby Lounge.
You’ll get a fresh pot of hot tea, or if you prefer, a glass of wine, plus scones, small pastries, and finger sandwiches. Make reservations. Trust me, the tea sommelier’s knowledge will help you understand the flavors on offer and which ones you’ll prefer.
At the pool, you can order beverages and food. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and grilled favorites, along with fresh fruit, snacks, and ice cream. Poolside dining also includes a special kids’ menu.
Room service is available 24/7. It’s a great alternative to the resort restaurants for a private couple’s dinner, late-night bites after a night out, or breakfast for early risers. In-room dining also includes a special kids’ menu.
The Forbes Five-Star Spa
My daughter and I just experienced the brand new renovated Fairmont Grand Del Mar spa.
The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is among the few spas worldwide with a Forbes Five-Star rating, so prepare to be pampered. It’s one of the best spas in San Diego, and I love coming here!
You can choose from a full menu of therapeutic treatments. I personally enjoy getting massages here, though I had an incredible facial during my last visit that was customized to my skin.
What I like most is that you could actually spend a full day here. In addition to a treatment, there are wet/dry saunas, indoor whirlpools, an adults-only relaxation pool (the same one the adults-only rooms surround) with food and beverage service.
And now there’s a recovery room with vibroacoustic meditation. I chose the Stress setting, but then learned that the staff loves Sleep, which is apparently equivalent to 8 hours of sleep in 22 minutes. You can add this to your spa day or schedule a time in these chairs a la carte.
When you go, take a look at the framed Hermes scarves in the halls. I’m really glad they kept these.
Fitness Center
The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar also includes a fitness center that is open to resort guests 24 hours per day. It features Life Fitness treadmills with personal TVs, exercise bikes, weight machines, an elliptical machine, free weights, and stretching and exercise devices.
You can join yoga and fitness classes or arrange for a personal trainer to create a customized program.
Fantastic Outdoor Swimming Pools
This resort has outdone itself when it comes to its pools. Soak up the sun at one of the four heated outdoor pools with underwater speakers, vanishing edges, and private cabanas to rent.
A lively poolside bar with a menu of light and delicious fare, refreshing cocktails, and flat-screen TVs has a fun and energetic vibe.
The main resort pool features most of the action. Expect a space with glowing fire pits, white-sand seating areas, and a children’s pool.
Another perk is the adults-only pool. Located near the spa, the Relaxation Pool is an adults-only retreat ideal for lounging in the sun and swimming after enjoying a luxurious spa treatment. I could step onto the pool deck from my Signature Poolside room’s patio, which was nice.
All of the pools are heated to a comfortable 81 degrees, while the hot tubs stay at a steamy 102 degrees. Swim accessories, including goggles, sunscreen, sunglasses, and arm floats, are available for purchase.
The Championship Golf Course
Los Peñasquitos Canyon is the perfect setting for this 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, which is reserved only for members and hotel guests.
You can expect gorgeous, lush fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and an array of diverse bunkers. PGA-certified instructors are available for one-on-one instruction.
There are junior rates and junior club rentals for kids too. Thirteen to 17-year-olds play for half-price, and kids 12 and under play free with an adult. Club fittings and a three-day Vision54 Golf School are also available.
Other golf amenities at Fairmont Grand include a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse, golf shop, practice facilities, forecaddies, equipment rental, and a door-to-door golf bag shipping service.
Green fees include complimentary golf carts with GPS, a forecaddie, a yardage book, and bottled water.
Even More Fairmont Grand Del Mar Activities
At Fairmont Grand Del Mar, you’ll enjoy seasonal wine and food events, 37 miles of canyon trails, pro-style tennis courts, an equestrian center, and lots of fun, planned resort activities.
The ocean is a short drive away for all your open-water swimming and water sports needs, too.
Equestrian Center
The Equestrian Center at Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers guests epic trail rides through the beautiful Los Peñasquitos Canyon.
There are also day camps and pony rides for kids, professional riding lessons, and other horse adventures for equestrian enthusiasts.
Mandatory helmets are provided, and closed-toe shoes are required for trail rides and lessons. Personal sun protection is recommended.
Riders must be at least seven years old. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance. The Equestrian Center is closed on Mondays. During my last stay, I heard a ton of guests talking about their riding lessons (and planning spa for after their rides).
Tip: You can walk down and visit the horses during the day. They’re a short walk from the pool.
Tennis
There are two professional-style tennis courts on the resort where you can play or take lessons. Fairmont Grand also provides instructional clinics and day camps for youth.
Parents can watch the action from the shaded tennis pavilion. Spectacular nature preserve views are a bonus. You can also plan pickleball and padel.
Saturday Morning Hikes
Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers guests complimentary guided hikes through the stunning Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve every Saturday morning. Call the concierge to reserve your spot.
The Grand Beach Service
The Grand Beach Service is the resort’s beach service that can now be arranged (24 hours’ notice required—ask the concierge for driver availability) so that you can sunbathe on the pristine sand and swim in the Pacific Ocean.
This service includes round-trip transportation to the 18th Street Del Mar beach and beach set-up with chairs, umbrellas, towels, and bottled water. The beach gear is complimentary for resort guests, even if you prefer to drive yourself.
Larger families may want to Uber as right now transport is in the resort sedan.
Explorer’s Club (Kids’ Club)
Explorer’s Club is for the exclusive use of guests ages 5 – 12. Kids can expect elevated arts and crafts projects to take home, movies, and all kinds of games from Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation to foosball, air hockey, and Ping-Pong.
It is one of the few supervised, year-round kids’ clubs in San Diego.
A massive state-of-the-art plasma Seawall mural offers interactive fun, illuminating life under the sea. Kids under 5 can participate, too, when accompanied by an adult.
Plus, the resort can arrange babysitting for babies and younger kids, should parents want to escape for a spa treatment or a Michelin-star meal. You’ll need to make reservations.
See also: 10 Reasons Why Families Choose Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Holiday Events
The holiday season is a fantastic time to book a stay. Holiday events at Fairmont Grand Del Mar include glice skating, opportunities to see Santa, s’more roasting, and many more festive activities. Holiday events tend to change slightly every year, so you’ll need to check what’s on offer during your stay.
I went for the Holiday Tea, and the gingerbread scones were my favorite. I also learned that they decorate a live tree, which is rare these days, even at luxury resorts.
Dogs Are Welcome
This pet-friendly resort welcomes up to two dogs, each weighing no more than 50 pounds. A nonrefundable cleaning fee applies.
I strongly advise booking a ground-floor fire pit terrace room, as it will be easy to walk directly from your back patio to the grassy areas.
What to Do Near the Resort in Del Mar
One of the benefits of basing a San Diego vacation in East Del Mar (otherwise known as Carmel Valley) is its central location and easy freeway access.
San Diego is a big city, so it’s nice to be able to reach both North County attractions and downtown in roughly equal drive time.
The neighborhoods surrounding Fairmont Grand Del Mar offer seasonal and year-round attractions. The beaches here, again, are some of the best in San Diego, but you’ll also enjoy walking around Del Mar Village, a popular boutique shopping and dining hub with European charm and coastal views.
Other things to do in Del Mar include Pelly’s Mini Golf, Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary, a myriad of hiking opportunities, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, picnics at beachfront Powerhouse Park, and more.
Seasonal events include the San Diego County Fair, one of the top five county fairs in the United States, located at Del Mar Fairgrounds, a quick drive north of the resort on I-5. You can catch this family-fun extravaganza from the first weekend of June through the 4th of July weekend (closed Mondays/Tuesdays).
The Fair is quickly followed by the Del Mar thoroughbred racing season, which is also located at the Fairgrounds. Opening Day in mid-July is a must-attend event. Grab your best hat and join other fashionistas celebrating each new season with style. The racing season runs through Labor Day.
Who Stays Here and Why
If you’d like to know the type of traveler we book in here the most, it’s actually pretty varied. The people who enjoy this resort have the following characteristics.
- Multigenerational families: This hotel can combine up to three-bedroom suites, and there are larger villas for big groups. Or, for us, they can block individual rooms near each other.
- Travelers with pets: There is a lot of grass and places to walk your dog. Plus, you can book a terrace room (outside of the adults-only section) with direct access to the grounds without walking through hallways to an exit.
- People who want an adult-centric vibe: They book the adults-only Signature Poolside rooms and maybe eat at Addison.
- Families: We book families who want a central location here the most. They want a luxury resort between LEGOLAND and the Zoo.
- Holiday activity seekers: This resort goes all out for the winter holidays with activities for all ages. People choose it because it’s less hectic than Hotel del Coronado’s holiday activities.
I do not recommend the resort for travelers who prefer sleek, modern accommodations, as this doesn’t align with the resort’s Mediterranean design. It’s not for people who prioritize walkability. Our best resorts, outside of Hotel del Coronado, are usually inland, on golf courses. None of my clients ever complains about walkability here, though, as they like being in a relaxing environment away from city buzz.
Make Fairmont Grand Del Mar Reservations With My VIP Benefits Now
First, let’s discuss the best ways to make your reservation at Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego. I strongly suggest booking through me as a Virtuoso or Accor Hera guest.
The most important reason is my relationship with the hotel (it’s one of my most booked properties in San Diego) and my ability to personalize your stay. I also send an informative email series, tied to your check-in date, about promotions and events in San Diego.
Our benefits include:
When booking Fairmont on Virtuoso.com use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.
FAQs About Fairmont Grand Del Mar
I talk to readers almost daily about this luxury hotel, and these are the most commonly asked questions.
How far is Fairmont Grand Del Mar from the beach?
Fairmont Grand Del Mar is about 15 minutes from Del Mar City Beach, one of the best San Diego beaches.
What is the minimum age for the kids’ club?
The Explorer’s Club is a supervised kids’ club for ages 5–12, one of the few San Diego hotels with a year-round kids’ club, and a big reason why families choose Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Kids younger than 5 can participate if accompanied by a parent. Babysitting can also be arranged through the concierge.
How far is Fairmont Grand Del Mar from the San Diego Zoo?
The distance between Fairmont Grand Del Mar and San Diego Zoo is 19.5 miles, which without traffic, takes about 25 minutes by car, mostly on the freeway.
Families choose the hotel because it is a good midway point between the Zoo and LEGOLAND. (Don’t forget that you can buy discount San Diego Zoo tickets.)
How far is Fairmont Grand Del Mar to LEGOLAND California?
LEGOLAND California is an easy 20-mile, mostly freeway drive from Fairmont Grand Del Mar, which takes a little less than 25 minutes without traffic. (Don’t forget that you can buy discount LEGOLAND tickets.)
Is there free parking?
No. Valet parking is $70/night. The resort does not offer self-parking.
Where is breakfast served at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
In addition to in-room dining, breakfast is served at Amaya restaurant from 7–11 a.m. Virtuoso guests receive breakfast for two, up to a $76 breakfast credit per day. Through me, you can book in as a Virtuoso guest.
You can also stop into Cent’Anni Cafe for grab-and-go breakfast items starting at 6 a.m.
Is there a kids’ pool at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
Yes. Near the Main Pool is a smaller kids’ wading pool. You can read more about why families choose Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
How do I get to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar beach?
Reserve The Grand Beach Service in advance to take you to Del Mar Beach at 18th Street by car. There, you’ll be set up with chairs, towels, umbrellas, and bottled water. You may also drive, though parking is difficult in the summer, or use Uber.
How do I secure a tee time?
The Tom Fazio-designed golf course is reserved only for members and hotel guests who may arrange times through the concierge.
Do kids eat free at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
When accompanied by a registered adult guest, children 5 years of age and under eat for free when ordering from the Amaya children’s menu.
Children ages 6-12 can order from the Amaya or The Clubhouse Grill menu and receive a 50% discount. See other reasons why families choose Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
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Katie Dillon
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