Fairmont Grand Del Mar Hotel Review & How to Book VIP

When you’re looking for a luxury experience on your next trip to Southern California, set your sights on Fairmont Grand Del Mar resort in San Diego. It’s one of the few Forbes Fifteen-Star properties in the world, a AAA Five-Diamond recipient, and a top pick of mine for San Diego luxury hotels.

The reason is that this centrally-located, 400-acre Mediterranean estate offers no shortage of luxury amenities, including a world-class spa, four outdoor pools, six tantalizing dining options, an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course, complimentary luxury car service, and even an equestrian center. You’ll also find tennis courts, fitness and yoga classes, and a supervised kids’ club. It’s an excellent choice for couples and families alike. I really enjoy staying here, too.

In addition to sharing how to choose a room, what the location is like, activities you may enjoy, and frequently asked questions, this review will also show you that there are big perks to booking through me as a Virtuoso guest.

Note from Katie: We independently choose all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned are popular with our readers or ones we think offer the best value. If you book through select links, we may earn a commission and appreciate you supporting our business. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.

Which Fairmont Grand Del Mar Hotel Room or Suite Should You Choose?

Fairmont Grand Del Mar (which you will also hear referred to as simply The Grand Del Mar) provides 249 elegantly-appointed guestrooms and suites with expansive terraces or balconies.

Each offers extraordinary views of the resort’s gorgeous gardens, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, or the picturesque golf course.

Design features include arched doorways, stately pillars, white French doors, and beautiful, handcrafted, dark-wood furniture. These design features are highlighted by regal navy blue, cream, taupe, and gold fabrics, finishes, and trims on furniture and accessories.

Each guest room and suite provides the following comforts and amenities:

• Pillow-top beds with goose-down pillows
• 40-inch LCD televisions
• Private bars with minibar areas
• Large work desks with oversized chairs
• In-room laptop safes
• Nespresso coffee machines and tea kettles
• Alarms clocks, hairdryers, irons, and ironing boards
• Free WiFi included in your resort fee
• Daily services include 24-hour in-room dining, overnight shoeshine, twice-daily housekeeping including turndown service, and daily delivery of your choice of select newspapers
• Spacious marble bathrooms include European-inspired deep soaking tubs, separate showers, dual sinks, and wall-mounted 13-inch LCD televisions
• En suites offer plush 100% cotton, Italian-woven bathrobes, towels, and slippers, and exclusively designed luxury bath products by Red Flower
• Additional amenities also available upon request when you book are DVD players, refrigerators, microwaves, rollaway beds, bed boards, and umbrellas

TIPS FOR LARGE FAMILIES

Families of five can fit into the suites with a rollaway bed, Queen/Queen to King connecting rooms, as well as suite to room configurations create even more space.

Fairmont Rooms

Offering 500-550 square feet of space, thoughtfully appointed Fairmont Rooms are located on the first and third floors.

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 Veranda Rooms

Deluxe Veranda Rooms provide 550 square feet of space with attached balconies overlooking the verdant beauty of the resort’s well-manicured grounds or the Relaxation Pool.

They are located on floors two and three and offer the choice of one king bed or two queen beds.

Signature Poolside Room (Adults Only)

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. I stayed in one during my last visit and loved the room, which also has a patio with direct access to the spa pool. I enjoyed the privacy and convenience.

Del Mar Suites

If you’re looking for more space, consider a Del Mar Suite (formerly known as a Prado 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, antique coffee table, large work desk, and comfortable chair/ottoman nook.

Del Mar Suites are located on floors two and three and provide incredible views of the Relaxation Pool and lush resort grounds. 

POPULAR WITH SMALL FAMILIES

I book this a lot for families who want more space, two full bathrooms, and a separate living room. Based on the room’s layout, an additional rollaway bed is a tight fit with the sofa bed expanded, but it’s possible.

Vista Suites (Top Pick)

My favorite is the Vista Suite (formerly known as a Toscana 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 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 (formerly known as Palazzo 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 and three, Palazzo Suites also include a small kitchenette and two balconies or patios.

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

The most lavish resort accommodations are the stylish, luxury villas. Offering an idyllic home-away-from-home setting, villas feature the same design, décor, and upscale amenities as the guestrooms and suites, plus an extensive number of exclusive perks.

Upgraded amenities include the use of a personal golf cart, unlimited rounds of golf at the Grand Golf Club for adults, and unlimited access to the Explorer’s Club for kids ages five to 12.

You will also have unlimited use of The Grand Beach Service and free roundtrip transportation to and from San Diego airports, including Palomar, Carlsbad, and San Diego International Airport.

Villa guests receive one executive chef choice amenity daily, a personalized welcome gift, two floral arrangements, resort-wide business internet access, and personalized stationery. The villas wine, water, organic iced teas, and soft drinks are replenished daily. Complimentary pressing services are also available.

In addition, you will receive a curbside greeting upon arrival and a personal escort to your villa, where you will check in and check out. Resort staff will unpack and repack your luggage upon request. There are two villa options to choose from — Villa Brisa (4500 square feet) and Villa Loggia (4,900-5,000 square feet of space).

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 also includes all you need to know about dining at the Mediterranean-style resort.

The resort offers six dining options, including its signature restaurant, Addison, 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.

Two kids’ dining programs, at Amaya and The Clubhouse Grill, offer complimentary dining for children five and younger and half-price dining for older children six to 12.

Addison

Addison is San Diego’s only three Michelin star dining experience. With nearly 40 culinary and wine awards under their belt, 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 $365/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 in a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe 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.

These photos are from a recent dinner I had there. It was outstanding and, I’d say, one of my favorite dining experiences anywhere.

Dishes are served course by course at a paced tempo for a dining experience that’s 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. Weekends bring a spectacular a la carte brunch menu with breakfast and lunch selections.

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, or Amaya buffet. Kids 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 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.

You can also stop in this warm and inviting space for soups, salads, sandwiches, and gelati. You’ll want to check for their daily specials and never miss an enticing treat.

This cafe is a great option when you need to grab something delicious on the go. Early flight or tee time? Cent’ Anni opens at 6 a.m.

Lobby Lounge

Lobby Lounge is an intimate and sophisticated space that’s perfect for relaxing with a handcrafted cocktail or specialty coconut water when you arrive.

The warm and elegant atmosphere includes a library with antique books at one end and a grand marble bar at the opposite end with a fireplace and comfortable seating in between.

You can also grab light bites here, like lobster tacos or West Coast oysters. Live jazz and blues are played on Friday and Saturday nights.

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. It’s offered from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday with a 24-hour advance reservation.

At the pool, you can order beverages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and food from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and grilled favorites, plus fresh fruits, 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

The Fairmont Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is among 60 spas across the globe with a Forbes Five-Star spa rating, so prepare to be pampered. It’s one of the best spas in San Diego and I love coming here!

The Spa offers a full menu of therapeutic treatments. I personally enjoy getting massages here.

Spa amenities that come with a scheduled treatment include the use of the Fitness Center and yoga and fitness classes, two hours of the kids’ club, wet/dry saunas, indoor whirlpools, adults-only relaxation pool, men’s and women’s relaxation lounges, plus hot teas and handcrafted chocolates.

Fitness Center

The Fairmont 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 in yoga and fitness classes, or arrange for a personal trainer who will create a personal program for you.

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.

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.

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.

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 roundtrip 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.

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 younger than five 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 Michelin-star meal. You’ll need to make reservations for it at the moment.

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 do tend to change every year but just a little bit so you’ll need to see what’s on tap during your stay.

Dogs Are Welcome

Up to two dogs weighing no more than 50 lbs. each are welcome to stay at this pet-friendly resort. A nonrefundable cleaning fee applies.

Travelers with dogs will be placed on the ground floor, so it’s important to let the resort know before you arrive that you’re bringing pets.

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 reach both attractions in North County and downtown in more or less equal amounts of 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 followed quickly by the Del Mar thoroughbred racing season, also located at the Fairgrounds. Opening Day in mid-July is a must-experience event. Grab your best hat and join other fashionistas celebrating each new season with style. The racing season runs through Labor Day.

The Best Way to Make Fairmont Grand Del Mar Reservations

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 guest.

The most important reason is the relationship that I have with the hotel (it’s one of my most booked properties in San Diego) and my ability to personalize your stay. I also send out an informative email series tied to your check-in date about promotions and events around San Diego.

Readers of La Jolla Mom also have access to value-added Virtuoso amenities when booking Fairmont Grand Del Mar. These include:

FAQs About Fairmont Grand Del Mar

I talk to readers almost daily about this luxury hotel, and these are the most commonly asked questions.

More San Diego Luxury Resorts that Readers Love

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• The Lodge at Torrey Pines
• Rancho Valencia
• Shore House at The Del
• Beach Village at The Del