Hotel Indigo Del Mar Review: New Rooms & Value by the Beach

I heard that Hotel Indigos base their color palettes and decor on how best to integrate into a neighborhood. And this brilliant move is totally evident in Hotel Indigo Del Mar’s newly-unveiled renovation. I’ve stayed here and the hotel as my base for touring the seaside city courtesy of the Del Mar Community and Visitor Center. (Also, I used to live in Del Mar.)

The boutique Del Mar hotel provides excellent value for the prestigious location. Room and suite amenities suite traveling families—even those with four-legged children. Here’s what you need to know before you book.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Location & Directions

Hotel Indigo Del Mar rests in the former location of the Stratford Inn which was built in 1910. A multimillion-dollar renovation refreshed the property to modern standards and another recent renovation updated the room.

To get there from the I-5 freeway, head west on Del Mar Heights Road. Turn right to head north on Camino Del Mar and make a left about two blocks down. If you hit the light at 9th street, you’ve gone too far and need to make a U-turn.

It is a hearty but easy walk to the beach at 15th Street (20 minutes) and Del Mar Plaza (15 minutes) but it’s doable. You can browse shops along the way (maybe pick up a sandwich at Board and Brew — a favorite of ours). Plan to get around Del Mar on foot though because parking during peak season is notoriously difficult. This is mostly because the beaches are popular and the race track is home to large and popular seasonal events.

If you need more convincing as to why one might base an entire San Diego vacation here, check my list of things to do in Del Mar.

Be mindful that there’s a Hotel Indigo in downtown San Diego that automatically populates first in your GPS. I’d hate for you to wind up in the wrong spot.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Rooms & Suites in Contemporary Beach Themes

The rooms have been renovated to an awesome neutral-coastal theme since I stayed last.

I stayed in what is now called the King Bed Feature room which has a sleeper sofa that could sleep two kids, easily. My bed was comfortable and there’s daily housekeeping. Coffee via Keurig (hallelujah) and WiFi were both complimentary amenities.

You can choose rooms with king beds, king bed and sofa sleeper, and two queen beds. Some rooms come with ocean views that I would recommend — It’s Del Mar, CA after all (Del Mar translates to of the sea).

You’ll have plenty of space in the glass-enclosed shower—but you need to make sure that you book a room with a bathtub if it’s necessary. Exterior doors can open up to small patios, sometimes with seating perfect for al fresco drinks.

And, there’s great news for pet owners! Hotel Indigo Del Mar is pet-friendly with no weight limit and it has the perfect vibe for it. Not familiar with Del Mar? It’s a very pet-friendly place overall with one of San Diego’s only off-leash dog beaches (check the rules before you go as off-leash times change by the season).

Ocean View Bar and Grill

The food at Ocean View Bar and Grill is pretty great and I love how it’s now more of an indoor-outdoor space.

I ate some pretty extraordinary breakfast food. And, if I lived nearby, I’d be there all of the time. Pricing is very reasonable with items designed for sharing so you can sample multiple things during one meal.

In addition to the world’s best banana creme pancakes, my group tried a number of other dishes. In San Diego, menus change based on what’s in season but you can expect hearty local favorites like huevos rancheros and light options including parfaits.

Fitness, Spa, Pool & Other Guest Amenities

Outdoor pool: The lovely pool pictured above is just off the lobby and restaurant area.

Fitness center: Jog off your breakfast at the 24-hour fitness center with treadmills, bike, free weights, universal weight system, steam room, and locker room.

Spa: Hotel Indigo has a European-style day spa called Spa Na’Mara which features an array of marine-based therapies including massage, wraps, manicures, pedicures, and pure relaxation. They even feature alternative therapies like cupping.

Parking: There is self-parking in outdoor spaces and a covered structure within easy walking distance of the rooms. It’s only $10/night which is incredibly low for San Diego.

WiFi: It’s free for guests in rooms and suites and in public spaces.

Bottom Line

The vibe is beachy and laid back and there is a lot to do within walking or driving distance. It doesn’t have the feel of a big hotel, with long lines and people everywhere, but that is the point.

Just don’t forget, whether you’re a hotel guests or not, to check out Ocean View Bar and Grill!

Have you stayed at Hotel Indigo Del Mar lately?