Review: Hotel Indigo Del Mar Is Value by the Sea

I heard that Hotel Indigos base their decor decisions on how best to integrate into a neighborhood. And this brilliant move is totally evident seconds after stepping into the sea-themed lobby of Hotel Indigo Del Mar, my base for touring the city courtesy of the Del Mar Community and Visitor Center.

The boutique Del Mar hotel provides excellent value for the prestigious location with room amenities suiting traveling families—even those with four-legged children.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Location

Hotel Indigo Del Mar rests in the former location of the Stratford Inn, built in 1910. A multimillion-dollar renovation refreshed the property to modern standards.

To get there from Del Mar Heights Road, 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.

What this means is that it is a hearty walk to the beach at 15th Street or Del Mar Plaza (.7 miles away) but it’s doable with lots of shops to browse along the way. Do be mindful that there’s a Hotel Indigo in downtown San Diego that automatically populates first in your GPS. We’d hate for you to wind up in the wrong spot.

Hotel Indigo’s Beach-Themed Rooms

My superior king room also had 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.

I think this room is particularly nice for families because there’s a sink, microwave, stove and mini fridge along with bar seating to make snack or meal prep a breeze. An ocean mural livened up the space.

The rooms don’t have the same new feel that the lobby and restaurant do (I missed seeing the spa but heard treatments are fantastic) and that you can see some age here and there. But, this really needs to be evaluated based on the fact that this hotel is amazing value for what you get.

You’ll have plenty of space in the glass-enclosed shower—the bathroom amenities feel new—but there’s no tub which is good to know if you’re a family traveling with young kids. Two exterior doors opened up to small patios, one has seating perfect for al fresco drinks (BTW, the wine is mine–a gift from Del Mar Community and Visitor Center).

And, there’s great news for pet owners! Hotel Indigo Del Mar is pet-friendly (no weight limit) and it has the perfect vibe for it. Not familiar with Del Mar? It’s a very pet-friendly place overall.

Ocean View Bar and Grill

I ate some pretty extraordinary breakfast food. And, if I lived nearby, I’d be here all of the time. Pricing is very reasonable with items designed for sharing so you can sample multiple things during one meal. Hailing from Hawaii, Chef Dan Saito is a master of pancakes and fusing cuisines together. Plus, he’s so nice!

In addition to the world’s best banana creme pancakes, we tried chorizo with scrambled eggs and fried rice, lightly marinated tofu, grilled Hawaiian bread with jalapeno-honey butter (amazing) and more. I beg you to try breakfast here, at the very least.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Amenities

Two outdoor pools: The lovely pool pictured above is just off the lobby and restaurant area. A smaller pool happened to be right next to my room.

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 featuring 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.

Bottom Line

I plugged in a random October date and room rates started at $129. During Christmas break, rates go to $230, which I think is still a deal given the season. 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?

*Thanks to Hotel Indigo Del Mar for hosting me. Opinions are my own (and I was not required to write this).