Though I’ve driven by the San Diego Marriott Del Mar more times than I can count, I hadn’t visited the property until my daughter and I were hosted by the hotel in advance of their May celebration of moms.
San Diego Marriott Del Mar Location
The San Diego Marriott Del Mar is conveniently located on El Camino Real right where Carmel Valley Road, the 56 freeway, and I-5 meet.
For example, guests can take Carmel Valley Road straight to the beach or hop on I-5 to be at SeaWorld San Diego in 15 minutes or so. It’s also near quite a few office buildings which is why many people think of it as a business hotel, which it can be during the week.
I recommend it to families needing a centrally-located San Diego hotel at a reasonable price.
The Rooms
We enjoyed a premium corner guest room that had a large entryway, comfortable bed, desk area and small seating area.
Complimentary in-room coffee is always a hit as were the Bath and Body Works amenities. The large window lets in plenty of natural light, which the black-out shades prohibited nicely in the morning.
An empty mini-fridge allowed for storage of snacks, drinks (there were two small, complimentary bottled waters in there) and other family necessities.
Speaking of storage, a large closet provided plenty of hanging space along with a spacious dresser. All in all it was a very comfortable place to be.
Hotel Dining at Arterra and Beyond
Arterra adds tremendous value to the hotel. It is one of the best restaurants in town with a hip outdoor lounge (fire pits and heat lamps are available for warmth), living room-like seating in the indoor lounge area, a traditional dining room and a sustainable, seasonal menu.
My daughter also enjoyed the interactive placemat, complete with crayons and stickers, immensely.
I ordered a scallop dish with roasted brussels sprouts and loads of bacon that was to die for. My daughter’s meal was mac and cheese off the kids’ menu (note: it’s more like pasta with white sauce–she didn’t care though).
I appreciated that it included two sides so we opted for carrots and fruit. For dessert, she ordered a kids sundae and, based on our server’s recommendation, I devoured the cobbler.
Happy hour wine is the way to go.
We’ll make an effort to return, now that Arterra is on our radar. Sundays in the lounge are great for families because it’s not crowded.
We ordered room service a few times. I thought the breakfast prices were particularly reasonable and the portions for kids meals large.
Other Hotel Amenities
The fitness center offers a nice pool view and is open 24-hours a day. I can’t say I exercised during our stay, but it’s there if you need it.
The pool area is quite nice with fancy lounge chairs and cabanas. There is no lifeguard on duty.
Within a quick walk is an AM/PM for snacks, though a refrigerator full of smoothies and drinks available for purchase is next to the front desk.
A cute lounge area next to Arterra and the front desk has a TV and even some kids books.
I had zero trouble using the WiFi, which didn’t drop once during our stay.
Valet parking is available though overnight self-parking is just as easy.
Things to Know
Families will likely find the lounge area preferable as my daughter was able to stand up and move around our little coffee table with ease, versus being confined to a chair.
There is no spa, though plenty of nice day spa options in Del Mar.
Room service operates only during breakfast and dinner, but Arterra (either the lounge or restaurant) is open and, trust me, you’ll want to eat there anyway.
From check-in to check-out service at the hotel was excellent–nice, nice people everywhere.
Our Takeaway
Even though Del Mar isn’t that far from La Jolla, a weekend out of the house without a nagging to-do list is refreshing, to say the least.
I wasn’t expecting so many families to be checked-in to the hotel, but I get it now. They can head north to LEGOLAND, south to Balboa Park or west to the Del Mar beach with relative ease. We had a great time and you will, too.
Katie Dillon
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