1. Best Western Stratford Inn Del Mar
City: Del Mar, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (858) 755-1501, (800) 446-7229
Address: 710 Camino del Mar
Description: One of the best bargains in Del Mar, this hotel is within walking distance of village eateries, boutiques and bookstores, and nifty pubs where you can find some live music. There are 93 rooms, and for days when you’d rather not deal with beach sand, there are two pools. The hotel also has a French day spa offering massages, manicures, and other services.If you’re staying for a week, ask about discounts. The hotel has some rooms with kitchenettes, but these are reserved early during both the summer and winter seasons. Book ahead if you want a place to cook.
2. Del Mar Hilton
City: Del Mar, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (858) 792-5200, (800) 445-8667
Address: 15575 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Description: Stay at this Hilton and you can walk to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, including the on- and off-site horse racetrack. If you hope to stay here during the racing or fair season, make plans well ahead. There are 245 rooms and suites. Some have separate bedrooms and whirlpool tubs. There’s a spacious pool, and the Aponi Restaurant has a pleasant courtyard and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel is 100 percent nonsmoking.
City: Del Mar, CA
Category: Accommodations
Address: 11915 El Camino Real
4. L’Auberge Resort And Spa
City: Del Mar, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (858) 259-1515, (800) 245-9757
Address: 1540 Camino Del Mar
Description: Many people think of L’Auberge as a spa (see Spas and Resorts) and they’re right. It has wonderful possibilities for relaxation and rejuvenation, yet it’s also a convenient and enjoyable hotel located in the seaside village of Del Mar. Be sure to read more about the lovely beaches in Del Mar in our Beaches and Water Sports chapter. There are 128 deluxe rooms and elegant suites, two tennis courts, indoor and outdoor fitness areas, and a pool. J. Taylor’s restaurant, with patio dining beside a waterfall and a blazing fireplace in the dining room, is a lovely spot for romantic escapes. The village’s delightful restaurants, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and bookstores are all within walking distance.
5. San Diego Marriott Del Mar
City: Del Mar, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (858) 523-1700, (800) 228-9290
Address: 11966 El Camino Real
Description: As North County continues to grow, hotel chains are finding a lucrative market with both business and leisure travelers. This lavish Marriott is centrally located on the inland side of I-5 near the coast. The excellent Arterra Restaurant draws a local following with its American bistro cuisine and sushi bar. The 281 rooms fill 11 stories—go for the views at the top. Self-serve laundry facilities are a boon for traveling families; other amenities include a fitness center and outdoor pool. The hotel fills quickly during the horse-racing season, so book early.
City: Del Mar, CA
Category: Accommodations
Address: 1540 Camino Del Mar