The hotel L’Auberge Del Mar has totally changed its look-less of a high rise hotel, more a collection of craftsmen style buildings around a central pool. It is shaped in a U, facing outwards towards the sea. It is important to note that while the views are lovely, there is a condominium development and also a parking lot actually between the property and an unobstructed ocean view. The best vistas are on the south wing of the hotel, facing north, towards the end.
You approach the hotel into a roundabout. The porters are well attired in Panama hats and palm embroidered uniforms. Entering a large lobby/reception area, it is completely open to the ocean in the distance, with sliding glass that opens on to a deck. The hotel is decorated by Barclay Butera in a Hollywood-meets-beach-chic style-dark wood, beveled mirrors, animal print pillows, and shell motifs. Two gorgeous shell decorated credenzas are on either side of the lobby doors. The feeling is a bit of toned down minimalist beach cottage. There is a bar on the left as you enter, the reception is on the right. Dining when I was there was outside, with hardwood planking on a magnificent deck.
There is another beach bar on a lower level overlooking a small central pool. The bar has a fire pit and couches, very cozy. In high season, (mid-June to the first week of September) the pool area could get really crowded and there were plenty of kids splashing around while I was there. Cabanas decorated in white with black regency style trim line the rim. The Jacuzzi is nearby with a nice view of the water.
Rooms are not huge but nicely decorated in tones of brown and green. Not fussy, but handsome and pared down. Bathrooms are in white and grey marble, most have showers so be sure to request a bathtub if so desired. Rooms are equipped with flat screen TV’s, docking stations, and all the modern technological comforts. The primary difference in the room types is view. While the rooms have terraces, each view is different and so it is very important to be specific in your request. I did not have an opportunity to observe the service, but there were some signs of less than perfect housekeeping-hallways were already nicked and need paint after only four months, room service dishes and laundry left somewhat haphazardly. My guess is they have a ways to go before reaching the perfection in service that is the Relais and Chateaux Rancho Valencia, only 10 minutes inland.
The location is great fun-across the street from Del Mar Plaza with shops and restaurants, a three minute walk to the beach, right in the center of it all! Good restaurants in Del Mar include Pacifico for fish and Epazote for margaritas right across the street, Bullys up the street for a local dive serving roast beef, and Market on the way to the freeway. Movie theaters are ten minutes away at the Flower Hill Mall.
In Rancho Santa Fe, try Delicias or the fancier Milles Fleurs, and the dining room at Rancho Valencia in between Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar is superb.
