Fairmont Grand Del Mar

I am a frequent visitor to this hotel. I consider it to be one of the best hotels in Southern California. But this time I saw improvement in many aspects even compared to my already high expectations. Service was outstanding, food was amazing. Rooms were clean. Way to go Fairmont. You keep impressing me every time.

It is a beautiful property. This was our third visit as a family since 2017. This time, everything was off. Everything… We felt like we were intrusive the entire time. The cafe didn’t have most drinks- chai, matcha, smoothies, etc. at the beginning of the week, for the entire week, in anticipation of an event starting the following weekend. The cafe, Cent Anni, were basically not reordering anything the week in anticipation of a large event starting the next weekend. We did not learn this until the tail end of the week. The Amaya was only open our first day of our week visit, then closed for a private event and remained closed for some Ralph’s coffee branding event for several days. The pool had no towels both times we visited and on the weekday, the chair covers were not on and the seats were dirty/moldy. The last day, the pool only had kosher wine as an alcoholic option at the bar. Similarly, the cafe was closed the last two days, or rather, open only to a private group and we had to eat breakfast with limited options offsite of the hotel, at the golf clubhouse. The woman at the cafe was dismissive and unhelpful- I asked where we could eat as Amaya was closed and the cafe was closed to the public, and she offered us coffee- we were with our child, so I reiterated the question of where could guests actually eat… We could not use the baci courts for the last few days due to private event(s). The tennis and pickle ball courts were fine but we had one family challenge us about our reservation only to apologize that the hotel had messed up their reservations and another group vultured around trying to move us off early from our reserved time. The spa was lovely but they never disclosed to me when noting the spa lunch options that only kosher food was available- I overheard this while I was checking in at spa reception to the attendant on the phone and concluded after the Cent Anni cafe experience earlier that day. There were lots of people for the large event with divisive political hats and tshirts walking around the hotel. We did not find it was a relaxing or inclusive atmosphere. There also were three San Diego police cars that stationed out front of the hotel by the end of the week due to the event. The hotel really should have completely shut down for the private event or disclosed to the other guests that there would be limited food/drink and activities due to the large event they were hosting. You are basically captive on the property so a heads up that there were limited options for the week long stay would have been appreciated. Also, the employee vibes were off- twice at the clubhouse there was some employee drama/ordering supplies issues or scoldings that were discussed out in the open for guests to observe. Overall, the stay was uncomfortable and we will not be returning or recommending.

We had such a remarkable stay at the Fairmont. This is the hotel with the best customer service in the world. Pre-trip, they connected with us to ensure our group was taken care of. During the stay, multiple times they randomly gifted our three kids some cute gifts. The Kids Explorers was incredible! The pickleball / tennis courts were gorgeous. The rooms were clean and beautiful. Best hotel experience, and I literally am in 100 hotels/year

Had an outstanding experience at Grand Del Mar, the grounds are incredible, the room was so comfortable and inviting and the staff was wonderful. Utkarsh, the cocktail specialist at the lobby bar was so friendly and curated a beautiful cocktail for us that he had personally crafted for a cocktail competition that he competed in which was delicious. I highly recommend staying here and want to return in the near future.

From the parking valet on, service at this hotel was excellent. At check in, Dylan gave a detailed explanation of the property and the FHR program I booked through. The hotel also provided the FHR program room upgrade and we were very pleased with our deluxe king on the second floor with a view of the pool. The furnishings are traditional - I cannot say whether they are actual antiques but they are fine furniture in good condition. Sleep quality was excellent - no noise from the HVAC or other guests, and a sumptuous mattress and luxe bedding made for restful slumber. The room had a large bathroom/dressing area with a tub and stall shower, a separate toilet cabinet and dressing area in front of the closet. Two robes were provided. Amenities were Le Labo Rose 31. A Nespresso machine provided in-room coffee. Housekeeping was on point. We had dinner at Amaya the first night. It did not disappoint. I can highly recommend the duck breast which came with slices of a roulade stuffed with duck forcemeat. I also enjoyed an appetizer of scallops. The chicory salad and seared trout (actually steelhead) also pleased. Our server, introduced as "Mr. Bob," was very gracious, and helped us decide with tastes of the Albarino and ZD Pinot Noir. In the morning we began with breakfast at the Clubhouse Grill. I can recommend the egg and avocado BLT, which came with potatoes. The side of chicken sausage I ordered was not necessary to comprise a complete breakfast, but it was tasty and juicy. If you are looking for something lighter, the Greek yogurt parfait will work. Suitably fortified, we then took a hike along the “strenuous” Shaw Trail -- one of three trails you can access from the property– note it is not a loop. While not particularly strenuous it could use a bit of housekeeping. As the Relaxation Pool side had filled up, we visited the Family Pool which offers more seating. It also offers a true eight foot deep end. We received excellent pool side service from Alyssa. We were served by the memorable Vladimir at our second breakfast at Amaya. The pricey crab Benedict was worth the toll, but if you’re looking for something healthy, you can try the steel cut oats. We spent almost the entire day at the Relaxation Pool, served by Warren and Alyssa again, both deserving a shout out. A second, younger Vladimir provided good service at the Front Desk as we made departure arrangements. For our final breakfast, we chose Cent Anni for a quick repast ahead of our trip to the airport. This was the only disappointing food and/or beverage experience. Our breakfast sausage and egg sandwiches could have been fast food. The croissant and pain au chocolat were better, so if you wind up going here, I would stick to baked goods and coffee. Overall, I would say that this was the best Fairmont we have visited, and worth the not inconsiderable tariff. I hope to return.

Another amazing stay at the Grand Del Mar. it did not disappoint. Beautiful views, rooms. and very friendly efficient staff. Staying at this hotel sets the bar VERY high for all other hotels. Congrats Grand Del Mar, you do it right.

I wanted to compliment Neil, one of the guest services employees working at the front desk. My experience had me waiting for my car from valet, which afforded me an opportunity to observe Neil working with a guest in a manner that I can only describe as “enlightened hospitality.” The guest had just arrived. She had two small children and her mother with her. It was exceedingly busy for her. Her mother then departed the lobby with the older child leaving the mother with a very energetic toddler seeking mom’s attention. Neil recognized the situation immediately and devoted his full energy and efforts to assisting the mother. He actually came out from behind the lobby desk to offer additional assistance to help support the mother. Right away, I could see the sense of relief for the mother. I guarantee that would not have happened without the wonderful care and service provided by Neil. It was truly an example of enlightened hospitality. Over the course of my stay, I had the pleasure to converse with Neil on a couple of other occasions. Not surprisingly, I discovered what a caring and service-oriented individual he is and how much he enjoys his job. I’ve found Neil’s attitude and effort to be the norm with the staff at the Grand Del Mar. There is definitely a culture of outstanding customer service and attention to detail. I compliment them and look forward to returning sometime in the future.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is located on spacious grounds with lots of activities at hand- swimming, golfing, archery, horseback riding - or simply relaxing at the spa and eating delucious food. The setting, architecture and vibe are wonderful. But the best part is the exemplary and attentive service from the moment you arrive until you leave.

It would be hard to imagine a nicer stay than the one my wife and I had at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar last week. The grounds are, of course, beautifully maintained and diverse in their offerings (several pools, a golf course, trails, equestrian opportunities, archery (!), and meeting places). The food--especially at Amaya, where we ate several times--was exceptional. Our first lunch included steak tartare, which can be tricky but here was perfect. Every meal after that was wonderful. Don't pass up the savory popcorn in the bar, by the way. The service--especially in the restaurant, but really, everywhere--was consistently responsive, friendly, and helpful. The engagement with hotel guests was authentic, not perfunctory. Overall, this was an outstanding stay from beginning to end, and we would be thrilled to return here.

Always a great time at this favorite resort.