Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar — Hotel in Del Mar

Just returned from a fabulous 4 day vacation at the Best Western Premier Hotel Del Mar. We had never heard of this hotel before and actually chose it because they have free parking and were reasonably priced. Paying for parking just doesn’t sit well with me.

From the moment we checked in, we could tell this place was special. The staff was immediately friendly and made us feel very welcome. The lobby is small, but tastefully decorated and includes refreshing cold water infused with fruit…and coffee for those who prefer a warm drink! The darling lady who checked us in offered detailed information about everything we would need during our stay including directions to all amenities and the on site cafe. She even enrolled us in Best Western Rewards so that we can save money next time we stay!

Next, we went to our room where a very pleasant surprise awaited us. Our room was beautiful. Very simply decorated—just perfect. We had a king size bed and a beautiful balcony view of the ocean. We got there just in time for sunset and found it breath taking! As we settled in, we noticed that we each had a nightstand, there was a desk, a chest of drawers that doubled as a pedestal for our large tv (which had several channels and a great picture!), another small table and a very comfortable chair with an ottoman tucked neatly below it. There were two sets of double doors along one wall—both of which automatically lit up when you opened them. Behind one set was a closet with the suitcase rack and wooden hangers inside. Also included was an ironing board and iron. The second set housed a mini kitchen complete with sink, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, cabinets and a stocked Keurig machine! Unbelievable!

As we went down the hall, we noticed a large full length mirror.

The bathroom was beautiful! The walk in shower was huge and two walls were a beautiful green marble with a glass tile inlay. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash containers with pumps were suspended in a recessed area of the wall allowing space below them to place your razor or bar soap. The other two walls of the shower were glass—6-7 feet high. A grab bar was inside the shower in case needed. The vanity was the full length of the one wall in the bathroom. A white recessed rectangular sink under the green marble countertop was spacious. There was a lighted portable magnifying mirror to make putting make up on easier—was a real plus. The blow dryer was high quality! Towels were thick and soft—bright white on white decorative. Loved them. Overall, the rooms were spotless. Everything looked brand new! And the beds were very comfortable!

Now, the cafe—we went there the first morning and were hooked. Great food, great service. We went back every morning! Prices were very reasonable.

We never made it to the pool or hot tub, but spoke to new friends we made who told us they went every day and they were very impressed. The grounds were beautiful as well.

The property is in a great neighborhood and close to restaurants and shopping.

I can’t say enough good about this gem. We will...

My husband and I chose this place to celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary, and it did not disappoint. Best vacation we've ever had, though some details are worth mentioning as a 'buyer beware' to future travelers!

Pros: -Hotel was clean and COVID compliant, wheelchair accessible to the lobby, first floor rooms and pool area but good luck getting to the guest laundry in the slanted parking lot... -Beautiful hotel grounds with stunning plants and friendly staff -Next door to a public park (helpful for smokers, as the hotel is a non-smoking property-- there's even trash cans for your cig butts and cigar tips, so don't litter!) -(Semi) Heated outdoor pool that has accessibility chairs and jacuzzi tub -Half a mile walk from the beach and major shopping area-- the Plaza at 15th street and Camino Del Mar. Very cute place with public seating and bathrooms. -Free Keurig coffee and other room amenities provided (plus a reasonably priced mini convenience store) -You can see the ocean while sitting in front of an outdoor fireplace at the cafe patio. -Staff was always masked and non-vaccinated guests were encouraged to do the same. However most guests were unmasked as San Diego currently does not enforce a mask mandate, so travel at your own risk. -You can use ride share apps to get around, such as to and from San Diego International Airport. -Farmer's Market at the Civic Center Saturdays 1pm-4pm. -The one and only liquor and smoke shop in Del Mar, is also a deli that's open for breakfast.

Cons: -$250 security deposit hold required upon check-in that isn't warned about up-front during the booking process, and takes several days to fall off the account after check-out. This was a huge added stress that could have been avoided by an up-front email declaring it right after booking or something. -15% off voucher for hotel's on-site cafe still doesn't make it worth it, coffee was better from the in-room K-cups. Skip it, there's plenty of better places to eat in Del Mar that are very walkable from the hotel or a quick drive away. -Concrete ramps down to the ocean at Powerhouse Park were still very steep, so beach access from this hotel isn't very accessible compared to the hotel itself. There are paved paths up closer to the street level by neighboring Seagrove Park for some nice views at least. -Most restaurants in the area get their patio seating (aka the ocean views) booked in advance, so go online to check out reviews and menus and make your reservations if you want a particular spot. -The hotel won't change your sheets during your stay (you can still get fresh towels anytime).

Overall, this place is a hidden gem for a 3-star hotel and we would visit here again given the opportunity. Just be mindful of its limitations both of the property itself and the surrounding area, and you'll have a...

This is primarily based on my arrival. I’m a Diamond Select Rewards member. My profile shows I don’t stay on the first floor. This stems from being broken into at a Courtyard many years ago. ||Upon arriving after a 3 hour drive, I asked to use the toilet. I was handed a key. Thought it was my room. Actually the pool bathroom outside and down a pathway. Upon returning to the desk I was handed a key. No thanks for my status or loyalty, or any water or arrival amenities. ||The key was for the 1st floor. I expressed in my 35+ years as a top tier Elite I’d never been asked to stay on the ground. Again, no expression of regret, especially with my loyalty, I was told nothing they could do. ||I asked for the GM. After the bathroom a woman expressed she was the GM. She noted they saw no notes about first floor. I reiterated it had been there for 20 years. (I’ll follow up with Rewards to double check what happened). I have pretty high expectations after 35 years as an Elite, but they weren’t met. Later also found out the GM is male, so whoever I spoke to misrepresented themselves. ||Not for the Good…|Property is Clean and Comfortable. I’m not sure what makes move a property from Plus to Premier, but my past Premier experiences have been much nicer properties. ||My “Full Kitchen” necessitated a call to the desk to get a large clear tub with utensil cookware etc. A bit hinky. No dishwasher. ||One thing I love about BW is they’re still doing daily housekeeping. Crisp taught bed every evening. ||I was working at the Scripps Green hospital, so no pool time, but it looked lovely for the kiddos and Sunbathers. ||I think my entire stay would have felt differently, had I been welcomed, and wasn’t awake 1/2 the night fearing someone wasn’t going to break into my Slider as happened to me in the past. ||Didn’t try the food noon/restaurant as it wasn’t open when I left early did...