L’Auberge Del Mar: An Intimate Beach Resort Near San Diego

L’Auberge Del Mar, part of the Destination Hotel collection, is a luxury resort with a warm Southern California feel. Right in the center of the quaint Del Mar Village, just north of San Diego, the location is perfect for walk-out access to Del Mar’s beach, shopping and restaurants. The inviting indoor/outdoor living rooms and the modern coastal décor create a sense that you’re staying in a large beach house with friends and family rather than a traditional hotel.

Family-Friendly Review and Highlights of L’Auberge Del Mar

As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff. They make you feel instantly like part of the family — and that includes your dog, if you bring one. All pups are welcomed with a special “doggie bag” of bowls and treats.

After a long drive, we were so pleased to see a welcome assortment of cold drinks and snacks. We took them on the go as we explored the property, which sits on about 5 beautifully landscaped acres (our favorite was the succulent garden).

We made our way down the private path to the pristine beach with towels, chairs, umbrella, boogie boards and sand toys from the staff. It’s a huge plus to have all of these amenities available upon request, as you don’t need to worry about bringing them along. We ended the day with a swim in the heated pool, which is surrounded by cabanas and filled with kids.

The outdoor patio area includes not only the pool, but also an upper deck to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun dip into the ocean. There is an outdoor lounge with a fireplace we enjoyed while waiting for dinner.

This cozy property makes you feel like part of the Del Mar community instantly, and it’s easy to see why it’s usually full of families.

Accommodations

The accommodations are all decorated in calming beach neutrals. Every room includes a terrace perfect for enjoying morning coffee or tea. L’Auberge Del Mar offers a variety of family-friendly room configurations, among them seven luxurious multi-bedroom suites ranging from 500 to 1,222 square feet. All have coastal, garden or village views with balconies or patios, and some include a fireplace.

Dining

The dining options are well-balanced, with a formal restaurant for dinner and a more casual alfresco outdoor venue for breakfast. The latter also offers an all-day menu, which includes a robust kids’ menu that goes beyond standard fare: grilled salmon with veggies, beef tenderloin and a vegetable crudité. Don’t worry, they still have the standbys of spaghetti, mac & cheese and cheese pizza, but even these are a step up from the typical quality elsewhere.

A pop-up breakfast in the living room includes to-go breakfast items and snacks. And if you decide to bring your dog, the chef has a menu for him/her too.

Amenities and Local Sightseeing

Onsite amenities are extensive at L’Auberge, including a spa, complimentary WIFI, iHome stereo system, a fully stocked refreshment center and plush bathrobes. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request. For those who would like to bike around the area, the hotel has beach cruisers to borrow.

The concierge really catered to our every whim by offering round-trip transportation to Torrey Pines State Park, a quick 10-minute drive, so we could hike the trails.

The village of Del Mar is located about 20 minutes from the San Diego airport and situated right along the ocean. L’Auberge not only serves as a perfect home base for local activities, but also is close to all that San Diego has to offer as well.

Relevant Links:

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Editor’s Note: Megan was offered a media rate by L’Auberge Del Mar in order to review the property for families. As always, our opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Megan Norris except where noted.