We love this place. It's our 4th time here, we have been here every thanksgiving in the past 3 years. It's a really special place here, amazing, amazing, amazing service and care. Even if they mess up, which rarley happens they will know how to make you feel better. The staff is super helpful and nice, spa is UNBELIVBLE and my kids loves the kids club here. I have only good things to say.

I attended a two and a half day business meeting at the Grand Del Mar, but slept at the L'Auberge Del Mar, from Nov 13 - 16, 2012. I've already reviewed the L'Auberge. I can't speak to the rooms at the Grand Del Mar, but very well traveled Fortune 500 CEOs who attended the meeting said they were "over the top" in size and appointments. The GDM is inland, so it doesn't have that beach feel to it. In fact, although at first site it looks like a typical southern California resort with stucco and terracota mexican architecture, its stylings are much more Mediterranean/European. The food and service were outstanding. The on property restaurant, Addison, is phenomenal as is the resort's wine list. The golf course is very well maintained.

Given I’m in the travel industry specializing in high end luxury travel and that I’m fortunate enough to stay in some incredible hotels and resorts in some amazing locations it takes quite a bit to wow me these days, but wow me they did.

When I stay at a property I look for faults and shortcomings, not because I’m a negative individual, the opposite infact, but because when I recommend it I’m putting my reputation as a professional on the line, but I literally could not find fault in anything when it came to this property, the staff were all amazing, exceptionally well trained and provided that great balance between professional yet friendly service, the rooms and property in general were well decorated, there was ample privacy and the walls were thick enough to ensure you didn’t even know anyone else was staying at the property when you were in your room.

Nothing was too much trouble for any of their staff and they even went as far as providing a cold bottle of water and a towel at the front door when returning from a morning jog.

I can’t recommend this property highly enough both for golfers as well as non-golfers just wanting to relax and be pampered, and can see why it’s a valued member of Virtuoso’s ‘Best of the Best’ Properties, I’m absolutely hanging out to return and spend more time relaxing there.

This is quite simply the best hotel I've ever stayed at. And the service is to be seen to be believed. Open spaces, big quiet rooms and little surprises all around. I cannot recommend it enough.

It is technically a golf resort but don't let that put you off. I hate golf but felt right at home. I'm going back for sure.