Gold Member Perks Save Hotel from Two Stars
While I usually select the Courtyard Solana Beach, the Marriott Del Mar offered a lower rate. The hotel is located in a corporate area. There are several excellent dining options within one mile or a 20-minute walk.
The room was typical Marriott. The air conditioning unit was notably loud and ineffective. I woke up both nights feeling like I was in a sauna versus a hotel room. Add in the perpetual drone of the refrigerator, and it was three restless nights.
The saving grace was the concierge access courtesy of my Gold Member status. Breakfast was more than sufficient – eggs, bacon, oatmeal, cereal, and pastries. The evening happy hour was a light dinner, and the desserts provided the perfect conclusion. Unfortunately, the hotel does not offer lunch room service which defeats the purpose of staying at a full-service hotel. If you are not a Gold Member, you’ll also pay for the internet package. Parking is $20 which seemed high for a suburban hotel. The fact that the Marriott shares the garage with an office building may be the reason behind the excessive fee.
Finally, the pool area is superior to most hotels. There are comfortable seating areas including cabanas. The fitness center is also more than adequate with a variety of options.
In summary, I seized the opportunity to stay at this property given the full-service nature of the hotel. The Gold Member perks elevate this hotel to average. Without the concierge lounge and complimentary internet, this hotel would fall to two stars. When I return to San Diego, the Courtyard Solana Beach will remain my first choice.