Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar

This Homewood Suites offers a simple but pleasant, homey environment. The spacious lobby and breakfast room has a massive farmhouse-style table made of long oak beams, with bench seating that encourages interaction among guests. A large mural of a seaside scene hangs above it, and a double-sided stone fireplace creates a cozy environment. A living room setup with chairs and a sofa around a coffee table on the opposite side of the fireplace provides a warm spot to linger. With nice weather most of the year, guests can dine or relax on the lushly landscaped, outdoor patio next to the pool, which has lots of tables, gas heaters, and a large grill -- the hotel often hosts its nightly receptions there. This property draws families and other travelers on extended stays.

Despite its name, the Homewood Suites is not actually in the posh, seaside town of Del Mar but about a 10-minute drive away. It’s located near Interstate 5 in San Diego's Sorrento Valley, which consists mostly of residential apartments and condos. There aren't many restaurants or bars within walking distance, but the Hilton Garden Inn is next door, and it has a restaurant and deli. A coffee shop also is a five-minute walk away. The picturesque Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, Torrey Pines Beach, and Torrey Pines Golf Course are all about a 10- to 12-minute drive away, as is the University of California San Diego campus. La Jolla and Pacific Beach are about a 15-minute drive. Most of San Diego’s top attractions are about a 20- to 25-minute drive south of the hotel, including downtown San Diego and its convention center, Balboa Park, and SeaWorld. San Diego International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

The 120 spacious suites are decorated in a traditional style, but the furniture is somewhat dated. Old-fashioned, dark-wood furniture includes carved headboards, turned-leg desks with office chairs, and coffee tables with inlayed-wood tops. Pelmet window treatments and gold-framed pieces of artwork depicting the California coastline add to the classic look. Beds with crisp white bedding are trimmed in marigold-colored bedskirts. Suites have small dining tables and two chairs, and the kitchenettes have full-size refrigerators, microwaves, dishes, stovetops, sinks, coffeemakers, and dishwashers. Options include Queen Studio (379 square feet), Double Queen, One-Bedroom (414 square feet), and Double Queen/One King Two-Bedroom (803 square feet). The two-bedroom suites have two bathrooms and three TVs. All suites have sleeper sofas that were replaced in 2015 (an extensive renovation of the hotel is planned for 2017). Wood vanities with tan-granite tops are outside the bathrooms, which have either walk-in shower inserts with clear glass doors or shower/tub combos. Aside from the gold-striped wallpaper, bathrooms are rather basic with beige-tile floors. Some rooms have small balconies or poolside patios with chairs and tables. About half of the rooms overlook the lovely pool area. 

For an all-suites property, this Homewood has a solid lineup of amenities. Freebies include free parking and free shuttle service within a five-mile radius. Other perks include a free hot breakfast buffet served daily and free manager's receptions on weeknights with dinner entrees, light bites, beer, and wine. Free coffee, tea, and water are available in the lobby, as are free newspapers. An on-site convenience store also sells sundries and snacks. Though the pool itself is small, just a little oval with a few loungers, the area around it has tables and chairs and a grill for guests' use amide lush tropical landscaping. There's also a small whirlpool, and the hotel offers mechanized assistance getting in and out of the pool for those with mobility issues. The 24-hour fitness center offers several cardio machines and free weights. The 1,428 square feet of meeting space can hold events for up to 100 people, and the 24-hour business center has two computer stations with internet access and printers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Valet dry cleaning and laundry services are among the concierge services offered, and a coin-operated laundry is on-site for those that prefer to do their own washing and folding. A safe-deposit box is at the front desk.