Escape to Paradise: Courtyard San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach Getaway
Escape to Paradise? More Like a San Diego "Sorta-Paradise" Getaway: A Wild Ride Review of Courtyard San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drop some truth bombs about my recent "Escape to Paradise" experience at the Courtyard San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach. And let me tell you, the brochure might say "paradise," but my reality felt a little more like a meticulously-planned, slightly-disappointing escape room with a lot of beige.
First, the Good Stuff (Because, let's be honest, there were some good bits!)
- Accessibility: This is where the Courtyard actually shines, especially for those with mobility issues. They REALLY care about accessibility. The website brags about this and I can confirm it! They've got the whole package: wheelchair access everywhere, elevators that work (praise the travel gods!), and rooms designed with accessibility in mind. This is a HUGE win! I was particularly impressed by the wide doorways, and the grab bars in the bathroom. They're doing it right here.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Let's be real, post-pandemic travel feels like a gamble a lot of the time. But this place? They went full-on germaphobe. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces, hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and even the individually-wrapped everything. They got me feelin’ slightly safe, at least. They even gave you the option to opt out of room sanitization, which I thought was neat. They've got all the certifications and protocols in place.
- The Pool (with a View… Sort Of): The outdoor pool isn't HUGE but it's clean and there’s a weird view. It's like they tried to showcase a view but mostly you get a glimpse of… other buildings. Still, being able to splash around outside in the California sun? That’s a win in my book. The poolside bar was close by!
The… Less Good Stuff (Because Reality Isn't Always Instagram-Worthy)
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster: Ah, the food. Let's just say it was…variable. The on-site restaurants - one seemed to specialize in "eclectic American cuisine" (read: stuff with a lot of sauces). The breakfast buffet was the classic hotel breakfast situation: scrambled eggs that might or might not be real eggs, questionable sausage, and a selection of pastries that look promising but mostly taste like disappointment. BUT the Asian breakfast was actually a pleasant surprise! The poolside bar was the best option by far, honestly. A nice refreshing beverage and some fries while the sun is setting!
- WiFi Woes: The Siren Song of the Free Internet: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the brochure proclaimed. And technically, that's true. But the speed? Forget about streaming a movie. More like streaming your frustration. The internet access – LAN wasn’t available so I couldn't connect that way. Eventually I gave up and went to the lobby to use it, hoping that would improve the speed. At least the Wi-Fi in public areas was decent.
- "Paradise" is a Strong Word: The location is decent, but paradise? Maybe if your idea of paradise involves suburban sprawl and the distant roar of traffic. It's close to the beach, but you'll need a car (or a very long walk) to get there.
- Business Facilities: The Soul-Crushing Reality: The business center was in a room that looked like it hadn't been updated since the 90s. The Xerox/fax in business center was still functioning and I'm sure it's seen some action but the general vibe was just so sad. The meeting/banquet facilities are available. Who are they meeting with? It's a mystery!
- Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or, How to Avoid the Gym at All Costs): They’ve got a fitness center, which I avoided. I did peek in, and it looked clean, at least. They offer a spa too, with a sauna and steamroom. But I skipped it because… hello, vacation? I was promised a body wrap and a foot bath but the information was lacking. They have a massage option too, but come on! It's my vacation! Relaxing on a beach is the only way.
The Detailed Breakdown (Because You Deserve the Dirt)
- Accessibility: A+++. Seriously, they nailed this.
- Cleanliness and Safety: A. They take it seriously, which is reassuring in today's world!
- Dining: C-. The poolside bar saved the day.
- Internet: D-. "Free" doesn't equal "usable."
- Services and Conveniences: B. Everything you'd expect, and the folks were generally friendly.
- Getting Around: B. Free on-site parking is a plus, and airport transfer is available.
- For the Kids: They have babysitting services and other kids facilities. Family friendly.
- Things to do: The area needs something to do, but I won't say it was boring. I was relaxed. Things to do, ways to relax, I felt relaxed.
My Personal, Stream-of-Consciousness Rambling
Okay, so the room. Pretty standard. I booked a non-smoking room and it was, indeed, non-smoking (thank god). But the soundproofing? Not exactly stellar. I could hear my neighbors coughing (a lot of coughing…), which made me slightly paranoid, given the whole COVID thing. The bed? Comfortable enough, but not "sink-into-bliss" comfortable. The air conditioning worked, which was a HUGE relief. The blackout curtains worked too! Thank god.
The bathroom… well, it was a bathroom. The toiletries were the generic hotel variety, the towels were white and fluffy. Overall? Functional. The wake-up service worked (thank you, alarm clock!).
Final Verdict:
Would I return to the Courtyard San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach? Maybe. If I needed a conveniently located, accessible hotel and wasn't prioritizing culinary excellence or lightning-fast Wi-Fi, then yeah, I'd consider it. Just don't go expecting a tropical paradise. Think of it more as a solid, reliable base camp for exploring the San Diego area, with a decent pool and a very strong commitment to cleanliness. And, if you're lucky, you'll get a room far enough away from the coughing neighbors. Overall, the Courtyard San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach is a decent experience, but not amazing.
Escape to Milan: Days Inn's Lakeside Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my itinerary for a stay at the Courtyard San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach (CA) and it’s gonna be a bumpy, beautiful ride. Prepare for the chaos.
The "Accidental Beach Bum" Itinerary: Courtyard Del Mar/Solana Beach Edition
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Promise of a Good Nap (Hopefully)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival. (Maybe…) Okay, so the flight was supposed to land at noon. But you know how it goes. Flight delays. My luggage, I swear, is the universe's lost sock. It'll probably show up around the time I'm ready to leave. Anyway, finally made it. The Courtyard looks… well, like a Courtyard. Clean, predictable, a welcome sight after the airport purgatory.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. (Praying for a good room.) Fingers crossed for a room NOT facing the parking lot. I'm not a people person, but I am a people-watcher, and parking lots lack the soul. Seriously though, give me a view (even a slightly underwhelming one) over the concrete jungle, any day.
- 2:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance & Nap Attempt. Found the room! It's… acceptable. The air conditioning is already blasting, which is a win. I've been awake since 5 AM, so I'm aiming for a solid 30-minute power nap. Wish me luck. Usually, my brain goes into overdrive the second I close my eyes. I'll inevitably start thinking about the laundry I forgot to do, or whether I properly watered my (dying) plants.
- 2:30 PM: Nap…failed…and a quest for caffeine. Well, that didn't work. Wide Awake! So, down to the hotel coffee shop to get the life force flowing.
- 3:00 PM: The Quest for the Perfect Beach Towel (and Maybe Some Retail Therapy). Gotta get that beach look down while I'm here right? I decided I had to find a good beach towel. It's a high-stakes search. Started at that little gift shop in the hotel, but the options were… limited. Time to wander. I'm thinking a drive to one of the local boutiques. I'm already envisioning myself, towel slung over my shoulder, strutting along the beach like I own the place.
- 4:00 PM: Beach Reconnaissance (and Mild Disappointment). Managed to actually find the beach! It's gorgeous. The waves are crashing, the sand is… well, sandy. But the beach is crowded. And suddenly, all my social anxieties are kicking in. Maybe tomorrow is a better beach day.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. (Decision Paralysis). Where to eat? Yelp is overwhelming. Maybe something simple. I'm leaning towards a casual taco place. Or maybe I should eat at the hotel bar. Or should I actually go fancy? Ugh. I need food.
Day 2: Beach Day! (Or, at Least, Beach Adjacent)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast Buffoonery at the Hotel. Okay, hotel breakfasts are either fantastic or a disaster. Hoping for the former. The continental breakfast is… well, it's there. Fruit, cereal, the sad little croissants. sighs Coffee is decent, though.
- 9:00 AM: The Beach Triumph (and Sand Crushing). FINALLY! Beach time. Found a spot that wasn’t too too packed, set up camp, and promptly got sand everywhere. In my hair, in my sandwich, probably even in my soul. But the ocean is blue, the sun is warm, and I'm officially a beach bum. I spent a solid hour just watching the waves, feeling the worries melt away. Until a rogue wave decided to soak the edge of my beach bag containing my phone…
- 11:00 AM: Sunscreen Application (and Denial of Sunburn). Crucial. Absolutely crucial. I always underestimate how strong the sun is.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the Sand (and the Seagull Wars). Back to the beach, armed with a deli sandwich, and a healthy dose of paranoia about seagulls. I swear, they have a sixth sense for unattended food. Managed to eat without being dive-bombed, victory!
- 2:00 PM: Ocean Adventure. (Tepid and Terribly Embarrassing). "Ocean adventure". Okay, I went in the water. It was…cold. And I'm not the strongest swimmer. I got hit by a wave that almost carried me to the coast of Mexico.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. (Sand Extraction Protocol Initiated). The shower is my friend. Gotta get rid of the sand. Every. Single. Grain.
- 4:00 PM: Afternoon Relaxation. (Poolside and Partially Regretting the Water). Time for a nap by the pool. Maybe… or maybe I'll just sit in the shade and read.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and Sunset Stroll. (Possibly in Tears). Found a little seafood place, had a gorgeous dinner, and the views were wonderful. The sunset was a masterpiece, a riot of oranges and pinks. Until a group of teenagers appeared with their yelling. Maybe I'm not as much of a social butterfly as I thought.
Day 3: Farewell, Del Mar (and the Search for the Perfect Exit Snack)
- 8:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast. (Round Two, Please Be Better)
- 9:00 AM: Packing (and the Reality of Going Home Hits). Packing always induces a low-grade panic. Did I buy too many things? Did I forget something crucial? (Probably.)
- 10:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Hunting (and Price Guilt). Gotta find something to take home, right?
- 11:00 AM: Check-Out… and Goodbye. Goodbye, Courtyard. You were… a place.
- 11:30 AM: Exit Snack Quest: In Search of the Ideal Road Trip Treat. The airport is never the same when hungry. I need a snack for the road trip. Something that’s not too messy. (Yes, the beach was all about the mess, but right now, traveling home, is not. )
- 12:00 PM: Last Chance. (And a Flight Delay Announcement). At the airport. Time to go home. sighs. Flight delay! Of course. At least the airport has a decent coffee shop.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so it wasn't perfect. There were moments of blissful relaxation, moments of mild panic, moments of “What was I thinking?”. But that's travel for you. It's messy, unpredictable, and utterly human.
And hey, I survived. And I got sand on my shoes. Which, technically, is all that really matters.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a nap. And maybe some chocolate. I deserve it.
Brinkley Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8 by Wyndham!
Escape to Paradise…or Maybe Just Escape the Laundry? My Solana Beach Debrief
Okay, let's just get this over with. Was it *really* paradise?
Paradise? HA! Look, the brochure promised me sun-kissed beaches, tranquil sunsets, and the ability to, you know, *relax*. The reality? Well... it was a Courtyard by Marriott. Let's not get carried away. BUT! It *was* a damn good escape from my overflowing laundry basket, the endless demands of… well, everything. So, yes! Kind of. With a hefty dose of reality check sprinkled on top.
What was the biggest draw – the beach, the pool, the… proximity to a Starbucks?
Okay, confession time. The Starbucks was *definitely* a major player in this getaway. Don't judge! Those iced lattes are the fuel that keeps this human train chugging. But seriously though, the beach? Oh, the BEACH. The sand between my toes, the salty air… it's pure therapy. And the pool? Well, it was lovely, but I spent more time trying to find a functioning lounge chair that hadn't been "claimed" with towels by 7 AM. (Seriously, people! It's not a land grab!). But yeah. Beach wins. Easy.
Let's talk specifics. The Courtyard… was it, you know, *nice*?
Nice is a good word. It was a Courtyard. Clean. Comfortable. Beige. Standard issue. The beds were actually pretty darn comfy, which is crucial after a day spent dodging rogue seagulls on the beach. My room had a… *mostly* ocean view if you squinted and tilted your head just so. (Okay, it was a partial view. Fine. But the *potential* was there!). The included breakfast… well, let's just say the waffle iron was my best friend. I may have eaten my weight in waffles. No regrets. Okay, maybe a little. But the coffee situation was… adequate.
Did you actually *do* anything besides eat waffles and stare at the ocean?
Ugh, good question. My grand plan involved kayaking, surfing lessons (HA! In my dreams!), and hiking Torrey Pines. The reality? I got gloriously lost trying to find a decent bagel shop (priorities, people!), perfected the art of napping on the beach until the sun became a fiery inferno, and read approximately three whole books. Okay, maybe two-and-a-third. And I DID walk on the beach. A lot. So, yeah. I *mostly* ate waffles and stared at the ocean. And it was GLORIOUS. Okay, and I spent an hour debating whether the hotel gym was worth it.
The food! Tell me about the food! Did you find any hidden culinary gems?
Okay, this is where things get interesting (and slightly embarrassing). The hotel restaurant was… fine. Nothing to write home about. (Although, let's be honest, I'm writing about it *here*). I stumbled upon a tiny taco stand that served the most AMAZING fish tacos I've EVER tasted. Like, seriously, I'm still dreaming about them. The secret? I think it was the sheer amount of guacamole. And the questionable (but delicious) hot sauce. Also, I went to a *very* overpriced sushi place. Was it worth the price? No. Did I regret it? Also, no. Sushi is a weakness. It's a problem.
What about the people? Did you meet any interesting characters?
Let's see… besides the lovely, efficient, and perpetually cheerful hotel staff? I spent a good hour chatting with an elderly gentleman who swore he'd seen a mermaid off the coast. (I'm not making this up!). And there was the slightly too tanned, overly enthusiastic guy who kept trying to sell me timeshares. (Hard pass). Oh! And the family with the screaming toddler on the flight home. (Bless their hearts). People watching is an art form, you know. And Solana Beach delivers. It's definitely a more relaxed type of people watching than, say, New York.
Did anything go horribly wrong? Any travel disasters?
Horribly wrong? Hmmm… well, let's just say I may have forgotten to pack sunscreen. (See also: "fiery inferno" comment earlier). My face is currently the color of a cooked lobster. And I slightly, *accidentally*, left my room key in the door once. (Luckily, the cleaning staff found it). Oh! And the aforementioned toddler on the flight. That was… memorable. But honestly? Nothing truly disastrous. I’m calling it a win!
Okay, let's get to the REALLY important questions. Did you *feel* relaxed? Did you actually escape?
YES! Okay, not constantly. There were moments of panic (did I lock the car?), moments of crippling self-doubt (am I eating *too* many waffles?), and moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. But overall? Yes. I escaped. I escaped the emails, the to-do lists, the general chaos of life. I escaped into the sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun (when I wasn’t lobster-fied), and the simple pleasure of doing absolutely nothing. And frankly, even if the hotel had been a glorified hostel and the beach had been a puddle, I would have still felt some sense of escape just from changing my routine from working at home. And I definitely got an incredible tan! So, yes. Escape achieved.
Would you go back?
In a heartbeat! Even with the potential for lobster-face and the siren call of endless waffles, I'd be back in a flash. Maybe next time, I'll actually learn to surf. Though, let's be honest… probably not. But hey, the beach is always there. The Starbucks is calling. And the laundry can wait. Until I get back.
What did you *LEARN*?
Right. Well, besides the crucial information about sunscreen? I learned that sometimes, the best vacations are the ones that5 Star Stay Find
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