HotelChatter

Rather than tea service, guests can now try the bar’s signature cocktails and small plates in a variety of intimate sitting areas, as well as indoor and outdoor bars, and an expansive wooden patio that overlooks the pool area and the sea. There’s even a 10-foot waterfall installation (we swear it’s not cheesy) that keeps things lively.

The 120 guest rooms and eight suites, too, reflect the new beachy vibe. Like the lobby, they are decorated with white wood accents, and linens lined in sandy taupe, seaweed brown and sea grass green. Sure, it looks a little like a Tommy Bahama shirt, but we don’t mind that. Especially since there are also huge flatscreen TVs in all the rooms, WiFi access, and enormous walk-in showers in the marble bathrooms. Many rooms also have fireplaces and balconies to set the mood.

The renovation also included the addition of a new restaurant called Kitchen 1540, run by James Beard Executive Chef Paul McCabe, as well as lighter fare at the Bleu Bar and Waterfall Terrace. The new spa will be opening soon, with a full range of the usual services as well as several product lines that draw inspiration from the ocean. Sounds…salty.

Over the summer, you can zip down there to take advantage of the fun at the Del Mar Fair or the annual horse races, or treat your someone special to a hot-air balloon ride above the polo fields of Fairbanks Ranch. Or, if you’re like us, just head down there to enjoy a lazy weekend trying to decide whether to sun yourself at the pool or at the beach, which is just a 2-minute walk down the hill.

The best rates we could find started at $300 per night, but the hotel is offering several summer special packages, so you can make up the extra cash in perks, food and spa treatments.