Special Episode: Hotels in Del Mar, CA

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Special Episode: Hotels in Del Mar, CA

Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide, for women like you who need extra support traveling (slowly) one woman at a time. Please share this podcast with your mom, aunts, and friends. I appreciate your feedback.

I’ve returned from a 90-day trip around the globe to every time zone on the planet. My mission is world peace through cultural exchange. I was sustainable when I could by using local transportation, buses, and trains. I was solo, carrying a small backpack, called a “personal item” that fit under the seat in front of me on a plane.

In this episode, FAQ is: Where was your next favorite place on your 90-day trip?

.

Today’s Destination is: Special Episode: Hotels in Del Mar

Today’s Mistake- I booked a hotel that was really a hostel in Manila

Travel Advice: Book at the source when you can and pay less plus control more.

FAQ: Where was your next favorite place on your 90-day trip?

Answer: For Iceland, the favorite place was Akureri, in the deep north of the country. It was a town of 20,000 residents, nestled in beautiful mountain areas. During my stay, there was an event for long-distance runners. The town came out to cheer them across the finish line after 100 miles of running, all the way from Godafoss. They had 43, 28 and 19 kilometer races, too. That was a powerful message to residents about getting and staying in shape.

I’ll do a podcast about this town soon, but for now, just say A-Ku-Rare-E, accent on the first syllable. That’s how they speak in Iceland.

https://adventures.com/iceland/attractions/cities-towns/akureyri/#:~:text=Akureyri%20is%20by%20far%20the,Eyjafj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur%20Fjord%20in%20Northern%20Iceland.

https://www.visitakureyri.is/en/see-and-do/events-festivals/sulur-vertical

Today’s destination: Hotels in Del Mar, CA

Suppose you’ve been to San Diego, California, a small beach town north of the city called Del Mar. “In Spanish, Of the Sea” literally. The town's size is small, less than 4000 people. You know that the tourists take up a big portion of the traffic in summer and during the horse racing seasons at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 6 weeks in summer and 4 weeks in November.

L’Auberge, part of the Noble House Hotel Chain, is the highest-priced and most luxurious property of those near the beach. I met Taylor Webber, the Guest Experience Coordinator.

Hotel Indigo, Del Mar, and next door to…

Premiere Best Western, also called Hotel Del Mar

Del Mar Hotel upgraded from being the Del Mar Motel for many years. I met with the GM, Leslie Chavez.

Del Mar Hilton, near the Racetrack, is the lowest-priced one listed. the Yelp Reviews are less than favorable here.

You can google this and find hotels priced at $2500 a night at resorts like La Valencia. The price is not listed here for the Fairmont, Del Mar, which is in a different zip code several miles away. If you really want to stay IN Del Mar, you should consider one of these hotels, and I’ve been to each of them recently. If you have visitors this fall or winter, you may be in luck to score a room for them.

One of the best things I like to do in Del Mar is walk on the beach. You can also bring your dog to the beach during certain seasons on a leash. Tomorrow, I am going to a dog surfing contest in Del Mar. Seriously fun. The link is in the show notes if you want in next year.

https://www.visitdelmarvillage.com/all-events/18th-annual-surf-dog-surf-a-thon

https://www.tmz.com/2023/05/19/bill-gates-mansion-bachelor-pad-completed-complaints-neighbors-noise/

One famous local resident is Bill Gates. He has a bachelor pad, recently upgraded, although purchased in 2020 for $43 million.

Today’s Mistake- I booked a hotel that was really a hostel.

It was called the White Banana but changed its name. It was The Connector.

The ad said, “kitchenette, deluxe new room,”

It was old, broken, and dirty, and cash payment was due upon arrival—no money back for no-shows. Reviews were 7/10. I was stuck to pay for my stay or lose my reservation while I tried to find somewhere else.

Loud street noise. Blocked out windows. Not a good part of town.

The repairman entered my room without even knocking. He apologized, but that should NEVER happen. The kitchenette had a refrigerator and a sink. There is no electrical outlet or even any silverware or dish. All was dirty. AC was broken. I caution if it seems too good online.

Today’s Travel Advice-Book at the source when you can and pay less plus control more.

Search out listings on websites like Expedia and Booking.com, and check reviews on reputable websites. THEN book directly with the properties and airlines when you can. That will give you more control as the middleman is removed, and the transaction should be less expensive, usually.

I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to [e-mail]. Sign up for the mailing list here. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Support this podcast with a review, please.

Connect with Dr. Travelbest

Drmarytravelbest.com

Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group

Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram

email: [e-mail]

Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast

Dr. Travelbest on TikTok

Dr.Travelbest onYouTube