Think twice about the Stratford Inn Best Western del Mar
by TripAdvisor Member MandYDerbyEngland
The Hotel's description, in particular it's photos, leads you to believe it's right on the beach. Take a look. What you see is the Del Mar Motel which IS "right on the beach" The Best Western Stratford Inn is 3/4 mile away. That is unless you can climb down a crumbling cliff face after crossing a railway line and drainage gutter! We were well & truly decieved by this image and will take the hotel to task over it, accusing them of gross misrepresentation!
Like previous reports, the so called "standard" rooms are, to say the least, horrible. In as much you couldn't even "swing a cat" in the shower and there isn't a bath with a shower over it. The room we were shown was ............ disgusting! Eventually, on the 3rd attempt, we were provided with an upgrade but still in the "old" wing. If you're thinking of this place, take the rooms in the "new" wing!
Breakfast is OK and you can take it on the terrace. Just be very, very careful of the "standard" rooms. Even the rooms in the "new wing" are deceptive. Some have nice balconies on the upper floor. Others are hidden "below ground level" with a view of stairs. The swimming pool area in the new wing is, I must say, very acceptable.
On the other hand, the staff were very pleasant.
MandY
Berbyshire
England
Pleasant surprise!
by TripAdvisor Member fluff77
I had low expectations of the Best Western Stratford Inn after reading a lot of these reviews, but as we were there for a wedding and the bride had gotten a special rate for her guests at that hotel, I figured we'd just deal with it so we could be staying near the other guests.
Well, I was very pleasantly surprised. We'd booked an ocean-view king and it was lovely. The bathroom was enormous (and spotless, and had nice Bath & Body Works toiletries in my favorite scent), and the view from the room was breathtaking (we were on the 2nd floor; it was probably even better from upstairs). The continental breakfast in the mornings was quite nice, and the pool area was nice too. Don't get me wrong -- it was nothing luxurious, and there were some dingy touches here and there, but I am used to budget travel and this exceeded my expectations.
I should add that other wedding guests we talked to who stayed in the "standard" rooms were VERY disappointed. They came to see our room and were amazed at how spacious and nice it was compared to theirs. So I can really only recommend the ocean-view king.
won't return
by TripAdvisor Member kansascity88
We were disappointed with our experience. We failed to make reservations in advance anywhere though, so had limited choices once we arrived in Del Mar. The beds were very uncomfortable. We didn't have enough pillows or towels after we checked in, and were told to come get them at the front desk rather than having housekeeping deliver them. Minor things were annoying, such as a lamp that didn't work, and not enough trash cans. The toilet overflowed one morning...we sopped up the mess with towels and reported it to the front desk. They sent more towels and that was all. When we asked for directions at the front desk, the two employees were unable to help but gave us a map. We won't return. We had hope to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott that is nearby but they had no rooms.
Great And Clean For Price
by TripAdvisor Member NOELYGIRL
We travel to San Diego at least twice a year. The stay is always nice. The people are nice and the rooms are clean. For the price $133.00 off season AAA per night for a suite with a semi-ocean view is fabulous. The free breakfast helps take the stress of your budget too. I recommended it.l
quiet, pleasant stay
by TripAdvisor Member enzo1
I was staying for 10 days, so booked a large room with a kitchenette. Hotel staff was very friendly, and my needs were taken care of promptly. I had a spacious room overlooking the pool and the bed was very comfortable. The kitchenette with mini-fridge was perfect for my needs, and I didn't have to eat out every night. The hotel is within walking distance of the beach and shopping at the Plaza.
Breakfast was OK - not great. Typical continental breakfast you get at most mid-range hotels.
Good sized TV and decent channel selection, as well as a good sized closet - a plus if you have more than one person.
Overall, a very pleasant stay - would do so again in a heartbeat.
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