The Modern Rebirth of L'Auberge Del Mar Resort

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The most historical of coastal hotels in San Diego, L'Auberge Del Mar, unveils the stunning results of a recent $25 million renovation.

From the area entertainment to the ocean-views, L'Auberge has forever been a staple in the Del Mar hospitality scene. But this modern rebirth elevates L'Auberge from a nostalgic symbol of past Del Mar glamour to a chic and seamless catalyst of timeless Del Mar prestige. The renewed L'Auberge Del Mar introduces a sophisticated property-wide redesign by Barclay Butera, from the lobby to the guest rooms and sparkling outdoor pool and lounge, with an unnamed restaurant opening this October and a restored spa opening in January of 2009.

Luxury boutique hotels in Downtown San Diego thrive on the pulse of edgy hospitality trends, and annually float in and out of the Gaslamp limelight in search of the next best modern amenity. While the local focus may be stuck on rotation with the downtown race, decade by decade L'Auberge Del Mar remains ahead of trend and always in the height of international recognition. In honor of the upcoming 2008 Del Mar Racetrack season, we pay homage to the first official Del Mar hotel: L'Auberge.

Just off the sandy beach near the 15th Street Plaza in the Del Mar Village sits the upgraded L'Auberge resort - but you'd never know it. Strategically missing from the grand opening appeal is flashy and fluorescent signage. In striking contrast to the hype of new Gaslamp hotels, L'Auberge is reminiscent of a low-profile coastal estate with a lush landscape and a warm sense of privacy.

A priority of the L'Auberge rebirth is to make all guests feel immediately welcome, respected and secure. Large estate columns and a quaint green exterior welcome new vistiors as they pull into the wrap-around driveway. All guests begin their stay at L'Auberge with the same assurance as arriving at a friend's grandiose coastal estate, and the experience is only elevated within.

It's hard to label the L'Auberge living room as a hotel lobby. Through the understated entryway, the spacious, open-air interior exceeds all expectations. The entire back wall is made only of retractable glass paned doors, and space between offers plush chocolate brown velvet couches with leopard and lime green striped pillows, accented by pedicured greenery atop crisp white furnishings. Revealing insight into the hotel's history, elegantly weathered wood paneled floors sit below a large, rustic chandelier, and framed images of old Del Mar fame, circa Bing Crosby era, adorn the lobby walls.

To the far left, a white grand piano and indoor/outdoor fireplace entertain guests as they sip wine and nibble on cheese and treats from the casual lobby bar. To the far right, an unassuming hallway leads house guests to first floor suites, and an elevator awaits for rooms above. While the lobby level amenities and subterranean spa and meeting space are attractions all their own, guests will hardly look left or right as they enter L'Auberge and fall in love with the outdoor restaurant deck, Waterfall Terrace, and poolside lounge, Bleu Bar, sitting straight ahead at the edge of the ocean.

Until the nameless new restaurant opens in early 2008, guests join to dine at Waterfall Terrace, the wood deck beside the dual story waterfall just outside the lobby, covered in simple white table clothed tables with white shade umbrellas overhead. From morning until sunset, L'Auberge residents take full advantage of the variety of vantage points, ranging from the restaurant deck to the top floor outdoor lounge, shell stone lined pool and Jacuzzi, and cabana booths, from which to view the serene ocean waves. As the sun sets, Bleu Bar begins to heat up and guests cheers cocktail glasses while enjoying the ocean breeze beside the private fire pits and glittering waterfall, now aglow with nocturnal allure. Both Waterfall Terrace and Bleu Bar serve organic California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair from Chef Paul McCabe.

After an evening at the Del Mar Plaza or a late night poolside cocktail at Bleu Bar, guests return home to one of the 120 newly imagined suites. The new L'Auberge rooms are the epitome of resort chic, channeling the hues and textures of the ocean, paired with a crisp new perspective of the coast. Most suites feature personal balcony views of the outdoor pool lounge as it poses before the Pacific. Indoors, antique beach artifacts such as turtle shells and oversize sea shells adorn beside a compilation of old and new coffee table books, making guests feel comfortably at home in a friend's coastal estate. Aged illustrations of the sea and seaside attractions cover the walls, whicker lamps hang from the ceiling, and expertly mismatched green and tan Tommy Bahama-inspired lounge chairs and patterned plush set the islander tone.

Luckily, modern entertainment amenities bring guests back to present day Del Mar. Families are invited to bring along video game and DVD equiptment to the all-compatible TVs, and iPOD players are available for personalized resort soundtracks on-the-go. Large suite bathrooms also feature beautifully updated marble countertops and vanities, chrome fixtures, and walk-in glass multi-level showers. And if you need an escape from your room guests, each hotel area comes with a personalized fireplace lounge to keep you warm and stress-free through the evening.

From the living room lobby to outdoor Waterfall Terrace and Bleu Bar, and redesigned suites, L'Auberge Del Mar is transforming the face of the San Diego hotel scene. There truly is no better beach resort for the ultimate in luxury hospitality. This summer, expect Bleu Bar to be the top Del Mar lounge to see and be seen after the race track - it certainly was the number one choice for international travelers and celebrities during the US Open.

Additional resort amenities: Spa at L'Auberge, priority tee times and greens fees at Del Mar County Club, two lighted championship tennis courts, outdoor whirpool spa and two pools, wireless and high-speed Internet access, 42" plasma TV, newspaper delivery.