Having lived in San Diego, CA for 9 years, I am familiar with many of the properties. The Hilton Del Mar was an exception. I actually chose this particular property based on their website and photos. They did not do this property justice. From arrival to departure, my friend (visiting from MT) and I were pleasantly surprised.

The property was the first Hilton I stayed in that was laid out in a ranch-style fashion, most appropriate, since it is directly across the street from the famous Del Mar Racetrack.

The staff, from the front desk, to the bell hop, to the onsite dining attendants were all very friendly and helpful.

The room was beautiful, as were the grounds, a nice, centrally-located heated pool and all in room amenities were in great shape, only adding to our delightful stay.

I would recommend this property wholeheartedly to anyone in need of a hotel stay in Northern San Diego County. Although not next to the beach, it is within a few miles.

Got a nice price on this hotel through priceline/hotwire - for once I failed to do my homework and didn't realize there would be a hefty parking fee. I understand there is a racetrack and it's necessary to restrict parking to paying customers, but how about parking tags instead. The room was nice enough, standard furniture and clean. Check in staff were polite and friendly, the lobby lounge area looked nice also. Even though the hotel and especially our room was close to the highway, I didn't have any trouble with traffic noise. Fitness room was really nice and had a lot of equipment to use. Didn't use any other facilites so can't comment. But do know there are only a few restaurants within walking distance and the beach is a bit of a hike. We just stayed the night for a decent place to stay for cheap that was convenient.

Not really much different than your typical conference style hotel. The location is easy to access, and not far from restaurants, shopping, beach and golf.

The rooms are clean and the beds are wonderfully comfortable.
The food is okay. They just don't seem to be staffed enough to support the influx of conference attendees. We ate the buffet one day (for convenience and price) but all the entree plates were virtually empty and the buffet line was a mile long.
The next day we decided to eat at the bar, and only one person seemed to be manning it and all it's tables! Not what I would expect for a full house.

Anyway, it is clean and comfortable. The staff is helpful when approached. Just expect a better oiled machine in the service department!

It took some time to check in even though there were three staff on reception. They were busy answering questions about local restaurants etc instead of directing guests to the Guest Services desk about three yards away!
The bar was nice and service helpful. Bar meals are large and you might want to consider sharing a sandwich. We asked to share and both got a portion of fries and coleslaw each .
The hotel feels quite old fashioned in decor and furniture but the beds were very comfortable.
The Executive Loung was a real disappointment if you are used to UK or European Hiltons. Only one hot appetiser in the evening Happy Hour, and the beer / wine was locked away. I had to go twice to reception to ask for someone with a key to serve me a glass of wine. And still had to pay $3!
Breakfast was better but I don't like the use of paper cups for juice and plastic plates for food . Seems a bit tacky for an Executive Lounge.
Probably won't go back.