Secret Garden Inn


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Secret Garden Inn descritpion


Offering individually decorated rooms with balconies with Pacific Ocean views, this quaint Del Mar B&B is an 8 minute drive from Torrey Pines Golf Course. It features a picturesque courtyard and serves a full daily breakfast.
The Secret Garden Inn offers individually decorated rooms and suites with hardwood floors, a cable TV and a private bathroom. Rooms offer Asian design with Shoji screen lighting and a spa bathtub. Suites offer an outdoor patio complete with a 2-person spa bathtub, BBQ facilities and a fireplace.
Shopping and dining opportunities in Del Mar town center are just a 2 minute walk away. Del Mar Fairgrounds and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club are less than a 5 minute drive from the Del Mar Secret Garden Inn. San Diego International Airport is 20 miles away.

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They speak 2 languages——Secret Garden Inn's staff speaks:Spanish,English
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Facilities of Secret Garden Inn

Outdoors :Grounds | Sun Deck

Pets :Pets are not allowed.

Activities :Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Hiking | Cycling | Diving | Snorkeling

Internet :Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking :Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Services :Meeting/Banquet Facilities

General :Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Languages Spoken :Spanish | English

Reviews for Secret Garden Inn

Review 1:Spa tub was tiny (too small for two) toilet was in a closet with an open window to the room so you can hear and smell everything that was going on in there.

Review 2:Very cute room, owner was very friendly, location was great (although hard to find).

Review 3:The toilet room was too small with a hole in the wall - not great if you like total privacy which I assume most do (especially ladies) even if you are travelling with your partner!

Review 4:Lovely decor, very clean, peaceful location yet convenient for all amenities.

Review 5:The toilet in the closet. The people above were very noisy in the afternoon. Do not like that bowl sink.

Review 6:Great view from the balcony. Saw the Trident missile launch perfectly. Very comfortable bed.

Review 7:The restaurant staff (only one person) had just one table to serve breakfast to and yet was cleary not pleased to do so. Made us feel like we were unwelcome.

Review 8:The owner was very nice and the room was very well appointed.

Review 9:Nothing

Review 10:This place is adorable and quiet - convenient location, very comfortable but the best of it all was how nice the owner John was and how accommodating Danielle and Bratzo and their staff were - fabulous breakfasts delivered to the minute of we we asked - we Will definitely come back and stay again

Review 11:Breakfast was good but choices were limited. Coffee was not good.

Review 12:Beautiful room. Super comfy bed. Nice location tucked in behind the main drag with easy access to shops and restaurants.

Review 13:Maybe a more realistic description of the "ocean View" option. I was under the impression that it was going to be a clearer view.

Review 14:I was very pleased by how helpful and attentive the hotel management was during my stay. The gentleman really went out of his way to please us. He offered us and ice cooler to take to the beach and even offered a different room with a better view. He heard us talkiing about how we were expecting a better ocean view, but we were so pleased with everything else that it really didn't matter after all. The free breakfast is amazing! I recommend the vegetarian omelette! The restaurant has great food and excellent service. A bit pricy but worth it! The location is excellent !

Review 15:The only thing I'd have changed was the bathroom. The show/tub isn't separated from the sleeping area and the toilet is cramped in an closet sized room with open air to the rest of the room and there was no window. Not the ideal romantic setting for a new couple but if your comfortable with each others bodily evolutions it's a very nice room.

Review 16:This place is beautiful, nestled behind a great little cafe, right in the middle of town. A quick little strut through the kitchen (very cool, I felt like Ray Liotta in Goodfellas) and you're right on the main drag. Restaurants and bars along with shopping and a beautiful view are just outside and the accommodations were lovely. The balconies have ocean views, albeit over the the quaint little neighborhood behind you and the whirlpool tub was a nice touch. All in all a beautiful place, I'd stay again.

Review 17:Although this place was a little pricey, it was in a great location and it was like walking into a secret paradise. Honestly! I have never seen such beautiful accommodations in the U.S. The lobby area was like a secret Garden from Spain and my friend and I stayed in the Orchid room. It was so beautiful and comfortable, we never wanted to leave! Could't figure out wifi and check in is a little confusing at first because you have to check in at a location a block away.

Review 18:No access to WiFi on any of our devices. Manager could not fix it. Thin walls.

Review 19:Quaint room overlooking the pacific ocean in the town of Del Mar. Easy walk to the ocean. The Secret restaurant is adjacent with excellent food

Review 20:Thought the only thing that might have made it more compete would've been a better set up for room service. Or at least made it a little more assesible even if the rooms provided the space and equipment to make your own meals in your room. I understand it's like having the comforts of your own home but this is my little getaway and being able to call for room service would've been the topping on my cake, if you know what I mean? Besides that, this place was absolutely perfect!!!

Review 21:I think what I liked most was how secluded it felt from the moment we got there. I know most enjoy centralizing their location around activity and astonishing as it was, this place created a very secluded feel by literally hiding the suites behind a restaurant off the Main Street & having our own private entrance thru the alley out back. All amenities were accessible within reach- from the car, to the beach, shopping, dining, and beautiful views.

Review 22:Very old TV no coffee maker in the room they sold a room with a ocean view come on. That is a joke. The room was sold with free breakfast another joke. I believe was four options for breakfast but if you want fruit or orange juice you have to pay for it I paid $5 for a very small orange juice we only stayed one night cancel the other and move to a different hotel which was much better and less expensive I would never stay at secret garden again

Review 23:Not much

Review 24:I don't think people had stayed any time recently as the rooms were dusty. We loved the first room we chose but about 5min in we noticed little sugar ants in the bathtub, then we found a few on the bed. We had our infant with us so we switched rooms. The new room had ants as well. I know these ants are really hard to get rid of but the rooms are not cheap so we were disappointed w/ cleanliness.

Review 25:The Inn was small and exterior was charming. The cafe attached to the Inn had incredible food. Staff at the restaurant and the gentleman that showed us to our room were very nice. We were given the option to choose our room.

Review 26:Breakfast potatoes hard, not cooked well. No phone to call desk at the main hotel desk. Parking spots very small, door ding nightmare!

Review 27:Unique building and rooms. Asked for a fridge and they accommodated without a problem. Love they way it's decorated. Breakfast in the balcony. Great breeze, cool summer night. Walking distance to coffee, food, beach...

Review 28:Staff was very helpful and friendly. The rooms are unique and a bit quirky...that was the fun of it. The restaurant was very good. We will come back again.

Review 29:Ridiculously Over priced - I expected more for the money- no bottled water in the room - very very small - no table / chairs advertised ocean view?: bring a ladder to see it - worth $50-$100 - I paid $365+ tax= rip off

Review 30:Location is good

Review 31:Thoughtful design features throughout the Inn make this feel like a special place. The rooms are European size and small even by that standard, but the location is nice and the pricng quite fair. Great for a short stay. Very convenient to have the Secret Cafe (Peruvian) attached to the Inn.

Review 32:Breakfast included but maybe restaurant opens late or closed on Mondays (our departure day) so we had to settle for 7-11 coffee before heading home- great restaurant and again, included in stay (except not open Monday morning at 8:30???)

Review 33:Owners on site when we arrived; attention to detail and very interesting building! There was so much personalized attention that was collected around the world and decorated in this little place- the restaurant, The Secret Cafe was excellent! The rooms are very different (see pics online) so an older (maybe more "posh") couple seemed to not like that it wasn't the Hilton with super spacious rooms but, the charm and attention to detail we're amazing and again, description online was spot on. Would definitely recommend if staying in Del Mar area. There are ocean views but you are several small blocks away so you won't hear it but it's a small walk.

Review 34:I was very happy with the room,the view, and the staff

Review 35:I love the privacy, breakfast delivery to room. Quaint patio with fresh ocean breezes along with a view.

Review 36:Great location really quiet.

Review 37:It was an adorable place with many nice details.

Review 38:Secluded location and service that was much more personal than a typical hotel.

Review 39:The room was a little small for my taste but very nice decorated.

Review 40:The location and the stuff was absolutely great..!!

Review 41:It feels like home.John is a great host

Review 42:too much noise from guests upstairs. noise from restaurant washing dishes late at night room too small

Review 43:location

Review 44:Friendliness from all the staff especially the owner John! His wife has decorated each room with such genuine beauty.

Review 45:Everything

Review 46:not having an elevator

Review 47:Everyone from the manager to the cafe workers were extremely helpful and pleasant.

Review 48:So so of a place.

Review 49:Great location.

Review 50:The place was well taken care of with a friendly staff. Liked the view of the ocean from balcony and the closeness to ocean.

Review 51:No cable TV...

Review 52:The room was perfect... The restaurant was excellent ... The room service was great ...

Review 53:The location was amazing, the room was adorable, breakfast was great, very private

Review 54:Location was perfect.

Review 55:Small rooms No separate bath Ocean view was minimal

Review 56:Close to all

Review 57:This was our 2nd visit to the Secret Garden Inn. We had the opportunity to upgrade to the Penthouse suite and it was outstanding!

Review 58:Did not like tub/ shower set up at all. No safe way in and out as there was nothing to hold on to. Water pressure for shower was weak.

Review 59:Loved location. Staff was friendly and accommodating.

Review 60:The grounds are well kept and the artesian theme is very beautiful. The details in the decor and floor are very unique and make you feel as though you are in another country. The penthouse has an amazing balcony with fireplace and hot tub with a great view of the ocean. Its the perfect place to get away and relax and within walking distance to great restaurants shopping and the beach. The only down side was the restaurant, that is also owned by the inn, is feet away from the rooms and they are open late cleaning. The kitchen staff needs to keep in mind that there are vacationers feet away trying to rest. There was also so issues with the wifi. But other than that, it was a really great trip.

Review 61:I did not like the shower situation with it being separated by a curtain . But it was different .

Review 62:It was a very quiet and different kind of place. The hotel is hidden behind an excellent resteraunt and you go to another hotel to check in. But once you find your secret hotel was very nice. This was an adventure everything a little different but we had a nice stay.

Review 63:The room just wasn't as described. The bathroom was part of the room rather than a separate proper bathroom, which was kind of awkward... Not great for romance to hear your partner peeing and watch them floss, ya know? They also only had dispenser shampoo and soap. For the price I just would expect a lot more- could have spent half that and been somewhere with a separate bathroom.

Review 64:Location and friendly staff

Review 65:Though it was perfect for us and we loved the European style it would not be for someone who may be physically challenged as there are stairs at Secret Garden Inn from the parking area...And, if you're looking to hang out in the room and watch TV, this is not your place, the televisions are smaller and older and it is not the reason this place was created anyway.

Review 66:This was a surprise Staycation for my boyfriends birthday, it couldn't have gone better! From the moment we arrived, I knew I had chosen the right place. It reminded us of Europe. Secret Garden Inn is located behind the lovely Cafe Secret and the employees there made us feel like we were special guests, friendly, helpful and did I say the food was amazing? They provide the included breakfast but, we also chose to have dinner there as well. The rooms were unique, artistic and individually decorated with different themes, ours was Asian inspired and our view was to the ocean. The decor is detailed, beds comfortable and the pillows are not like the huge hard ones in chain hotels. It is not on the beach, it is a block away but, at night and in the morning we could hear the ocean waves. The Secret Garden Inn is associated with Les Artisans down the street and you go there to check in and out, everyone there was lovely!! They take special pride in the ownership of this gem and they make it like a home away from home there. We actually went there one evening and sat by their brick fireplace, they were so warm and friendly. Les Artisan Inn is dog friendly (not Secret Garden Inn). We would highly recommend either place and we WILL be back.

Review 67:I thought I was getting a great price on a room that included breakfast. Breakfast was good room was a bedroom with a closet for a toilet and bathtub. I love my wife but on a nice getaway I don't want to listen to each other use the toilet, or have a tub that is only separated by a curtain. This day and age and for the price I would have liked to see an TV that is not from the 90's. I wanted a romantic getaway with my wife and i felt let down. I strongly suggest going somewhere else the stop by for the cafe it is amazing.

Review 68:Staff was great. Cafe had amazing smells and food.

Review 69:no stereo or iphone speaker dock in room.

Review 70:the cozy bohemian eclectic decor and walking proximity to downtown Del Mar and beaches. The Cafe Secret restaurant is outstanding for breakfast and ceviche.

Review 71:I couldn't imagine complaining about anything regarding the secret garden inn.

Review 72:The owners the location and the biew. I would not have wanted to spend my 11th anniversary anywhere else. We upgraded the night before and it was worth the extra money. The farmers market was awesome and the beach is much closer than i thought. They did everything to accomidate us.

Review 73:The room could have been dusted a little better. The bed board & mantle were dusty. The sheets were clean but had a permenant yellow stain in spots.

Review 74:Beautiful bed & breakfast in Del Mar. My wife & I stayed New Year's Eve. We loved the balcony with ocean view and the fireplace in room. Very romantic with the mix of Spanish & Oriental design.

Review 75:The bed was hard and the bathroom wasn't private enough for my husband

Review 76:the unique features, insulation from sound and weather, view, feeling of privacy (except in the bathroom), friendly people, "at home" type accessability feeling of common areas & cafe, atmosphere, personalization...

Review 77:the intimate environment - having water in a fridge for no charge - having the excellent - delicious healthy breakfast that comes with the room - excellent location

Review 78:Our only suggestion, and really, are you there to watch tv?!, Is thatthe tv could be upgraded to a little bigger hdtv. That's it!

Review 79:The beauty is in the details. This is one of the best experiencesI've had in a hotel, ever. John, the owner/manager, wasengaging, friendly, accommodating, and just an all-around great guy! Wehad a late check-in, and he was there to greet us and get us in quickly.He was very accessible as well. The rooms are beautifully quirky, aneclectic artistic mix of Thai, Peruvian and European, creating a warm,inviting and very interesting (in a good way!) living space. We stayedin the Rose room. Yes, the amenities are great with the iron patiofurniture on the balcony, the jet tub, the very comfortable king bed,the little pot-belly fire place, the ocean view, etc., but for meit's more about the ambiance of a place, the comfort factor, how youfeel when you open that door and walk into your room. This place isappropriately labeled an "Inn" as it is a perfect crossbetween a BnB and a hotel, using the best of both worlds. The breakfastis hearty, delicious, natural and so much more than your usual"Continental" hotels serve (try the omelettes!). We had thechoice of eating in the attached cafe, on the balcony in our room, or asmall table set in the inside courtyard--we tried all three as we werethere three mornings, all wonderful, cozy spots! The serving staff arevery friendly as well. We were there for the races, but happily foundourselves staying in the room a lot more than anticipated. There areonly three of these artistic rooms (affording quiet!) plus a roomy suiteabove which comes with an outdoor fireplace, hot tub, bbq, and astunning ocean view, and inside has a more zen look and feel, allbeautiful. The two bedrooms in the suite are thankfully separated by asmall kitchen and living space. We'll be staying there next time! Icould go on and on about our stay... Cannot say enough about the placeand the people; I would highly recommend staying here.

Review 80:Very small room, would have been uncomfortable for 2. Big comfy bed, but one side is against the wall, so one person would have to climb over other to get out of bed. Ancient and tiny TV stuck in a box hanging from the wall; strange.

Review 81:Unique room, great location, wonderful atmosphere.

Review 82:We enjoyed the whole experience. The bathroom/shower arrangements are unusual but worked for us.

Review 83:We loved the unusual & beautiful décor and having breakfast in the attached café. Everyone associated with the inn was enthusiastic and friendly. We will definitely return and look forward to doing so.

Review 84:Small room, toilet, sink and shower in three seperate locations in room. Expensive for type of room. Ocean view only peak over roofs. Soap is dispensed from gym type containers. TV is from the 60's. Refrigerator, water, microwave outside room. No in room phone service to front desk.

Review 85:Location

Review 86:The eclectic mix of decor and building materials combined with arrangement of amenities made our stay very pleasant. Lighting features were especially nice as we're the plush towels and bedding.

Review 87:Unique boutique hotel -- lovely. So much better than some chain hotel with no character. This place has really friendly staff who seem to genuinely care, great decor, a beautiful koi pond and garden, eye-catching art, sculpture, tile work. We got a room with a balcony, ocean view, and King bed. The breakfast was great. Yoga studio next door. Main Street Del Mar but felt safe and private and quiet. Just perfect.

Review 88:The is no fridge in the room what is standard in most US hotels and no hairdryer.

Review 89:Very nicely designed rooms with good furniture, balcony overlooking the ocean, small but sufficient. With the breakfast included a good deal for a stay in this area.

Review 90:Building has slight air of lack of attention to maintenance- breakfast arrangement in small restaurant limited to one item on menu - no coffee/tea making in the room - no soap bar or lotion ( only liquid soap )

Review 91:Quaint ambiance - unusual building with many artistic features-- location in Del Mar - very attractive small town with huge beach for walking /swimming/surfing

Review 92:Great location, good view from the presidential suite, clean and tidy

Review 93:Great place for romance. Restaurant is something you should not miss

Review 94:Very small room.

Review 95:Nice staff. Good breakfast included and very convenient. Jacuzzi tub. Nice walk to the beach.

Review 96:The woman tha lives across!

Review 97:The Location and the View!

Review 98:Very unique hotel, must stay!

Review 99:Nothing.

Review 100:The hotel had a nice vibe to it. Everyone there was very nice. The room was very pretty & clean

Review 101:the japanese room was lovely.

Review 102:Balconies are overlooking alley - not bad, per se, but not what we thought.

Review 103:Great staff, funky rooms, great location.

Review 104:I LOVE this place.

Review 105:Paper thin walls!!! I could here every move the neighboring guests made!!

Review 106:Very quant loved the theme

Review 107:Nice roomy suite,

Review 108:Real funky

Review 109:Funky

Review 110:Fabulous location, friendly staff, unique design, great food, nearby yoga studio!

Review 111:nothing

Review 112:The unique and quaint quality decoration and furnishing.

Review 113:Not private. Could not really see ocean. Patio was like cruise ship with neighbors in ur face. Dont like having bathroom in our direct room

Review 114:Small rooms,and expensive

Review 115:Close to the beach.

Review 116:fun & funky. great view of Pacific in distance from balcony. wonderful breakfast.

Review 117:too close to the restaurant noise

Review 118:the decor was so interesting walking in town or to the beach was excellent. Very friendly staff. Thanks John.

Review 119:No problems

Review 120:There are only 3 rooms plus the penthouse, best description is that itis quirky and a little way out but fun

Review 121:We always come here when we need a few days away. The Inn is beautiful but not stuffy. A hidden gem. And the restaurant is fantastic!

The Fine Print

You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.***Please note: all guests must check in at Les Artistes Inn, 944 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014***Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.