Secret Garden Inn
What Makes This Hotel Stand Out
Its highly eclectic and artistic decor, combined with its small, intimate feel and unique check-in process managed by a sister property.
Parent Pro Tip
Book the Penthouse suite if traveling with family for the extra space and full kitchen, which can be a lifesaver for preparing kid-friendly meals and snacks.
Why Families Love This Hotel
Unique, eclectic inn with family rooms, beach access, and included breakfast. Ideal for families seeking a charming, small-scale staycation.
The Secret Garden Inn offers a charming and unique stay for families, with its eclectic decor, family rooms, and prime Del Mar location. While its small size and unique check-in process might not suit everyone, the included breakfast and proximity to the beach make it a good option for families seeking a memorable getaway.
Best for: Families looking for a unique, character-filled stay near the beach with convenient amenities.
At a Glance
The Secret Garden Inn offers good value, especially considering the included breakfast and prime location near the beach...
Room Setup
The inn offers family rooms, including a penthouse that can sleep four, featuring a full kitchen.
Kids Features
While the hotel doesn't explicitly list kids' amenities like a pool or playground, the family rooms, included breakfast, and proximity to the beach offer family-friendly features.
Family Dining
Breakfast is included and is often delivered from a downstairs cafe.
Location
The Secret Garden Inn boasts an excellent location, being a short walk to the beach, restaurants, and shops in Old Del Mar.
Map Location — Secret Garden Inn
1140 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014-2606
The unique setup, potential accessibility issues, and lack of dedicated children's amenities make it less ideal for very young children. Older children and teens may appreciate the quirky atmosphere and proximity to the beach and town.
Detailed Family Analysis for Secret Garden Inn
Our AI has analyzed 24 family reviews to give you detailed insights about what makes this hotel great for families.
🏆 Overall Family Assessment
The Secret Garden Inn offers a charming and unique stay for families, with its eclectic decor, family rooms, and prime Del Mar location. While its small size and unique check-in process might not suit everyone, the included breakfast and proximity to the beach make it a good option for families seeking a memorable getaway.
🏨 Room Setup & Space
The inn offers family rooms, including a penthouse that can sleep four, featuring a full kitchen. Some rooms have two separate bedrooms, though each only contains one bed. The unique and eclectic decor adds to the charm, but some rooms are noted as small.
🎯 Kids' Amenities
While the hotel doesn't explicitly list kids' amenities like a pool or playground, the family rooms, included breakfast, and proximity to the beach offer family-friendly features. The fireplace and whirlpool bathtub in some units could also be enjoyed by families.
🍽️ Family Dining
Breakfast is included and is often delivered from a downstairs cafe. The Penthouse unit features a full kitchen, which is a great advantage for families looking to prepare some of their own meals. Several local restaurants are also within walking distance.
✨ Cleanliness & Safety
Cleanliness is generally mentioned positively in reviews, with guests finding their rooms clean and quiet. However, one review mentioned that the place was 'falling apart' and had issues with cleanliness.
📍 Location & Attractions
The Secret Garden Inn boasts an excellent location, being a short walk to the beach, restaurants, and shops in Old Del Mar. It's also noted as being in the heart of the area, with easy access to attractions.
💡 Practical Tips
Check-in is handled at a separate address (Les Artistes Inn), and guests are either driven or directed to the Secret Garden Inn. This unique process is mentioned by several reviewers. Free parking is available, which is a significant plus.
⚠️ Things to Consider
The inn is small, with only five units, which can limit availability. Some guests found the 'check-in up the road' and 'back to front layout' quirky. Accessibility for those with wheelchairs is a concern, with one review noting no wheelchair access to the room. Booking can also be challenging as reservations are sometimes only taken a month in advance.
Hotel Amenities
✨Other Amenities(13)
🛎️Services(3)
🏊Pool & Water(2)
Browse more family hotels by amenity
Family Activities Near Secret Garden Inn
Kid-friendly attractions and things to do nearby
Del Mar City Beach
A beautiful sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and enjoying the California sunshine.
Seagrove Park
A lovely coastal park with grassy areas for picnics and stunning ocean views, ideal for family outings.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Offers scenic hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views and unique Torrey pine trees, great for active families.
Powerhouse Community Center
A community center that may offer family-friendly activities or have nearby play areas for younger children.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
An excellent aquarium showcasing diverse marine life and oceanographic research, engaging for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families about Secret Garden Inn
What is the check-in process like?▼
Are there family rooms available?▼
Is breakfast included for families?▼
Is the hotel suitable for guests with mobility issues?▼
Is there parking available for families?▼
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