This is perfect for people on the go looking for an authentic dining experience who love fresh and healthy cuisine. At any rate, Based on Bens and other reviews Ive read, this is not a place Im dying to spend $600+/night to stay at. What do you make of Alila Marea Encinitas? The design sensibility of the common areas here is 4 star at best. I ride bikes like its my job and I actively avoid it. For those not familiar with the Encinitas area, think of it as a laid back surfer town. The Pocket: A truly elevated pool deck experience, the resort's laid-back . These rates cost the same as standard flexible rates (not member rates, advance purchase rates, AAA rates, etc. We arrived after midnight and the lobby staff was surprised since i had checked in online and they didn't expect us. This hotel feels more like an Unbound collection (gives me The Confidante vibes) like a $200 a night hotel. Beverly Hills for example has many international guests which is why the 5-star hotels there are generally on a higher level (Peninsula, Beverly Hills Hotel etc). Private outdoor tables were arranged along a wide balcony overlooking the ocean. From harnessing the energy of the elements, to minimizing our environmental footprint in collaboration with community partners, Alila Marea Beach Resort places sustainability at the forefront as an . The Pocket. I see it eventually rebranding as an Andaz or Destination and reducing prices to lure in more meetings and local business travel. We were told that on account of my Globalist status breakfast would include one drink, one main course, and one side per person. For context, below is a map that gives you a sense of the layout of the property. petercC4078VB wrote a review Apr 2023. We were there at a time in the afternoon when the menu was transitioning, so they only had three food options. The staff were genuinely friendly and eager to please. Two Pasta Queens Dreams Become Reality As They Open La Pastaia In Bay Park, Little Thief Restaurant-In-Residence To Transition From Drew Bents Papalito To Elliott And Kelly Townsends Long Story Short. PH Beaver Creek is the worst PH. Given San Diegos drought-stricken past, its no wonder theres no bathtub in the room. Well, to be fair, the rooms look pretty gorgeous to me, but I just meant to state that the exterior has elements that remind me of a fancy Hampton Inn. The menu at VAGA is Executive Chef Claudette Zepedas love letter to her hometown, featuring flavorful dishes infused with regional cultural influences. The Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is actually not located in Encinitas, but 5 miles north, between the beach towns of Leucadia and Carlsbad. Pool / Beach Towels. I'm more curious as to the weird branch hanging from the showerhead-which-looks-like-a-security-camera. It, too, had not yet opened officially, though there was a (very) limited selection of dishes for hotel guests who were lounging . . Then we were woken up Sunday morning by the beeping of the electric Toyota semi trucks as they moved around the beach parking lot, taking pictures with the cars. Let alone a Hampton Inn, lol. We chose the tuna and it was nice and light. I ride bikes like its my job and I actively avoid it. If Id actually been paying $700 a night, I would have been furious. We decided to share the mushroom & chicken tostada and Oaxacan quesadilla, and both were tasty. Others may feel differently. Aprs Sea: 3:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. Dine on modern creations prepared with the finest local and sustainably sourced ingredients from nearby farms and waters. That late there was no parking valet nor bellman to take our bags. But I'm even more dumbfounded by the layout, and would never consider booking here, irrespective of price. Wow, thanks for the review! Its described as a seductive surf-inspired hangout, but felt to me a bit like a cross between a hotel lobby bar and a sports pub. Other than that, we tried ordering breakfast via room service one morning, but after three calls with no answer, we gave up and ordered DoorDash from a nearby eatery (thank you, Chase Sapphire Reserve, for complimentary DashPass). (Mind you, I last stayed at that particular PH in June of 2019so I can't say if there was a renovation or dining changes since then). Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. The bed had a light gray, upholstered headboard, and was dressed in white Bellino sheets manufactured from sustainable beechwood fibers. As an Alila Marea guest, youre invited to experience a range of interesting and exciting events with several event options daily. I have had two stays there so far and it's my singular new favorite Hyatt property in North America. Its a public beach, so theres no service from the hotel there. It was a really fun way to explore the area and get around without having to take out the car. A seductive surf-inspired hangout fronted by epic ocean views. While I thought the furniture as such was nice, the bedroom could definitely use a bit more art, or something on the walls. We asked for an outdoor table to help us socially distance from other guests, and were quite comfortable under the heating lamps. Explore & Book MAREA BEACH RESORT, ENCINITAS. We actually ran into other guests on the elevator several times whose keys had not worked to take them to their floor and had to help them unlock the buttons by passing our keys over the reader. To OMAAT readers that have stayed, what was your experience like? Among the other fitness activities that will be offered are sunrise yoga, guided beach runs, and hikes around the Batiquitos Lagoons 2-mile loop trail. These are the best publicly available offers (terms apply) that we have found for each product or service. It had to be quite a project to stabilize that bluff and there was a massive retaining wall. We also over a . Since we were arriving late and hadnt eaten much that day, we decided to order room service our first evening. Alila has friendly service, great food, and a laid back atmosphere. Learn more about the space The Pocket Pool & Bar at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas in Encinitas, CA. Yes, Vaga is fantastic. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. If you were to visit the Alila Marea Beach Resort the breathtaking hotel perched upon the bluff between Carlsbad and Encinitasand walk into its poolside bar area known as The Pocket, you'd. See what vendors have worked there before and book them for your own needs. Despite that, I look forward to checking it out. Yes, bigger grounds and pool etc. Fall Vibes! The fact that the parking charges did not earn Hyatt points only added insult to injury. Ill say this for the pool service they aimed to please. Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a luxury boutique hotel on a clifftop just south of South Ponto Beach, opens its doors today. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. This hotel is both nice and random. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Sure enough, they worked until after midnight. I ended up going with PH Aviara and had an incredible stay and the best dinner and breakfast ive ever had at a hotel restaurant. The first morning was really good. This proximity not only inspires the dcor, it influences every . That late there was no parking valet nor bellman to take our bags. The gym equipment is fantastic, TechnoGym machines and two Peloton bikes. I was down in this area in June for the US Open and was choosing between here and Park Hyatt Aviara. If you want to be at a resort / hotel-captive, the Park Hyatt Aviara is a better place to do that on all fronts except maybe being able to walk down to the beach. My only real complaint is that it lacked privacy from the pool, and perhaps the room could use a bit more art. On top of that, the rooms lack privacy you saw what our view looked like, and in reality we lucked out. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Super let down with service, food, everything. Book your luxury room or suite with breathtaking views of the Southern California coastline. Our experience was also similar with the restaurant and bar service. Pillowtop beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. More on that a bit later. During our stay, we had morning coffee out there, spent some time relaxing with the view, and even dragged the indoor table out to have a COVID-era delivery dinner by ourselves. Toiletries were from VOTARY, and were in toothpaste-style tubes, which I dont think Ive ever seen before. I am sitting here in a room at Alila and can tell you that despite its faults, and a bit over the top categorization as a beach resort, it is far from being some dismal suburban property. There were two agents on duty at the reception desk, plus a concierge. Maybe a one night staycation, ok. Or a get together spot for a few friends over a weekend. We passed on this one earlier this year and stayed at the Park Hyatt Aviara instead. We were also disappointed that not all the amenities notably the beach services were available. Seems decent but I wouldnt fly cross country for it. A coastal getaway, if only for the day. THRILLING ADVENTURES Paddle to Adventure Explore the Seven Sea Caves set in 75-million-year-old sandstone and La Jolla Ecological Reserve's abundant marine life. Outdoor pool. Among the standout dishes we tried were savory scallion pancakes with green papaya slaw and smoky eggplant dip ($13), seared scallops over a rich plantain puree with crunchy choclo corn and chili oil ($25) and crispy grilled octopus drizzled with mouthwatering mixed-seed green mole and garnished with crispy garbanzo beans, and earthy mushrooms ($30). Should be a good value at least! The outdoor bar and lounge had great views of the coast, plus fire elements to keep visitors warm when things cool off in the evening. I also enjoyed chilling on the patio with the firepit to take the chill off at night. Perched atop a stunning coastal bluff extending along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in Southern California, the five-star Alila Marea resort offers magnificent and one-of-a- kind panoramic views of the shimmering Pacific Ocean and adjoining Batiquitos Lagoon. Shrug. While certain amenities were closed or not fully functional, the experience still provided a relaxing staycation. We left ours open practically the entire time to enjoy the cool breezes. Fortunately the food was excellent. The hotel did comp us 50,000 points which was equivalent to 1 night (we had two rooms). On top of that, the value here is exceptional as a Globalist member redeeming points, especially compared to the other options in the area. I truly find this to be an incredibly strange and random hotel, yet we enjoyed ourselves here, and agreed wed return. Toggle navigation. The hotel is located on a 4.3 acre property, and the building itself takes up a vast majority of that space. The restaurant seems to be popular with both hotel guests and locals. If you want food, drinks, or a lounge setup, youre on your own. The bathroom wasnt bad, either, though. Sorry you got a couple of chilly days - Sunday was decent, The decor is a missed opportunity. See more about our ethics policies here. We stuck it out, but it was far from the relaxing scene we had envisioned, unfortunately. At one point, the people sitting next to us waited a full half-hour for their bill so they could sign it and leave, and they eventually just decamped. It's stuff like this why I come to the comment section! Live Music: Thursday - Saturday 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. . We didnt come across a single person who wasnt polite, and all requests were handled promptly. Each of the three floors was laid out along a single extended hallway, and our room was about halfway down, so it was a slight hike. The hotel was full that weekend for an unadvertised event (more on that later) but we (globalist) were upgraded to something they called a suite but that was smaller than a Hyatt Place room. Eric originally joined TPG as the site's first managing editor back in 2011. Specialties: Pita Pocket & More offers traditional Mediterranean food from chicken and beef shawarma cooked in front of you on rotisseries everyday. The Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is actually not located in Encinitas, but 5 miles north, between the beach towns of Leucadia and Carlsbad. Alila has Coffee Box, which is essentially a coffee shop and gift store located at the front of the hotel, on the lobby level. Alila has a 24/7 gym thats located on the first floor. While the rooms with fire pits on the ground floor have great outdoor space be warned that the trade off is you are right on the public walkway and there is ZERO privacy. For anyone though thinking of a true beach getaway this is not a property for that at all. There was a large indoor dining room with a view onto the open kitchen. Capacity. The Pocket largely serves Mexican food, and you can find the menu here. This hotel feels more like an Unbound collection (gives me The Confidante vibes) like a $200 a night hotel. Across the board, service at Alila was excellent. Breakfast is served daily at VAGA from 7AM until 11AM, and you can find the breakfast menu here. Etta is fantastic. Frankly the hotel doesnt fit into the area at all the area otherwise only has small developments and homes, and then you have a massive hotel that seems kind of out of place. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Reservations are required for locals/non-resort guests, and pool access is not included. But this is indisputably North Coastal San Diego county, not Orange County or LA. Jillians Blend cabernet for $15 / glass is a nice pour even if you don't eat. As a World of Hyatt Globalist member the value here is exceptional, and Id consider returning. You are looking at Google Maps as a decisive factor? But I'm even more dumbfounded by the layout, and would never consider booking here, irrespective of price. Whats more, my World of Hyatt points also saved me quite a bundle on the room rates, which made it an even better bargain. The hotel is in an area actually referred to as Leaucadia by locals even though it is part of Encinitas. As for things to do, you can walk or bike into Leucadia, where there are great little coffee shops, restaurants and the Saint Archer Brewing Company for artisanal beers and upscale pub grub. The hotel offers proper room service, in the sense that they dont bring you stuff in to-go containers (as so many hotels did during the pandemic). Earn World of Hyatt points with the following cards: 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on Travel after the $300 Annual Travel Credit, Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, Earn 5% Cash Back at office supply stores, Earn 5% Cash Back on internet, cable TV, mobile phones, and landlines, Earn 1.5% Cash Back On All Other Purchases. Since the hotel isnt really within walking distance of anywhere, you can either get to town by car or using electric bikes. The beach itself is reasonably nice. Spend a restorative day by the sea, including a 50-minute massage or facial at Spa Alila, a day pass to spa facilities and Alila Marea's oceanfront pool, and $50 poolside food and beverage credit at The Pocket. The rooms all face either the ocean or the lagoon, so you cant really go wrong with the views. However, I would definitely return here for another quick getaway. I was issued a virtual key, and at noon on the dot, I was notified that our room was ready. Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas offers 130 accommodations with iPod docking stations and laptop-compatible safes. The flip side of the pool view rooms' lack of privacy was the creepiness of those guests sitting on their balconies and staring down at usWe didn't spend much time at the pool. The rooms are certainly ok so I have to give them that. I should mention that you really dont have much privacy in these rooms. But even then, the hotel is like in a public area that is so awkward. But because the beach services which will include setting out chairs and umbrellas for guests eventually were not yet available, the pool area was positively overrun with children. The perfect pit stop for a beach picnic, locally made surf gear, or an espresso drink. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. The Peninsula has moved to those toothpaste-style shower toiletries as well. We stayed 7 days in June, we had in my opinion the best rooms at the hotel. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Yes there's been a major renovation completed at the PH Aviara since your last stay. To call this a beach resort is a joke - postage stamp sized pool and a rocky beach with no service. Guests and now locals (21+) are invited to unwind in laidback style atThe Pocketat Alila Marea Beach Resort a seductive, surf-inspired hangout fronted by epic ocean views. This hotel feels much more boutique and personalized, by comparison. Its almost 33 miles north of San Diego International Airport (SAN), or just under 100 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The resort is located oceanside atop a stunning coastal bluff extending along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in Southern California. I have no idea how they call this place a resort. I stayed here a few months back and honestly decided to check-out after 1 night after being there 30 minutes. Although we had a virtual key, since no one else was checking in and we wanted to know which amenities and facilities were available, we decided to stop by reception. Yes! 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | Elemental Yoga | Ocean Bluff. Featuring one king bed, a bathroom with shower, and pool views, guests . For that it serves a purpose for me. But I find it lacks any character at all. I paid for our other incidentals with my World of Hyatt Credit Card to earn 9.5 points per dollar: 5x base points plus a 10% bonus due to automatic Discoverist status with the card, plus an extra 4x per dollar with the card itself. While I like this property for work related stays in the area I have a hard time believing that this particular Alila will survive as a "beach resort" and continue with the pricing they get. High on a coastal bluff in the funky-chic surf town of . Other rooms have even less privacy, and face a parking lot, with the beach and Pacific Ocean in the distance.Alila Marea Encinitas exteriorAlila Marea Encinitas view from many rooms. Flights Vacation Rentals Restaurants Things to do . For anyone though thinking of a true beach getaway this is not a property for that at all. You can find the in-room dining menu here. The Alila Marea Beach Resort is located in the beach community of Leucadia which is located in the city of Encinitas at the northern end. At the same time, the hotel has a small pool and rooms lack privacy. Ford is big into getting his steps in, so he loved just how much stepping was required to get to & from the room. You can either dine indoors, or they can delivery food and drinks to the pool from here. Not a Cat 6 $800 a night hotel. Nowhere is the difference between 5 star hotels in California and other parts of the world more apparent than in the coffee bar and bakery. Along the interior wall of the living room was the minibar area, which had an espresso machine and a tea kettle. The pool staff disinfected them between guests and adjusted the umbrellas up or down depending on your shade preference. But even then, the hotel is like in a public area that is so awkward. Given the multitude of properties around the Having grown up in this area (in the early '90s), it's sad to see what it has become. The hot tub was about half as big as the pool and was so hot it was really only enjoyable after dark. The hotel has brutal architecture and doesnt fit with the area at all (youre placed on a freeway so really nowhere walkable either). Promotional rates in the off-season are available for as low as $400, and in peak season the hotel charges $800+ per night for a standard room. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The hotel is kind of built into a hill, so I guess there was no way to do more with the lobby level. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. We ended up not doing that. The below picture also maybe gives you a sense of how you can really look into rooms from the pool area. Parking service was very prompt, a text to the valet and within a few minutes our car was ready. The pool area does have some pretty fire pits as well, with plenty of seating. Here's to hoping Hyatt partnering with Etta in the future for other properties as well. If you want to be at a resort / hotel-captive, the Park Hyatt Aviara is a better place to do that on all fronts except maybe being able to We passed on this one earlier this year and stayed at the Park Hyatt Aviara instead. Super let down with service, food, everything. Alila Marea Beach Resort also supports the Rob Machado Foundation and its mission to promote ocean cleanliness and the reduction of plastic waste. . We also had chermoula grilled chicken skewers with cucumber and tomato, tangy labneh and pickles ($21) which were delicious. Alila has embraced sustainability as its hallmark, so the air conditioning system went off when the doors were opened, which was a nice, energy-saving touch. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Mark Zeff Associates oversaw the interior design, with elements meant to evoke a coastal feeling. In short, it was our favorite space of the room. (function (d, s, n) { Sunset Salutation | The Pocket. Our room wasnt even a full level up from the pool, and you can easily look into the rooms from the pool. The hotels signature restaurant was called Vaga, which was a play on Chef Zepedas childhood nickname. 14 Must-Try San Diego Wineries (Who Needs Napa?! The hotel isnt immediately in town, but rather at the intersection of La Costa Avenue and Highway 101, so its at a pretty busy intersection. I use it as a base for meetings and work in San Diego as I'm not a big fan of the city or La Jolla hotels here. Maybe a one night staycation, ok. Or a get together spot for a few friends over a weekend. Square Feet: 1,700 ft 2. And the wall-mounted showerhead was festooned with a eucalyptus sprig to provide a whiff of aromatherapy. 60-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Even when I complained to Hyatt about it they put me in touch with the hotel manager who told me tough luck, when refused to compensate with any points to offset the terrible experience. Location. And I admit, Im a bit of a map junkie and constantly use google and other mapping apps to see where a hotel is situated in relation to other landmarks (such as the ocean), whats in the surrounding area, etc. Across from reception is a staircase that leads up to VAGA (the hotels signature restaurant), and then down the hall is Spa Alila, as well as the elevators to guest rooms. The chairs at the pool were claimed very quickly though we were told the beach attendant would get chairs arranged for us if we'd like. while the poolside Pocket will serve tacos, sushi and local fish, and the Coffee Box caf will showcase coffee from a . The rosemary-chia bath products provided were from Votary Skincare. Where Do World Leaders Dine When They Come To San Diego? They didn't want to since what i ate, though less expensive than the full meals, didn't fit into the free breakfast options. Not only are keys required to access the elevators, but on top of that you have to once again scan your keys to even enter the hallway with guest rooms. Vaga Restaurant & Bar at Alila Marea Beach Resort invites you to dine on modern dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients and regional influences. Dated design and cookie cutter California McMansion feel to it. Id absolutely return if the value were there. And the exteriors look like a bland, beige, fancy Hampton Inn. We hit great weather, mid 80s, so the pool was packed. There is a place for constructive criticism of properties from experience. Find the right card for you. November 11, 2021 Words: Rebecca Dalzell Photography: Eric Laignel The Alila Marea Beach Resort Captures California's Beauty As a boy growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, Mark Zeff slipped out of the house one morning and took a train to the ocean.
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