
InterContinental San Diego
Best for travelers who want a central waterfront location, multiple dining options, and large meeting/wedding facilities.
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InterContinental San Diego is a large downtown waterfront hotel with rooftop-pool energy and many on-site restaurants; read this if you want a central San Diego base near the Embarcadero and convention/ cruise terminals. L'Auberge Del Mar is an upscale resort-style hotel in the Del Mar village; read this if you prefer a seaside village stay, beach access, and a smaller, resort spa experience.
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Best for travelers who want a central waterfront location, multiple dining options, and large meeting/wedding facilities.

Best for travelers who want a quieter seaside village resort with direct access to Del Mar Plaza, a full-service spa, and tennis courts.
When InterContinental San Diego wins: choose the InterContinental for downtown sightseeing, easy cruise-terminal access, a rooftop pool with bay views, and a long list of on-site restaurants and large event spaces.
When L'Auberge Del Mar wins: choose L'Auberge for a quieter, resort-style stay steps from Del Mar Plaza and the beach, a full-service spa, outdoor tennis courts, and a more village/resort atmosphere.
Bottom line: pick InterContinental for city-side convenience, meeting capacity, and rooftop pool life; pick L'Auberge Del Mar for a smaller, seaside resort experience and resort amenities close to Del Mar Beach.
| Category | InterContinental San Diego | L'Auberge Del Mar |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large downtown waterfront hotel with active rooftop pool and multiple restaurants | Upscale coastal resort-style hotel in Del Mar village |
| Location | Downtown San Diego waterfront (BRIC district) near Embarcadero and cruise terminals | Central Del Mar, within walking distance of Del Mar Plaza and Del Mar Beach |
| Size (guest rooms) | About 400 guest rooms and 24 suites | 121 guestrooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; minimum check-in age 18 (minors must be with parent/guardian) | All ages welcome (children 17 and younger stay free in parents' room) |
| Pools | Heated rooftop pool on 4th floor with cabanas, lounge seating and Layover pool bar | Outdoor pool plus hot tub and poolside bar |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues including Vistal Bar + Restaurant, Garibaldi (rooftop), Seneca Trattoria, Layover pool bar, Mastro’s, Del Frisco’s, and Starbucks | One main restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe; room service during limited hours and a poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | IHG lists a full-service spa, but some management responses say no on-site spa — status is mixed in sources | Full-service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials |
| Known for | Waterfront location, large event/wedding spaces, rooftop pool and many on-site restaurants | Del Mar village location, resort-style feel, tennis courts, spa and beach proximity |
| Event space | About 95,000 sq ft of indoor/outdoor event space with ballrooms and terraces | Conference space ~16,000 sq ft with meeting rooms and banquet hall |
| Pet policy | Dog-friendly with $150 pet fee and $250 refundable deposit; service animals exempt | Pet fee and pet policy apply (pet fee published); service animals exempt |
InterContinental sits on San Diego’s downtown waterfront in the BRIC district, close to the cruise terminal and major downtown sights.
Choose InterContinental for downtown access, sightseeing, and cruise-terminal convenience.
L'Auberge Del Mar is in the heart of Del Mar village, steps from Del Mar Plaza and a short walk to Del Mar Beach.
Choose L'Auberge for a seaside village location with quick beach access.
InterContinental offers about 400 rooms including water-view rooms, many premium categories and 24 suites.
InterContinental has more room types and larger overall capacity—good for groups and business travelers.
L'Auberge Del Mar has 121 guestrooms in a resort configuration, with multiple terrace, coastal and village room types.
L'Auberge’s room mix emphasizes terraces, fireplaces in some rooms, and a resort-style layout.
InterContinental has a long list of on-site dining venues spanning casual to upscale steakhouse and rooftop Italian.
InterContinental suits travelers who want many on-site dining choices and late-night options.
L'Auberge focuses on a single main restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe and poolside bar with an emphasis on locally sourced food.
L'Auberge is better if you prefer a compact dining program with a resort/spa focus and local sourcing.
InterContinental’s rooftop heated pool sits on the 4th floor with cabanas, fire pits and the Layover pool bar.
InterContinental’s rooftop pool is a downtown, bay-view amenity—not a beach pool.
L'Auberge has an outdoor pool, a hot tub and a poolside bar, and is within a short walk of Del Mar Beach.
L'Auberge pairs a resort pool with easy beach access for a seaside stay.
InterContinental offers a 24-hour fitness center with bay views and an outdoor yoga terrace; spa availability is mixed across sources.
InterContinental is strong for fitness and rooftop nightlife; confirm spa status if a spa is essential.
L'Auberge provides a full-service spa, fitness facilities and on-site activities like outdoor tennis and yoga classes.
L'Auberge is the clearer choice for an on-site spa and resort-style wellness activities.

InterContinental — far more event space and large ballrooms suitable for conferences and big weddings.

L'Auberge Del Mar — steps from Del Mar Plaza and the beach with a quieter resort atmosphere.

InterContinental — rooftop heated pool with cabanas, fire pits and bay views.

L'Auberge Del Mar — full-service spa, tennis courts and a smaller property focused on leisure.
InterContinental San Diego — it's a short walk to the Port of San Diego cruise terminal and designed for cruise guests.
L'Auberge Del Mar — it’s within walking distance of Del Mar Beach and Del Mar Plaza.
L'Auberge Del Mar — supplier listing and hotel info confirm a full-service spa; InterContinental’s spa status is mixed across sources, so confirm before booking if a spa visit is essential.
No — both properties welcome guests of all ages (L'Auberge notes children 17 and younger stay free when using existing bedding).
Explore how InterContinental San Diego stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·