The eye-poppingly pretty coastal municipality of Del Mar may be most famous for its ritzy horse races but it will also put a spring in your dog’s step!

WHERE TO STAY IN DOG-FRIENDLY DEL MAR:

HOTEL INDIGO DEL MAR. As you can see, Bodie took one look at the sign and decided this is where he wanted to sleep…

Overall vibe: Clean, airy, easy-breezy. White clapboard exterior, understated interior – all the better to showcase this shimmering mosaic set above the reception desk:

Did you know that Bing Crosby was one of the founders of the Del Mar Racetrack? On opening day in 1937 he was there at the gate, greeting fans as they filed in, and of course he invited along all his celebrity pals… Ava Gardner is pictured here with a matching Andy Warhol-esque portrait in the hotel’s Ocean View Bar & Grill.

In 1938 Seabiscuit won the ‘winner takes all’ pot in front of a record-breaking crowd and that really put Del Mar on the map. I love this Indigo lobby poster detailing the horsey origins of so many of our popular phrases like ‘Hands down’ and ‘Champing at the bit’. I particularly like number 6 ‘Run for your money’ – you lost your dollar but you got some run for your money. That pretty much sums up my financial life!

Most of the hotel’s 94 rooms border the pool area. One level up there’s a sheltered look-out where you and your pup pal can savor the serene scene. There’s something about the sky in Del Mar – it’s such a sheer clean blue – and the cobalt parasols, navy prints and turquoise pool further enhance the azure bliss..

Eating: Your dog can join you on the terrace of the Ocean View Bar & Grill – just watch that tail around the firepits! There are a multitude of water bowls for him/her to sip from while you dine or you can take your order back to your room  – and your Baja Tacos or Fisherman’s Pasta will still be warm as it’s only a few seconds away (as opposed to foraging down endless corridors/waiting for elevators etc)!

Rooms: Whereas the hotel’s exterior is fresh & beachy, the spacious rooms are warm & welcoming in spice colors with dark faux wooden floors and – in the case of room 27 – an entire wall of starfish! It’s fascinating to see their  bubbly, pocked texture magnified! (Other rooms display tawny seashells and surf frothing on a sandy shore.)

Tip: If you are staying on the second floor it is best to unload your suitcases while your car is parked outside the front entrance/lobby and then roll them directly through to your room. Even though I was kindly invited to do this I chose to drive around and park at the back and then had to hump my luggage up the staircase along with Bodie. Not sleek!

In conclusion: This whole place is a stress-free ride – simply pull off the main drag of Camino Del Mar into the front carpark. Your dog can accompany you in the lobby and will get gurgled over, tickled and given one set of welcome mini dog biscuits, and another for the room.

The staff here are particularly sweet and sincere and its such a pleasure to be able to step directly from the hotel grounds into the well-tended, well-to-do neighborhood – within seconds you feel like a well-heeled local out for a stroll!

Safe bet to say we’ll return.

Website: www.hotelindigodelmar.com

Address: 710 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, California 92014

Phone: 858.755.1501

Pet Policy: $75 per stay pet fee but no breed or size restrictions.

Alternative Hotel: Auberge Del Mar. When Bodie and I first looked at this posh property the weight limit for dog guests was 15lbs, pretty much Bodie’s back legs and tail. They have now removed the size restriction (possibly something to do with a new manager and a pair of Great Danes!) but the fee is $125 and the dogs are not allowed to join you on the dining patio. On the upside there is complimentary kumquat and mint water at this entrance, if your dog likes his H2O with extra flair.

Photo: Auberge Del Mar

WHAT TO DO IN DOG-FRIENDLY DEL MAR:

The Dog Beach is the top doggy attraction in Del Mar, about 7 minutes drive up the coast from the Hotel Indigo. As you can see from the pic below its a pale-sanded beauty. And yet… I couldn’t bring myself to let Bodie off the leash as there is no barrier between the splashing dogs and the scenic highway.

We diverted to Seagrove Park – it may be small but it packs a picturesque punch.

There’s even a bench for trainspotting! (Unfortunately US trains do not allow dogs – quite a regular fixture in the UK.)

WHERE TO DINE IN DOG-FRIENDLY DEL MAR:

Stratford Court Cafe This wins as the most dog-friendly cafe in Del Mar – and there’s a picture of Cesar Milan with the family’s dog to prove it. On a hot day the leafy, wooden-decked courtyard offers a welcome respite. All-day breakfast and lunch are served to a casual clientele who enjoy humorous touches like the John Mocha-Vich chocolate-espresso ice blend and the W.O.W – Waffle of the Week! I’m a fan of their Kombucha on tap and Bodie appreciates the abundant dog bowls.

Americana: Set on the busiest intersection in Del Mar with a sidewalk running between the restaurant and front terrace, this is perfect people (and dog) watching territory. Especially fun for breakfast, not least because they do a Morning Martini – Ruby Red Absolut, Evolution Grapefruit Juice and Mint!

Pacifica Breeze Cafe: Chic terrace-with-a-view across the street from Americana at the swish Del Mar Plaza. No table service but you should be able to keep eye contact with your pup while ordering  and there is one particular table for two that is set in its own little private corner – handy for reactive pups.

Crepes & Corks: Though tempting my tastebuds, the patio was too sun-scorched for us to sit out so we had to move on, with a last look back at the Raspberry Truffle crepe with Belgian chocolate and whipped cream… (Have one for me!)

Cafe Secret – This charming Peruvian hideaway is particularly atmospheric at night with its red lighting, woven banquettes and trickly fountain. I had the Spinach Ravioli with Walnut Pesto Sauce and a glass of fruity Sangria while Bodie enjoyed a discreet nibble on a side of roasted yams.

AND FOR YOUR PUP’S PALATE:

Photo credit: Dexter’s Deli

Dexter’s Deli is one of our favorite pet stores in all California! The staff here are wonderfully helpful and knowledgeable (particularly happy with their recommendation of an aloe vera mist spray) and you’ll find merchandise (including Timber Wolf leashes) alongside their extensive range of super healthy dog food. Naturally my eye was drawn to these irresistible doggie cupcakes:

Check out their range of t-shirts and hoodies with the distinctive Del Mar Dog Beach design for a great memento of your stay.

And with a belly full of treats, we’re on our way…

Bodie out.

NOTE: Bodie was a guest of Hotel Indigo Del Mar but our review is the real deal!