Lobby Lounge at Grand Del Mar

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1. SD

   SD16

   San Diego

   8 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on February 5, 2023

   overall4food5service5ambience4

   Excellent and friendly service, excellent tea and well- prepared food. The view was beautiful and the harpist set a nice scene. I’ve been to several afternoon teas in other US cities and this was the first that rose to the expected level of service and food quality that I’ve experienced in San Diego. While on the pricier side (especially the champagne markup), it is on par with afternoon tea at other luxury properties in big cities. A lovely treat and lovely afternoon gathering with friends. ( The scones were fantastic!). We will be back.

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2. J

   Julianne

   San Diego

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on February 5, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The tea service was incredible! It was definitely a splurge but sooo worth it. We took my dad here to celebrate his retirement and a good time was had by all! The harpist was incredible as were all the servers that waited on us. Big shout out to Andrea; she was soo lovely! Thank you 💗💗

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on January 22, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We had lots of fun . We even headed over to the bar and that’s where the fun continued with speciality drinks. Rusty is an amazing bar tender.

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4. a

   alex

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 7, 2023

   overall2food4service4ambience4

   way too expensive - $130 for tea and pastry, 2hours and you're out.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 7, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Celebrated my friend's retirement with Afternoon Tea. We had the best table in the house by the fireplace and piano. And fortuitous that the pianist played my friend's favorite classical pieces. Staff was attentive and friendly. Food and tea were fantastic. It was the perfect afternoon to celebrate my friend.

   Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on January 9, 2023Dear Guest, Thank you for coming to spend time with us at the Lobby Lounge for High Afternoon Tea. We look forward to your next visit.

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6. G

   Gilb

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 1, 2023

   overall1food2service1ambience3

   Terrible service. Untrained staff. Understaffed event, so everyone was not only poorly trained, but overwhelmed. Very expensive. Not worth the nearly $500 bill for 1 glass of Champagne, caviar, and 2 oysters each for 2 people. Also, it was very noisy.

   Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on January 9, 2023Hello Gilb, Thank you for providing feedback. We are sorry to hear we did not meet your expectations during your last visit. If you could please provide a form of contact, we would love to hear more about your time with us. Best

   Report
7. PV

   PebblesV

   Los Angeles

   20 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   20 reviews

   Dined on December 24, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Amazing for Christmas Eve - they go all out with the ambiance and food and some surprise visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and the elves. And they are pet friendly! Plus every morsel from the tea was delicious. The duck bahn-mi sandwich and a tarts with custard were my favorites, and my husband loved the scones. And our pup Finley loved the bowl of water that says “Boss” on it! Definitely the right spot if you want to get into the holiday spirit.

   Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 27, 2022Pebbles, Thank you for joining us for Holiday Afternoon Tea. We hope to see you again soon

   Report
8. k

   kellbkelly

   Las Vegas

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 23, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   My friends and I decided to kick off Christmas weekend with holiday tea at The Grand Del Mar’s Lobby Lounge and it was beautiful! In general The Lobby Lounge is my favorite spot for high tea — they absolutely slayed their holiday edition. It’s the best one I have been to yet. Will definitely be back in 2023! Highly recommend.

   Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on January 5, 2023Dear Kellbkelly, Thank you for your feedback. We look forward to hosting you again.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 23, 2022

   overall4food5service4ambience5

   Tea was wonderful! Our waitress was just ok. Another waiter stepped up to make our experience wonderful overall.

   Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 27, 2022Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for spending the holidays with us. Would love to see you at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar a next time.

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10. E

    Emma

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience4

    Went to holiday tea with my niece and daughter. We were seated alone in another room away from the music and the holiday decorations. Horrible service, we sat with empty water glasses, never offered champagne, and waited for about 45 minutes for our check. We got up to take a picture and the bill was on the table. No thank you, no goodbye and an automatic 20% gratuity. There was no service. Also, another $7 for valet. I would not recommend.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 27, 2022Dear Emma, We appreciate your feedback and take it very seriously. We are sorry to hear you did not enjoy your time with us. If you can provide a contact information, we would like to know more about your experience. Best regards

    Report
11. M

    Merlynda

    Washington DC

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Holiday afternoon tea was perfect for getting me in the Christmas spirit. The teas, finger sandwiches, and little desserts were delicious. It is now going to be our holiday tradition.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on January 5, 2023Merlynda, Thank you for spending time with us at the Lobby Lounge

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12. AM

    AmberM

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience3

    It took 40 minutes after to get our car out of valet with two tired kids, which was incredibly frustrating. I would suggest they add cookies and change out a few things from their kids friendly menu. Even with the kid menu, my kids who are not that picky didn't eat much. Maybe just plain cheese sandwiches or ham and cheese.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 20, 2022Dear Amber, So sorry to hear about your recent experience and thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. Please feel free to reach out to our email, as we would love to know more details about your visit and of ways we can turn around your experience in the near future. Best regards!

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience5

    I took my two daughters for Holiday Tea. It’s a tradition of ours but we are new to SD so this was our first one at the Fairmont in Del Mar. it’s beautifully and elegantly decorated for the holidays. The only disappointment was the service. When we arrived it was crowed and unclear where to check in. We didn’t see a host or hostess station and had to ask at the front desk. We were taken to tour table - no chairs so we stood there awkwardly while they found some. Then no tea cups. Our waitress was very nice but she was absent a lot. Our tea pots were empty and cold. We needed additional cream and there was no one to ask… on and on. She never checked on our table until she brought the bill. The $70 tip was built into the bill…. A big tip she didn’t do anything to earn. We had a great time but will think twice about booking here next year

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 20, 2022Dear guest, We are so sorry to hear we did not meet your expectations during your recent visit. Please know that we value your feedback greatly and will love for the opportunity to make it up to you in the future.

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    The employees were outstanding. All of the afternoon tea food was absolutely delicious with many choices of teas. The holiday decor of the lobby, and the lounge were beautiful. The live piano music made the ambiance even more special. The only negative is that there were many people congregating around the large Christmas tree and by the fireplaces that we’re not having afternoon tea. Consequently, it was quite loud and noisy by the tables and difficult to hear the people that you were sitting with. Maybe move the large Christmas tree back into the main lobby where it used to be.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 20, 2022Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your feedback. We are happy to hear you had a good experience during your High Afternoon Tea reservation. We hope to host you again. Cheers!

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15. P

    Princess

    San Diego

    57 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5

    Went to Holiday Tea! Was quite lovely- a bit overpriced but hey, this is the Fairmont! The beauty of the hotel itself and holiday decor is just stunning! The service for tea was impressive! Our waiter was on point! The piano player was lovely. Food- well sandwiches left a bit to be desired but scones-deserts delicious! Yes- tea service great and many choices. Champagne on request but for a price. All in all a lovely afternoon.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 20, 2022Dear Princess, Thank you for spending time with us during for Holiday Afternoon Tea. We hope to host again at the Lobby Lounge.

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16. KA

    KathleenA

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolutely fabulous. The staff was friendly and just great. Accommodations were made for children and for a vegan! Wondering festive holiday afternoon.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on December 20, 2022Hello Kathleen, Thank you for your review. We are delighted you had such a wonderful time. Looking forward to hosting you again.

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    We went for the Halloween tea experience. Service was great but we were seated on a sofa in the lobby. And the food was ok—nothing amazing. Not worth the price considering its $165 per adult and $65 per child. For that money I’d rather be seated at a table and have the champagne included in the price.

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18. DD

    DawnD

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    We celebrated a birthday here (no mention was made even though I entered that on my reservation, most other places acknowledge birthdays or do something extra, nothing here what-so-ever!) Other than that, we really did enjoy the entire experience. Our server was very sweet and attentive. She was very informative on the teas and food served. The food was wonderful and very tasty. People need to keep in mind this tea service is not meant to be a full meal, but we took items home as we had filled up. Our table was in front of the fireplace and was very comfortable. When the large group sat at their seats in the middle of the lobby, the noise level went way up and could often not even hear the lovely piano music as they were loud, so being next to the large group was a bummer, they should place the large group somewhere else besides right in the middle next to the other tables. There are only two other two-top tables, so not much to choose from as far as seating goes and we did not care to be next to the window as the sun was coming right in on you and was too bright with no window coverings to help.

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19. NA

    NiranA

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    Afternoon tea is supposed to contain quality foods in small portions. This wasn't afternoon tea.. normal sizes with mediocre taste. Service was great, ambience nice. I've been to many afternoon teas all around the world. This hotel does not understand the concept of afternoon tea. Disappointing experience.

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20. AF

    AndreaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Such a lovely experience to share with family. I don't understand the folks saying it wasn't a lot of food -- this is high tea not a meal! And we couldn't even finish all of our food -- there was plenty. A lovely selection of finger sandwiches, delicious scones, and truly beautiful little sweets at the end like French Macarons, lemon tartlets, and mini pavlovas. Will definitely return.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on September 20, 2022Dear AndreaF, We appreciate you taking the time to write a review. So happy to hear you and your loved ones enjoyed your High Afternoon Tea experience. We hope to have you join us again soon.

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience3

    The food was not great, especially for the price. It was a $89 base price per person but they went for quantify over quality. It was way too much food that tasted either average or not good. It would have been better if they cut down the amount but improved the taste. The staff and service was great, the lobby location seemed a bit weird at first but it’s actually a nice space with good ambience.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on August 30, 2022Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I apologize for not meeting your expectations during your last visit and want to let you know we will take a closer look at improving our offerings. Please let us know if you have additional comments, we would love to hear more from you and host you again in the near future. Best, Nik Key

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22. c

    clairew

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    The afternoon tea is $95 per person (+ $20 fee for ?) just added on (on the receipt it appears as "afternoon tea"). Open table showed loads of availability, but the manager refused to seat me because they were too busy - said to come back two hours later. He kept refusing, even when I booked through open table he would not seat me. His manager came out and explained that of course I could be seated, but the experience would be better if I waited. None of this makes any sense to me. Definitely NOT a 5 star service at $95 for tea. Apparently the restaurant manager is new. I asked for veggie sandwiches only from the waiter when I ordered, but apparently the chef needs 24 hours notice to remove the salmon and chicken and throw out a few more cucumber sandwiches - because they are all "pre-prepared the night before" - (for $95?!) so I said ok, can you just take off the salmon and chicken and I'll eat what's left? The food came out with the salmon anyway. There's one small plate to eat off so your sandwiches end up getting on the same plate with the dessert etc. as someone else said, the bread was not fresh, the food was "okay". in the end, I had two mini sandwiches, a cup of tea, and a mini dessert. $115. No, I'm not joking. I waited so long for someone to come to give me the cheque that I just got up from the scorching hot balcony and asked the waiter for the Cheque.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on August 28, 2022Hello clairew, Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback. I apologize that we were not able to provide you with a great experience. I have sent you a private communication so that we can chat further. Best regards.

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23. KM

    KristinaM

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful tea for my sisters baby shower. The staff was great and the small bites and champagne were fantastic!

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on August 26, 2022Kristina, Thank you for celebrating such a special occasion with us. Happy to hear you and your group had a great time. Best wishes to the mom-to-be. Cheers, Nik Key

    Report
24. SS

    ShilpiS

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    For $89 a person, this was not the ideal place for afternoon tea. First, all the sandwich courses were dry: especially dry bread. Second, the tea was served with tea leaves in the pot, which is usually ok, but the sieve was not in the pot itself, so as you drank the tea, it became bitter and bitter. Definitely not worth the price for what you would expect from the Fairmont.

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Beautiful grounds to walk around after tea time. Food was delicious- high end high tea experience. Valet parking only but it was complimentary.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on August 26, 2022Dear Guest, Thank you for joining us at the Lobby Lounge for high afternoon tea. Glad to hear you had a good experience and enjoyed the view. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Cheers, Nik Key

    Report
26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very nice High Noon Tea special.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on June 24, 2022Thank you for joining us for High Afternoon Tea! We look forward to hosting you again in the future.

    Report
27. MM

    MissMeliss

    Austin

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5

    I very much enjoyed the atmosphere, champagne and our server.

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28. CZ

    ChristinaZ

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is definitely one of the best afternoon teas I had in the states. The food is nicely presented and the taste is great. The restaurant setting is gorgeous and picture-perfect. The price is on the high-end, but I will say the overall experience is well worth it.

    Lobby Lounge at Grand Del MarResponded on June 24, 2022Dear Christina, Thank you for joining us at the Lobby Lounge for High Afternoon Tea. Glad to hear you had a memorable experience. We look forward to hosting you again!

    Report
29. w

    williams

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall4food5service2ambience5

    We were celebrating the new year The service was below par. The server behaved like he was working at a Denny’s coffee shop, or any other coffee with little or no training as a server. He disappeared for long periods of time. This is high tea. I had to ask the receptionist to request more hot water for a refill for the tea. Of course she didn’t know better. The hot water was barely warm. The receptionist was very good and went beyond the call of duty.

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30. CW

    ChristineW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Caleb our server was wonderful! Loved the band as well.

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31. KE

    KellyE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved the tea and the atmosphere of the restaurant! Great place to go! Service was excellent!

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32. H

    Holly

    San Diego

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Christmas teatime for the family. Beautiful place and excellent service.

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33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2021

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Tea with Santa was amazing! My 9y.o. loved interacting with Santa. Tea was delicious. Hard to eat everything, because I ended up getting full before the desserts came. They gave me a box to enjoy them later at home.

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34. HM

    HeatherM

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2021

    overall1food1service2ambience2

    We had attended the Christmas Tea prior to Covid, it was a wonderful experience and we were happy to return. This year, the prices were higher, the service was rushed and lacking, we were not seated in the normal tea room as we had been in years past, the food was stale and appeared to be mass produced and lacking flavor. We were very dissappointed.

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    The hotel is decorated beautifully! The tea was nice and the scones were delicious!

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36. y

    yummy

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2021

    overall2food1service2ambience4

    Scones were hard as a hockey puck. Bread was dry. Music was too loud. Grand Del Mar use to be my favorite Afternoon Tea pace to go to .... My friends and I were very disappointed. Pre-COVID, scones use to come out warm and fresh. When we went the scones were cold and hard. So disappointed.

    Report
37. D

    Disappointed

    Sacramento

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2021

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    Christmas Tea priced at $85 per person. Our request for fresh tea half way through our food courses, was denied, thus only one serving of tea each. No menu (or prices) for beverages was provided. Our request for champagne pricing had to be answered by the manager rather than the server. The price when the bill came was over $40 per glass, rather than the $27 and $32 quoted. 20% gratuity was automatically added, plus tax, resulted in an unexpectedly high bill for average service and limited tea.

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