To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“We are very excited to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Jaquelyn, Assistant General Manager, at Winners Circle Resort. “We strive to offer our guests a positive experience, and this award is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor.”

“TripAdvisor is delighted to celebrate the success of businesses around the globe, from Sydney to Chicago, Sao Paulo to Rome, which are consistently offering TripAdvisor travelers a great customer experience,” said Alison Copus, Vice President of Marketing for TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.”

About Winners Circle Resort

Winners Circle Resort is just minutes away from the beautiful beaches of Del Mar, CA and offers spacious studio, one and two-bedroom suites complete with private patio or balcony. Ideally located near the Del Mar racetrack, 20 minutes north of the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and other attractions, the Winners Circle resort is perfectly situated to make the most out of your trip to San Diego. Just 15 minutes south of Legoland, and only one mile from the Beach, the Winners Circle Resort offers accommodations unequaled in the surrounding area.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors**, and over 100 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, January 2013

**Source: Google Analytics, worldwide data, March 2013

©2013 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE TripAdvisor

When you visit San Diego for a holiday weekend, it’s hard to decide just what to do and where to go. With so many options, it’s best to plan a 2-3 day trip. Below are some of our favorite suggestions for Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego.

Visit Local Beaches

What could be better than soaking up some sun and relaxing in the Sand? Del Mar, Pacific Beach and La Jolla are the best beaches San Diego. We recommend getting there early and staking out a spot, as they all tend to fill up fast on holiday weekends.

Shop ‘til you Drop

One of the other benefits of being in San Diego for Memorial Day weekend is the great sales offered by mega malls and local retailers alike. The Carlsbad Outlet Mall, Fashion Valley, and Westfield UTC always offer great promotions during this time of year. Additionally, local shops on Cedros Avenue and in the Flower Hill Promenade will be offering sales as well.

Party Downtown

San Diego’s famous Gaslamp Quarter offers restaurants, bars, nightclubs, lounges, and any other type of nightlife venue you can imagine. Whether you like to dance ‘til dawn, shoot pool, or simply enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine, Gaslamp has the excitement you’re looking for. For a great view of Petco Park, check out Altitude Sky Lounge. For a fun dance crowd, visit Stingaree. If you’re into celebrity-spotting, try Voyeur.

Take a Cruise

Hornblower Cruises are available for Memorial Day Weekend. Tour San Diego’s Bay and enjoy either a Beer & BBQ Cruise, a Brunch Cruise, or a Romantic Dinner Cruise.

Whatever your style this holiday weekend, Winners Circle Resort is a great place to stay—within 20 minutes of each of the above mentioned activities. To book a room, give us a call at 858-755-6666 or click here

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The newly remodeled units also have new mattresses, linens, furnishings, and bathrooms. Not only does the upgrade look wonderful, the rooms are more functional too. With significantly larger kitchens and an oven in every unit, planning meals on vacation has never been easier.

We know that you’ll enjoy the remodeled rooms. Please feel free to come by the resort to see one of the renovated units. If you can’t travel to view one in person,  like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WinnersCircleResort) to view more great photos

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Spring has sprung, which means we’ll all be thinking about our summer getaways soon. It’s never too early to start planning your next vacation. No matter where you end up, these tips can help you save money during your next trip.

1. Stay at a hotel that offers kitchenettes or at least some kitchen appliances (microwave, toaster) in the room. This way, you can have at least 1-2 meals at “home” and not need to spend money dining out three times a day. We suggest arriving at your destination, then picking up some basic items for quick breakfasts and lunches at a local grocery shop. This is especially helpful when traveling with the whole family or small children.  At Winners Circle Resort, all of our guest rooms feature a fully stocked kitchenette with a two burner stove top, microwave, coffee maker, flatware, and utensils.
2.  Always looks for hidden charges when booking a hotel. Remember, they are hidden, not in big, bold print on their websites. Many hotels charge for everything from parking to Wi-Fi. Additionally, many properties collect a “resort fee” daily. Make sure to know the total, actual costs prior to booking your vacation. Although Winners Circle Resort does not charge any of these fees, many properties do.
3. Stay 15-30 minutes away from the “city center”. Many times staying at a hotel just outside of a city saves money while still providing easy access to main attractions. These locations are typically more relaxing and less crowded as well. At Winners Circle Resort, we are near Legoland, Sea World, Balboa Park, San Diego Beaches, and the San Diego Zoo. However, our guests save money compared to those who stay within a five minute drive of these attractions. And, many discover our Solana Beach neighborhood has many of its own unique attractions such as Cedros Design District and Fletcher Cove Park.
4.  Find Free Activities. Many hotels and resorts offer some free or low cost activities for their guests. Additionally, a helpful front desk staff should be able to point you in the direction of great parks, hiking trails, and art districts in the area. At Winners Circle Resort, our property offers complimentary tennis club access, table tennis, billiards, a swimming pool, spa, and children’s pool. Additionally, beaches, Fletcher Cover Park, the Solana Beach Library, and Solana Beach Park are within a 1 mile radius of our resort. All of these attractions are free too.

Birch Aquarium – Recommended for Families, Couples, Seniors, Children, Solo Travelers

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Mon.-Sun. 9am to 5pm

A smaller aquarium, Birch is a favorite among locals for the education and conservation efforts. The beautiful views also make it a popular wedding location. Ticket prices range from $10-$15. Children under 2 receive free admission. Birch Aquarium is only a 12 minute drive from the resort.

Museums at Balboa Park – Recommended for Families, Couples, Seniors, Children, Solo Travelers

Whether you’re interested in art, photography, history, or space, Balboa Park has a museum for you. Most museums are open from 10am to 4pm, but they operate independently so hours may vary. Tickets range in price by museum by $10-$40.

Kid Ventures – Indoor Playground – Recommended for Young Children, Families

5066 Santa Fe St., San Diego, CA 92109

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to Noon

At Kid Ventures, children and families can host parties, enroll children in day camps, or just drop in and play! Prices range from $12 per child per day to $40 per day for camp. The indoor playground is just 16 minute south of Winners Circle Resort.

Spa Day –Recommended for Couples, Seniors, Solo Travelers

Wild Mane Salon at Winners Circle Resort, 550 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Hours Vary, Closed Mondays.)

Spa Gregorie’s in Flower Hill Promendade, 2710 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Monday 11am to 9pm

Tues.-Sun 9am to 9pm

You can get a manicure or pedicure right here at Winners Circle Resort. Relax on a rainy day inside the Wild Mane Salon, located in our lobby. If you’re seeking a full spa experience, with maybe a facial and massage, we recommend Spa Gregorie’s Del Mar—just a ½ mile away on Via de la Valle. Also, our guests receive 20% all full priced services on Mondays. Click here to get your coupon.

We’ve listed other popular rainy day options below. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can assist you with directions, restaurant reservations, and activity suggestions. We hope you enjoy even the cloudy days on your San Diego vacation!

Casinos: Barona Casino, Pechanga Casino, Valley View Casino

Tea Rooms: Tea Upon Chatsworth

Miramar Speed Circuit – Indoor Go Kart Racing

La Jolla Ice Town –Indoor Ice Skating

Indoor Skydiving at Perris Valley Skydiving

Climbing Wall at SolidRock Gym

Chula Vista Olympic Training Center

Cinepolis Luxury Cinema Del Mar

If you want to be centrally located to enjoy each of these winter activities in San Diego, Winners Circle Resort is a great option. We’re close to everything you’ll want to do on a rainy day—or a sunny one.

Rudy’s Taco Shop

524 Stevens Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Rudy’s Taco Shop boasts authentic Mexican favorites and an outdoor patio. This charming, hole-in-the-wall is located inside a market. In addition to fresh, hot meals, the taco shop also sells tasty treats to take home, like spicy carrots. Locals love the Carne Asada Burritos. Best of all, it’s only one mile from Winners Circle Resort (about a 3 minute drive). An average meal at Rudy’s is about $6-$10 per person.

Hideaway Cafe

150 South Acacia Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Hideaway Café serves up traditional American Breakfast fare in the heart of Solana Beach. Offering a cozy, seaside atmosphere this hidden gem is open from 7am to 2pm. Solana Beach locals love the potato pancakes and cinnamon rolls. Meals are generally under $10 per person. We recommend going to Hideaway for breakfast, then strolling over to Fletcher Cove Park just across the street.

Jersey Mike’s Subs

915 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Jersey’s Mikes offers some East Coast cuisine near the western shore. Often revered as the best sub shop around, locals can’t get enough of The Original Italian sub (Provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni). Open all day, from 7am to 9:30pm you can stop by Jersey Mike’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They also serve hot subs, wraps, and kid’s meals.

T’s Café

T’s offers typical SoCal Breakfast—traditional American with Mexican favorites like juevos rancheros available too. Their Bloody Mary’s are legendary among the locals.  Open from 7am to 2pm, T’s is great for breakfast and lunch. Meals average $9-$12 per person.

Urban Pi

New to the area, Urban Pi is a new concept in affordable dining in Del Mar. Located across the street from the upscale Flower Hill Promenade, Urban Pi makes your pizza fresh in front of you. With classics like pepperoni or Margherita on the menu, alongside new offerings like Thai Pi and Pesto, there’s something for everyone. All pizzas are currently less than $8. Salads too!

We hope you enjoy saving money and savoring good food during your Solana Beach vacation!

The constructions will be limited to the one standalone building, and thus it should have a minimal impact on the resort of the resort. There may be work crews present and some construction noise from December 20, 2012 through early March.

Due to the fact that we must shut down the entire building for the renovation process, please be advised that we will have very limited availability for nightly stays and exchangers. Resort timeshare owners will be given priority, and placed in a different, but equal unit, should their use week fall during construction.

Beginning phase 2 of the 4 phase construction project will be a great start to 2013 at Winners Circle Resort. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email the General Manager.

We look forward to seeing all of you in 2013 and exceeding your expectations with our gorgeous remodel!

If you’re visiting San Diego during the most wonderful time of year, one thing you don’t want to miss is the excellent shopping. San Diego offers something for everyone—from fashionistas who love a designer label to savvy shoppers always looking for the best deal. Below are our recommendations for San Diego’s shopping hotspots. Take a day—or two—to explore shopping in San Diego.

Westfield UTC Mall – 10 Minutes South of Winners Circle Resort

4545 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA 92122

Newly remodeled, Westfield UTC boasts a unique dining area, featuring Tender Greens, currently ranked as one of the top ten restaurants in all of San Diego. Under the dining area, you’ll find an ice rink. This mall offers great staples, like Nordstrom, Macy’s and Sears. Additionally, there is a Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware for those who love home furnishings. New retailers include J. Crew, Splendid and Tesla.

Black Friday Hours: All Stores will be open at midnight.

Fashion Valley Mall—20 Minutes Southeast of Winners Circle Resort

7007 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108

Centrally located in San Diego’s Mission Valley, this is San Diego’s Flagship Mall. Shoppers can find ultimate luxury with shops like Gucci, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton lining the ground floor. Of course, there are many options for fast fashion too, like H&M, Forever 21, and the newly opened, European chain, Zara. You’ll also find an Apple Store, Verizon Wireless, Microsoft Store, and a Sony Store for all the electronics lovers.

Black Friday Hours: Opens at 12am on Black Friday.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets—13 Minutes North of Winners Circle Resort

5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Carlsbad Premium Outlets is praised as one of the best outlet shopping centers in Southern California. This mall has is getting Black Friday started on Thursday night—with many retailers opening at 9pm on Thursday evening. They include Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Clarks Bostonian, Coach, Designer Fragrances, Fossil, Godiva Chocolatier, Guess, Hot Dog on a Stick, Izod, Lids, Nine West, Puma, Solstice Sunglass Outlet, Stride Rite Keds Sperry, Sunglass Hut (103-D), Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion, Van

Black Friday Hours:  All stores open their doors at midnight right after Thanksgiving. Some stores are opening earlier.

Marshall’s Solana Beach – 5 Minutes from Winners Circle Resort

685 San Rodolfo Drive, Lomas Santa Fe Square, Solana Beach, CA 92075

This is a local favorite for bargain hunters. San Diegans drive all the way from El Cajon, Chula Vista, and Lakeside to check out the wares at SD County’s best stocked Marshalls. From clothing to home goods, this is one of the best kept shopping secrets in San Diego.

Black Friday Hours: 9:30a – 9:30p

Flower Hill Promenade – 3 Minutes East of Winners Circle Resort; a 15 Minute Walk

2720 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014

Offering a truly one-of-a kind shopping experience, Flower Hill offers everything from luxury spa treatments at Spa Gregrorie’s to a relaxing cup of coffee at Pannikin to amazing designer clothing. This space is currently being beautified, but all shops remain open. Places like Bon Bijoux Girly Boutique and Nothing Bundt Cakes are ideal for picking up gifts for friends, family and co-workers.

We wish all of our guests, and all San Diego visitors, a safe and fun Black Friday!

December Nights in Balboa Park

San Diego’s season begins with a phenomenal celebration in Balboa Park, near downtown. The local favorite features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, exotic foods, a wine and beer garden, and more. It does require quite a bit of walking to see it all, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Dates: December 7 and 8, 2012

Cost: Admission is Free, but we recommend bringing cash to purchase food and beverage from various local vendors.

Website: http://www.balboapark.org/decembernights/

Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

This event is perfect for younger children. You sit back and enjoy the magic of hundreds of holiday scenes formed by twinkinling lights. Best of all, you view the wintery wonderland from the comfort of your own vehicle, as you drive slowly around the Del Mar Racetrack.

Dates: November 22, 2012- January 3, 2012. Dark Mondays.

Cost: $15.00 per car, up to 5 people; $20 per car, 6 or more people; $50 per bus.

Outdoor Skating Ring at Horton Plaza

Enjoy San Diego’s version of Rockefeller Center when you enjoy ice skating between Horton Plaza and the NBC studios. The best news is the proceeds benefit Rady’s Children’s Hospital, San Diego.

Dates: November 15, 2012 to January 6, 2013

Cost: $14 for Adults, $12.00 for Children under 12, $35 for Season Passes

Address: 225 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101

North Coast Repertory Theatre’s Holiday Productions

Solana Beach’s own North Coast Rep boasts many fabulous productions throughout the holidays, from plays geared towards Children to comedy productions. For dates, tickets, and more information, visit their website at www.northcoastrep.org.

Dates: Ongoing throughout the Holiday Season

Cost: Prices vary by show and times.

Address: 987 Loma Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Halloween is just around the corner, and all of San Diego is in the spirit. We’ve done the math and no matter which option you choose, it all adds up to a frightfully good time!

Recommended for Kids & Families

Scream Zone Del Mar at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

• Features hayrides and haunted houses.
• Operating now through October 31.
• Recommended for children ages 10 and up.
• Across the Street from our Solana Beach Resort

Halloween Bash at Seaport Village

• Features a pet costume contest, live music, photos with a living scarecrow and trick-or-treating.
• Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 3:30 to 8pm.
• Recommended for all ages.
• 21 Miles from our Solana Beach Resort

Dia de los Muertos Festival at Mission San Luis Rey 

• Celebrates the traditional holiday, Dia de los Muertos, featuring face painting and carnival rides.
• Sunday, October 30 from 10am to 4pm.
• Recommended for all ages.
• 22 Miles from our Solana Beach Resort

The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park

• San Diego’s only completely outdoor, haunted adventure filled with ghosts and goblins.
• September 28 through Wednesday October 31
• Recommended for children 10 and up.

Haunted Aquarium at Birch Aquarium: Where science goes mad

• Celebrates creepy crawlers and ocean animals, featuring a costume contest for children, live music, and treats.
• October 26-27, 6pmto 9pm
• Recommended for all ages.

Adults Only

LED Presents: Afrojack at Petco Park –Saturday, Oct. 27

LED is invading Park at the Park to bring you a massive EDM show with headliner Afrojack, also featuring sets by Bobby Burns, RL Grime, TJR and Anna Lunoe. This pre-Halloween party runs from 6 to 11:30pm and is open to 16+. Pre-sale tickets start at $35. wantickets.com

Halloween Block Party at House of Blues – Saturday, Oct. 27

House of Blues San Diego is hosting a Halloween Block Party this year. The 30,000 sq. ft. downtown music venue will fall under the Technomania Circus spell on Saturday night, with three music stages and haunted circus entertainment. Party with headliners DJ Skratchy and Tribe of Kings, plus DJs Rocky Dennisson, Sunday Sauce and AKA Dru, and battle for $500 cash in the costume contest. Doors open at 9pm for 21+. Pre-sale tickets start at $20. hobblockparty.com

EDM ft. Benny Benassi at FLUXX – Sunday, Oct. 28

FLUXX is kicking off a full week of Halloween celebrations with a special Sunday EDM night. The iconic Italian DJ/producer Benny Benassi is returning to the FLUXX stage for our ‘Satisfaction.’ Benassi’s Rough Road tour will also bring Congorock and Pink is Punk to the party. 21+. Pre-sale tickets start at $30. fluxxsd.com

Halloween Ball  ft. Manufactured Superstars at The Prado – Wednesday, Oct. 31

The 9th annual Halloween Ball is taking over Balboa Park on All Hallows’ Eve. DJhere, DTown and TK are joining forces to host the Halloween Ball, featuring beats by Manufactured Superstars. The Prado sets the stage for a spooktacular event, with indoor/outdoor lounges, multiple music stages and 20+ bars. The party starts at 9pm for 21+ guests. Pre-sale tickets start at $30. pradohalloween.com