Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa Rating: 4.0 Pearls

La Jolla, San Diego, California

Estancia la Jolla Hotel & Spa

If Estancia La Jolla has an outstanding feature, it's the grounds: Beautifully tended lawns, lemon trees, native plants, fountains and flowers surround Spanish-Colonial-style buildings. In the mid-20th century, the land was part of an estate where young thoroughbreds were trained, and the hotel strove to preserve that history with rancho-inspired decor and subtle equestrian details -- doors that resemble barn doors, and equestrian blankets on the beds as throws.

The lobby embraces the rancho theme with a barn-style vaulted wood ceiling, fireplace with a wood beam mantel, terracotta tile floors and ironwork details. The hotel is even bringing in a natural feel with a "Sophisticated California" color palette of gold and navy in 2013 renovations, which touches on guestrooms, the spa, and pool area.

The pool is large and has plenty of lounge chairs, the lively restaurants have great ambiance, and La Jolla's top attractions -- Torrey Pines State Beach, the Torrey Pines Golf Course -- are a short drive away.

View on a Larger Map

La Jolla is an affluent seaside community north of San Diego, home to restaurants, shops, mansions, a famous golf course, coastal bluffs, and a beautiful beach. Estancia La Jolla is right next to the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the UC San Diego campus, and is a short drive from the downtown area and the beach.

• 1-minute drive to Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course
• 9-minute drive to Torrey Pines State Beach
• 9-minute drive to downtown La Jolla
• 10-minute drive to Torrey Pines State Park
• 18-minute drive to Sea World San Diego
• 20-minute drive to Balboa Park
• 22-minute drive to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
• 22-minute drive to San Diego Zoo
• 25-minute drive to San Diego International Airport
• 27-minute drive to Legoland

The Estate

After the beautiful grounds and public spaces, the rooms are though perfectly comfortable. The decor and color scheme is in keeping with the hotel's equestrian theme, and the beds are luxurious, with 350-thread-count Italian linens.

The ground-floor rooms, with large windows overlooking the public areas, are less private, so make sure to book a room on the higher floors.

All rooms include:

• 37-inch flat-screen TVs with video games and cable access
• Free wired and Wi-Fi Internet access
• Shower/tub combo
• Gilchrist & Soames toiletries
• Empty mini-fridge
• 350-thread-count Italian linens
• Equestrian blanket -- a nod to the hotel's history as a ranch
• Safe big enough for a laptop
• Bathrobes
• Coffeemaker
• No iPod dock

Room types:

• Deluxe Room: 395 to 415 square feet; one king or two queen beds
• Veranda: 395 square feet; one king or two queen beds; patio with garden views
• Estate: 395 square feet; one king or two queen beds; balcony with courtyard views

The pool

• Day spa: Body treatments and massages
• Fitness center
• Heated pool and an adults-only Jacuzzi
• Poolside cabanas for rent: Includes water, juices, fresh fruit and assorted snacks.
• Concierge a member of the elite Les Clefs D’Or organizatio
• Per day resort fee

El Adobe

• El Adobe serves Southern California cuisine, including locally grown produce and seafood, and features cozy, romantic ambiance. Open for breakfast (has buffet) and lunch
• Mustang & Burros: Rancho-style restaurant with an outdoor fireplace. Serves local beers, cocktails, appetizers and a dinner menu.
• Bodega Wine Bar: Serves tapas Tuesday through Saturday for dinner
• Poolside grill
• Poolside bar
• Private dining and event catering are also available.