La Valencia Rating: 4.0 Pearls

La Jolla, San Diego, California

Perhaps the biggest draw of this iconic La Jolla hotel is the location: It's one of the few properties in the area that's within walking distance of both the beach and downtown La Jolla's shops, restaurants, and galleries. But the convenience will cost you -- La Valencia's rates are a little steep for what you get. It's still a luxury hotel, to be sure, and the old-world decor is charming: The grand piano, rich rugs, tile floors, and candle chandeliers in the lobby evoke the hotel's historic past. But some rooms are a little small. The beautiful, sprawling resorts outside of downtown La Jolla will sometimes deliver more bang for the buck.

View on a Larger Map

La Valencia is located in downtown La Jolla in the midst of shops, restaurants, and boutiques. It's within walking distance of several beaches, including La Jolla Cove, a popular snorkeling spot with excellent water visibility, and Children's Pool Beach, known for being a haven for seals.

• 6-minute walk to La Jolla Cove
• 6-minute walk to Children's Pool Beach
• 9-minute drive to Torrey Pines State Park
• 9-minute drive to the University of California, San Diego
• 20-minute drive to Downtown San Diego
• 20-minute drive to Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres
• 22-minute drive to the San Diego International Airport

Deluxe Ocean Facing Villa

Mediterranean-style rooms with white-and-beige color schemes are classically elegant, but some are smaller than others. And even though it's an older property, it's well-maintained and has a lot of character. All guest rooms were updated in 2012.

Rooms on the higher floors have the best views of the ocean, but some views may be partially obstructed by the rooftops of nearby buildings.

All rooms include:

• Plasma TVs
• Egyptian cotton linens and down comforters
• Coffeemaker
• Stocked minibar
• Hairdryer
• Iron with board
• Safe
• Free newspaper
• Turndown service
• Option for one king or two queen beds
• iPod docks available upon request

Room types:

• Guest Room: 250-450 square feet; shower/tub combo; views of the village, gardens, or La Jolla Cove available; all renovated in 2012
• Suites: 450-1,000 square feet; separate bedroom; living area; separate tub and shower; ocean views
• Ocean Villas: 400-1,200 square feet; built in 2000; private patio; rain showerheads
• La Valencia Suite: Oceanfront; fireplace; wraparound patio; refrigerator; preferred reservations in restaurants; personal concierge

The pool

• Pool and Jacuzzi
• 24-hour fitness center
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour business center with two computers and a printer
• Concierge available daily 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Free shoe shine available
• Free Wi-Fi
• Full service spa with two treatment rooms, and in-room or poolside massages available
• Parking is $29 per day, valet only
• 24-hour staffed front desk
• Allows pets under 35 pounds for a $25 daily fee

• La Sala: Lobby lounge: Tapas, desserts, and cocktails with live entertainment; bar open Sunday to Wednesday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; lounge open daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and tapas available daily 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Mediterranean Room: Mediterranean cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Sky Room: California cuisine with 180-degree views on the hotel's 10th floor; wine list with more than 1,000 wines; open Wednesday to Sunday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Whaling Bar and Grill: American cuisine, tapas, and drinks open daily 11:30 to 3 p.m., bar open Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m. to midnight and Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.