Pros
- Beautiful grounds and Spanish-Colonial-style architecture
- Spacious and contemporary rooms
- On-site restaurants include Mustangs & Burros for outdoor dining
- Outdoor saltwater pool and adults-only Jacuzzi
- 10-minute drive to Torrey Pines State Beach
- Day spa with eucalyptus steam room
- Free Wi-Fi
- Les Clefs D’Or concierge
- Meeting spaces and conference facilities
Cons
- Daily resort fee and mandatory valet parking is an extra charge
- The resort is a popular spot for weddings so it gets crowded
- No minibars in rooms
- Shower/tub combos in rooms
Bottom Line
This 210-room hotel in picturesque La Jolla has lovely grounds and Spanish Colonial-style architecture complete with orange tile roofs and whitewashed walls. A renovation in 2013 brought flat-screen TVs and new furniture to the guest rooms. Highlights include outdoor fireplaces and a large saltwater swimming pool, and there are three on-site restaurants. The hotel has more charm than other hotels in its price range in this upscale seaside community.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Cribs
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Jacuzzi
- Pool
- Spa
Scene
Beautiful grounds and Spanish-Colonial-style architecture

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 through subtle equestrian details, such as doors that resemble barn doors. 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. Outdoor fireplaces and terraces are cozy spots to relax and enjoy the gardens.
Location
In affluent La Jolla -- 10 minutes from the beach
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. Expect a 20-minute drive to the San Diego Zoo or famous Gaslamp Quarter.
Rooms
Large rooms with rancho-inspired decor and courtyard views
After the beautiful grounds and public spaces, the rooms -- though perfectly comfortable -- are a little bit of a letdown. The decor and color scheme is muted with pops of orange on the bed and throw pillows, and they're certainly upscale, but just a little sparse. Each comes standard with a mini-refrigerator (but no minibar), flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi. Beds are luxurious, with 350-thread-count Italian linens. Though bathrooms are nicely sized they include shower and bathtub combinations. 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.
Features
A nice but pricey day spa and a heated outdoor pool -- plus three restaurants
Guests at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa can enjoy great outdoor such as a heated saltwater swimming pool with an adults-only whirlpool. Poolside cabanas are available for rent with fun perks like fresh fruit and snacks. The fitness center and day spa get rave reviews as do the three on-site restaurants, including the casual Southwestern food at Mustangs & Burros and a wine bar. There's a daily resort fee and valet parking is required.
All-Inclusive / Food
- 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.
This Hotel Also Featured In
Not Just in Napa: The 7 Best Hotels for Wine Lovers EVER
If you suffer (we use the term lightly) from an intense devotion to wine, you will feel right at home at these wino-friendly hotels. We must say, we’ve uncorked the best of the best with these seven getaways. Many are near the best grape stompin’ vineyards in the country, or either offer expansive wine lists,…
Back to School: 10 Great Hotels in College Towns Across the U.S.
As summer comes to a close and Labor Day fast approaches, it can only mean one thing — school is about to be back in session. Of course, degrees and majors are important (kinda, sorta). But when choosing their collegiate home for the next four years (or five or six — no judgement; it’s the…
The Top 8 Sexiest Nude Beaches
Sun and sand is great and all, but some (us included) would argue that a beachy setting gets better when the clothes come off. Not only is it totally freeing (as a vacation should be), but it’s also economical — no need to buy a new bathing suit or pay to check your bag! So…
7 Super Family-Friendly Beaches in the U.S.
Once we got that hint of sunny weather earlier this week, it became official: we’ve got the beach bug. Nothing ushers in warmer temperatures (at least in our minds) like frolicking in the sand, and a trip to the shore can be the perfect way to get the family together. We’ve told you about the…
Scene
Beautiful grounds and Spanish-Colonial-style architecture

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 through subtle equestrian details, such as doors that resemble barn doors. 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. Outdoor fireplaces and terraces are cozy spots to relax and enjoy the gardens.
Location
In affluent La Jolla -- 10 minutes from the beach
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. Expect a 20-minute drive to the San Diego Zoo or famous Gaslamp Quarter.
Rooms
Large rooms with rancho-inspired decor and courtyard views
After the beautiful grounds and public spaces, the rooms -- though perfectly comfortable -- are a little bit of a letdown. The decor and color scheme is muted with pops of orange on the bed and throw pillows, and they're certainly upscale, but just a little sparse. Each comes standard with a mini-refrigerator (but no minibar), flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi. Beds are luxurious, with 350-thread-count Italian linens. Though bathrooms are nicely sized they include shower and bathtub combinations. 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.
Features
A nice but pricey day spa and a heated outdoor pool -- plus three restaurants
Guests at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa can enjoy great outdoor such as a heated saltwater swimming pool with an adults-only whirlpool. Poolside cabanas are available for rent with fun perks like fresh fruit and snacks. The fitness center and day spa get rave reviews as do the three on-site restaurants, including the casual Southwestern food at Mustangs & Burros and a wine bar. There's a daily resort fee and valet parking is required.
All-Inclusive / Food
- 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.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
-
Air Conditioner
-
Airport Transportation
-
Balcony / Terrace / Patio
-
Basic Television
-
Beach
-
Business Center
-
Cabanas
-
Cable
-
Concierge
-
Cribs
-
Fitness Center
-
Internet
-
Jacuzzi
-
Kids Allowed
-
Laundry
-
Meeting / Conference Rooms
-
Pool
-
Poolside Drink Service
-
Room Service
-
Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
-
Smoking Rooms Available
-
Spa
-
Swim-Up Bar
-
Tennis Court
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.