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
See More Pros

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
See More Cons

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.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & 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.

See More Scene

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.

See More Location

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.

See More Rooms

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.

See More Features

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.
See More All-Inclusive / Food

Oyster Hotel Review

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & 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.

See More Scene

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.

See More Location

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.

See More Rooms

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.

See More Features

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.
See More All-Inclusive / Food

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.