910 Prospect Street, La Jolla, California, United States | (855) 272-7488
In upscale La Jolla, within walking distance of the beach and boutiques
Historic boutique hotel with classic European-inspired decor throughout
Acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant with outstanding wine menu
Elegant rooms with HD flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
Cheerful suites have fireplaces, sitting areas, and kitchenettes
Some rooms have ocean views
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Heated outdoor pool with free towel service
In-room massages, turndown, concierges, and babysitting services available
Loft event space with panoramic ocean views
No spa on-site
Some rooms are a little small for the price
Most bathrooms are smallish
Fee for valet parking; no self-parking available
With a central location in La Jolla, a heated outdoor pool, and an array of great services -- including in-room massages, and daily turndown -- this upscale historic boutique is a solid pick for a relaxing coastal getaway. Rooms have classic, contemporary decor with a European feel, and modern technologies, such as iPod docks, HD flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have cute kitchenettes and cozy fireplaces. There are several beaches within walking distance, and dozens of restaurants and boutiques nearby -- but some rooms are a tad small for the price. Travelers wanting more spacious rooms and an on-site spa could try the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.
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Scene
An elegant historic hotel with European-inspired decor throughout
First opened in 1913, the Grande Colonial is La Jolla’s oldest original hotel, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in town. Its elegant lobby stands out with arched doorways, fanned windows, and ceiling crown moldings. Some of the original details have been restored, adding a sense of old grandeur to the stately interiors. Decor is classic and European-inspired -- a bit of upscale, French-country-inn with urban sophistication -- with a lovely combination of yellows, blues, and whites, and tasteful wood accents. The hotel’s refined yet relaxing atmosphere makes it a favorite among couples and families visiting La Jolla.
Location
In La Jolla, an upscale beach community a short drive from San Diego
The hotel is located on one of La Jolla’s main drags, a block from the ocean, and minutes from upscale boutiques and fine and casual dining. The street is lined with shops and restaurants, and there are a couple of museums and galleries -- including the Museum of Contemporary Art -- within a short walk of the hotel. Famous La Jolla Cove Beach is a 5-minute walk away, and both San Diego and world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course can be reached by car in about 20 minutes.
Rooms
Contemporary, European-inspired decor and solid amenities
The hotel's 97 rooms and suites are spread throughout three buildings. Most rooms are in the main building, and suites are housed in the two adjacent wings. HD flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, and refrigerators are all standard amenities -- but bathrooms are small and somewhat underwhelming for the price. Some rooms have ocean views, while suites feature some great extras like fireplaces and kitchenettes. Extended-stay suites and accessible rooms are available.
Features
Heated outdoor pool and acclaimed restaurant
The hotel has a round, heated outdoor pool with towel service and lounge chairs -- but the setting feels a little cramped by surrounding buildings. The acclaimed restaurant, Nine-Ten, is decorated with colorful abstract art, and has outdoor seating, a wonderful wine list, and farm-to-table cuisine. In-room massages and spa services are available. There is no full spa or fitness center on-site but the hotel can recommend facilities within walking distance and offers complimentary daily guest passes to the La Jolla Sports Club across the street (a $25 daily value and includes all fitness classes). Among the array of great services are daily turndown, babysitters, private car, valet parking, and concierge services. Guests staying in the Little Hotel wing have access to a rooftop terrace with panoramic ocean views and lounge chairs. The hotel has 5,000 square feet of meeting space, including a chic parlor room and a garden courtyard complete with rose plants and a fountain.
