The Shoal La Jolla Beach

Blue rails and bright, international flags add color to the outside of the two-pearl Travelodge La Jolla Beach, while palm trees bring a touch of greenery to the parking lot surrounding the hotel. Inside, there’s a small lobby with a front desk and a rack holding loads of travel brochures. A buffet table holds the free continental breakfast items including fruit, muffins, and bagels, but there’s nowhere to sit; some guests choose to eat on the wooden benches outside the hotel. Outside, a large mural of the sun rising over the ocean makes for a cheery backdrop over the heated swimming pool. There’s a small blue-tile shower where guests can rinse off, and white, plastic lounge chairs and a table with an umbrella offer a spot to relax poolside. This property attracts a range of budget travelers, from families to groups of friends who want a fair price and a location near the beach. 

This hotel is located in an area of La Jolla with older homes and apartments as well as businesses. It’s not as touristy or picturesque as La Jolla Cove. The hotel is next to a cafe (which serves hot breakfasts) and a Mexican restaurant. It’s a six-minute walk to the beach and the cliffs of Windansea, a favorite spot for surfers. Guests can reach the nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego or San Diego International Airport in a half-hour drive.

No-frills rooms at this value hotel are clean and basic with blue carpeting and white walls. Furnishings such as pink-and-brown bedding, blue fabric chairs, and beige pushbutton telephones make the basic space feel dated. Framed paintings of seashores do little to brighten the space. All rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are white with ceramic-tiled stand-up showers or shower/tub combos. Magnifying mirrors are a thoughtful touch, but the list of prices charged for items should guests take them home, including hand towels and pillows, feels a bit presumptuous. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are available. 

Travelodge La Jolla Beach provides a limited free continental breakfast including coffee, orange juice, tea, bagels, muffins, cereal, and fruit. There is no full restaurant on-site, but there is a cafe and a Mexican restaurant next door. There’s a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool at the hotel with lounge chairs and a poolside shower. A coin-operated washing and drying machine are also available for guests to use, and parking is free. Wi-Fi is also free throughout.