San Diego Hotels

Grande Colonial

Exterior

At a Glance

    Pros

  • near shopping
  • near beach
  • superb restaurant

    Cons

  • somewhat busy street
  • no fitness center

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

Grande Colonial Review

This white wedding cake-style hotel in the heart of La Jolla village has ocean views and charming European details that include chandeliers, mahogany railings, and French doors. The hotel was built in 1913 and expanded and redesigned in the mid-1920s; a newer addition that opened in 2007 features 18 club-level suites, all with full kitchens and fireplaces and stocked with luxury bath products and snack baskets. The hotel's restaurant, Nine-Ten, run by chef Jason Knibb, is well liked by locals for its fresh, seasonal California cuisine.

    Hotel Details

  • 52 rooms, 41 suites.
  • Rate includes no meals.
  • Credit cards accepted.

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Lovely spot, lovely place

    I stayed in an oceanview room in the original building of the Grande Colonial. It is an historic building and so the small size of the rooms was not a surprise. They are very attractively furnished and there is free internet access from the rooms. Fresh bottled water is provided daily. Shortly after my arrival I stopped by the concierge's desk for some suggestions about which beach to use. Thank goodness I made this stop and met the very helpful Lydia. She is really service committed. I am one of those people who want their coffee as soon as they wake up. I do not like having to go to the lobby (where coffee is available from 0600-0630) or order room service ($7.00 for two cups of coffee, plus $2.50 delivery charge). Lydia arranged for coffee making equipment to be put in my room. This immediately lifted my spirits. She also arranged for additional hangers (four for two women is not enough), a small refrigerator, and maps. I greatly appreciated her assistance.
    An ocean view room costs roughly $100 more than a room without. It was a lovely view and I loved hearing the sounds of the waves at night.
    The Grande Colonial is located very conveniently. The staff from the valet/bellmen to desk to housekeeping (thank you, Guillermo, for all the special touches...and extra chocolates!) is professional, polished, and friendly.

    by cmcfong, 11/29/08
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Convenient Location

    Some rooms have views of the water. Easy walking distance to many great restaurants. Parking in town is either metered or in garage parking, but I thought the $15 per day to park at the hotel was a bit steep. The rooms facing the main street (Prospect Avenue) can be a bit noisy.

    by Diana410, 10/17/07
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    good and bad

    our room (partial ocean view) was big and roomy. the view was ok. the service was great (room service pricey). the only complaint i have is some of the furniture was dirty. the sofa in the front room had dirty spots on it and the chairs needed to be cleaned. the beds were very comfortable with turndown in the evening. i just expect the furniture to be clean when your paying $350 a night.

    by lc4637, 8/22/07

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