This beautiful Craftsman-style lodge sits on a bluff between La Jolla and Del Mar and commands a coastal view. You know you're in for a different sort of experience when you see the Scottish kilted doorman. The warm and understated rooms are spacious and furnished with antiques and reproduction turn-of-the-20th-century pieces. The service is excellent, and the restaurant, A. R. Valentien (named after a San Diego plein-air artist of the early 1900s), serves fine California cuisine. Beyond the grounds are the Torrey Pines Golf Course and scenic trails that lead to the Torrey Pines State Beach and Reserve. The village of La Jolla is a 10-minute drive away. Pros: Upscale rooms, good service, near golf. Cons: Not centrally located, expensive.
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