This is still a while away, but I'm dreaming about a 1 night anniversary getaway this winter w/ my husband. Any advice on a great (5*) hotel with fabulous rooms anywhere from LA to San Diego? I'm wondering about the Peninsula, the Inn at Torrey Pines, etc...what hotel is your favorite? Thanks!! (The Montage is out, I think, it's just too expensive, even for 1 night!)

www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/laguna_niguel/

hi, clarkgriswold!
Maybe I should've said I've already stayed at the Laguna Ritz Carlton, and it's one of the only 5 star hotels I've ever had the fortune to stay at that I didn't like...
the rooms just weren't all that special...
but thanks anyways! Any other ideas?

www.hotelbelair.com

L'Auberge Del Mar, perhaps? http://www.laubergedelmar.com/

Hotel Bel Air is pretty darn wonderful, and secluded and beautiful. The Peninsula would be fine except that Beverly Hills streets in that immediate area are very torn up and not so glorious to look at or to try and drive through. The Beverly Hills Hotel would be a historic hoot, and it's still lovely-- but I think it's a notch below what you're looking for (a thin notch, but...). The Montage would be too pricey, even for just one night? Did you call the place directly to check? Maybe they could cut you an anniversary deal.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is AAA-rated five diamond and is pretty incredible. In your shoes, I'd go for that. Besides, I do love La Jolla-- dinners at the Cove (Georges!), strolls through the village, the beaches, etc. Keep the Parisi in your back pocket if the Lodge isn't an option-- that's a nice property as well. Enjoy!!

The previous poster is channeling my thoughts... Beverly Hills looks like the recent East Coast hurricane made a cross-country detour down Rodeo Drive, although this project is due for completion at the end of November. I also think the Inn at Torrey Pines looks fabulous. And, in the winter, the farther south you go (San Diego County v. L.A. County), the better the weather and longer the daylight hours. Sold! Inn at Torrey Pines!

yep, I've been leaning towards Torrey Pines, too. Everything about it sounds good...But Travel & Leisure Mag. does rate the Peninsula #1 in the USA...
That's a good idea about the Montage rjw! I will call these places directly, try to get them to compete w/ each other! Thanks!

Just to keep my own thread going ;! Any body have any thoughts on the St. Regis Monarch Bay? My husband has remarked that it seems too grandiose, nouveau riche or something...anybody stayed there?

Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Take a look at shuttersonthebeach.com

Any of the hotels which are members of Leading Hotels of the World or Small Luxury Hotels would be good bets too. (Shutters is a member of Leading) Lhw.com, slh.com. In southern Califinrona, their hotels are:

The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows
Beverly Hills

The Peninsula, Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills

Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Beverly Hills

Hotel Bel-Air
Beverly Hills

Casa Del Mar
Santa Monica

The Westgate Hotel
San Diego

The Lodge at Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage

hotel Parisi
La Jolla

Haven't stayed there (since I live up the coast), but I've heard nothing but raves from people who have (clients who attended a seminar we gave at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, essentially across the street, but couldn't get a room at the R-C). It does look a bit over-the-top, but the clients said that the service is top-notch and the rooms are wonderful. You can do far worse. The only negative of course is that you're smack dab in the middle of nowhere (it's a rather isolated part of Dana Point)-- about 10 minutes south of Laguna Beach, for example. But for a one night getaway, you can dine at the hotel and have a grand time.

The biggest reason the Peninsula BH is rated highly (by the way, the Peninsula Chicago is the #1 hotel in the USA per Zagat 2003) is becuase of the outstanding service. It's second to none.
Location is great, food is great.
The standard rooms are not as nice as you may be expecting. I find them very nice but not spectacular. Great beds and linens, nice furniture, large.
There's a significant difference between the standard rooms and the villa suites. For an anniversary, a villa suite would provide a memorable experience. They used to provide free personal use of an Audi A8 with suite reservations, too (I think this program is no longer).

I've made res. at both the Lodge at Torrey Pines and the St. Regis. I'll have to cancel one. Anyone else have an opinion?
Thanks!!!

If you are going to spend that much money, it is worth in my opinion to get points from the Starwood preferred guest program. As an avid Starwood user, I tend to stick by their properties. However, Lodge at TP is on the top of my list for upcoming stays.

The Hotel Del Coronado on the beach in Coronado (San Diego) is beautiful and very romantic. The Westgate, also in San Diego, is extremely luxurious and has an absolutely fabulous restaurant.

Frankie,
Have you had any luck negotiating for the Montage yet? For me, the choice would be between the Montage and the Lodge at Torry Pines. They both have outstanding Craftsman-style architecture, but the glorious ocean panoramas, beautiful seaside gardens and walking paths, relaxing and charming interiors and the 5 Diamond/5 Star Studio restaurant would put the Montage out on top for me. (Not to mention easily accessible beach coves out back, a luxurious spa and several very interesting shops, a couple of good casual restaurants and an art gallery). I haven't stayed there, as I live nearby, but I go often and it's just incredible--if only it weren't so darn pricey. But, keep trying!

If you can't do the Montage, the Lodge at Torry Pines is wonderful, too. We had a delicious, romantic dinner at their signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien a few months ago. If you need a good lunch recommendation, Bradley Ogden's new restaurant, Arterra, in the Del Mar Marriott(of all places) is another treat. Swanky decor, great food and very interesting wine flights. Wherever you wind up, have a great time!

Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach. Crashing waves below your balcony.

Hotel Del Coronado -- historic, great location

Winerycat: what is your opinion on the Hotel del Coronado? Is it really worth the $$$ to stay there? Is the Prince of Wales restaurant anything special? I haven't been to SD in a few years. The Del is on my list of special places to stay in the area. My son hopes to attend SDSU in a year. He just loves the area!!! ***kim***

Hi kimamom!
The last time I stayed at the Del was at least 10 years ago, maybe more, for a corporate retreat, but I was quite impressed with it. I love the history and beautiful old architecture of this place.

Our main event dinner was held in a gorgeous circular, high-ceilinged wood room--I don't remember it's name, but our food was excellent. Our room was pretty standard, had no ocean view, but of course the ones with views would be preferable. Not sure what the rates are now, so I can't really say if it's worth it for you, but I loved the place and would recommend a stay there.

We stayed at the El Cordova which is right across the street from the Del on our honeymoon. I have since longed to stay here after walking through the property back then.

We have some business that may take us to SD in February. A couple of nights here would be wonderful! I'm also a big fan of the La Jolla area. I used to love going to the cove to "study" when I attended SDSU one summer!!! ***kim***