Hi winerycat, the Montage happened to be completely booked the weekend we are going - a wedding. Some Wedding! But seems as if rates have come down a little for the Montage. Rooms rates now start, I was told, at $395, which is cheaper than the $600 rate they opened with... So looks like the Lodge is still getting the most recommendations!

Have stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado several times in the last few years and love it. We stay in the old building, and yes the rooms are small...but we enjoy it. The restaurant is wonderful...and their Sunday brunch is amazing. During the holidays the hotel is especially pretty.

frankie: Since the Montage is booked, why not follow your heart to the Lodge--I don't think you can miss there. In La Jolla, I've heard very nice things about the restaurant Nine-Ten in the Grande Colonial Hotel--I hope to try it next time I'm in the area.

Since you asked about St. Regis, Monarch Beach, sure, it's exterior is quite rococco, but it's so different from the others in the area, we like it and enjoy having breakfast at their Club 19 overlooking the golf course with a view of the ocean-- or cocktails at sunset on the lounge's terrace-- or tea in front of the fireplace. Aqua has a brand new chef and we hope he can make this Aqua as good as the one in San Francisco. Enjoy and be sure to report back about your stay!

I was recently in SD for the first time (staying with friends in La Jolla). Visited the Lodge at Torrey Pines &amp; the Hotel Del Coronado. Both are beautiful and historic. While the location of the Hotel Del can't be beat (I loved Coronado &amp; the ocean setting there), I think the Lodge at TP <i>feels</i> more elegant. The Hotel Del seemed to have a lot of corporate events going on. Based on the condition of the public spaces (I never saw rooms) in both places, the Lodge seems more recently renovated and feels a bit more exclusive. The <b>only</b> downside to the Lodge is it's lack of waterfront location. It's proximity to the shops &amp; restaurants in La Jolla is a definite plus.

I ate at Nine-Ten at the Colonial Hotel in La Jolla that winerycat mentions. It was very good.

After several mentions of the Hotel Parisi in La Jolla on this board recently, I'd investigate that kim.

I just viewed the website of the Hotel Parisi and it looks very elegant. Another place to put on my list! ***kim***