Del Mar or La Jolla
 

I'm sure we can't go wrong with either, but I am trying to decide between the two areas for an anniversary weekend in early December. We are interested in relaxing, a nice spa and maybe a little golf. Ocean view is not necessary. Leaving the car in the hotel lot and walking to restaurants and shops would be a big plus.

So far, I have looked at the Estancia Resort and the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, and L'Auberge Del Mar. Any other suggestions in these areas would be welcome, as well as comments on the pros and cons of these resorts.

The Four Seasons Aviara in Carlsbad and the Rancho Bernardo Inn also look interesting, but they don't seem very close to anything. We did not care for La Costa, so that is out.

Thanks Fodorites!

The two hotels you listed for La Jolla are NOT walking distance to any shops or restaurants. They are on the bluffs overlooking the ocean (several miles away from the La Jolla dining/shopping scene)

Look at the hotels that are in the actual village of La Jolla on/or near Prospect Blvd. A couple of them are:

- Grand Colonial Hotel
- La Valenica

I'm never been to L'Auberge but based on its location it would be a good choice as well for ease of going out for dinning & shopping. Del Mar is a great town that gets alot less publicity than La Jolla.

Of the hotels you mention, L'Auberge Del Mar would allow you to walk to restaurants and shops. Neither the Estancia nor the Lodge are close to any other restaurants or shops. Rancho Bernardo Inn is in an upscale residential neighborhood and while it's nice and has an outstanding restaurant I'm not sure it's what you're looking for.

You might check out La Valencia Hotel right in the "village" of La Jolla. There you could walk out the front door right into the middle of all La Jolla'a main street. Also look at Rancho Valencia, although you couldn't walk to other restaurants, etc. from there.

http://www.ranchovalencia.com/

You can link to the Hotel from this site. They are sister properties.

Short and sweet. :) Go toLa Jolla and stay at La Valencia.

Del Mar or La Jolla..tough one but I think the 2 towns are stunning and perfect for what you want to do but the hotels you have chosen do not fit in the realm of what you want..like saps, Barbara mentinoned..
I feel either the L'Auberge in Del Mar would work for you or in LJ, I would go to either La V, Grande Colonial or the Hotel Parisi..Grande will be the cheaper of the three..Sea Lodge in the LJ Shores is oceanfront but not nice as the ones in the village but makes up for it with location and has a small town with some great restaurants and it is about a mile from the downtown LJ..
RBI is inland and could use a facelift..4 seasons Aviara is nice but pricey and isolated..
Have you thought of Coronado? The Hotel Del is wonderful at that time of the year and the town is so wonderful..
Hope this helps you out lvk!
thegrandecolonial.com
lavalencia.com
ljbtc.com
laubergedelmar.com
hoteldel.com
hotelparisi.com

For an anniversary 2 years ago, we stayed at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Thought it was nice, but not worth the $$. We had lunch at the restaurant within the Grande Colonial, and was really impressed by that hotel, and kinda wished we saved some money and stayed at the Colonial instead. It looked impeccable, at least regarding public areas.

I have been in the rooms at the Estancia resort; they are fine, nothing out of this world but comfortable and new. Nothing to get excited about. The grounds at the Estancia are really pretty, though, and love the architecture, and a beautiful freestanding restaurant. The location is kind of out of the way, unless you're visiting UCSD...not a walking area, no views, except of their gardens.

Thanks so much, this was exactly the type of info. I was looking for. DH would probably like to be on the golf course, but I'd like to be in the village. La Valencia wasn't even on my radar screen, so thanks for that suggestion. I've taken a quick look at some of those links, and because of the inhouse spa and room service breakfast (a must for us!), I think I have it narrowed down to La Valencia or L'Auberge.

Once I decide for sure, I'll be back for restaurant recommendations, and I know you won't let me down. :)

Well, Travelzoo just popped up with a 50% off rack rate deal on L'Auberge Del Mar, so that sealed it for me (There's alway "next time" for LJ :) )

I have seen restaurant recommendations for Jake's. Any others? Any comments on J. Taylor's restaurant on-site at L'Auberge?

Thanks again!

50% off rack rate at L'Auberge is fantastic...great place and right across the street from Del Mar Plaza
and for food..I love Jake's Del Mar.
Poseiden, Bully's Del Mar, Board and Brew, Brigantine, Pamplemousse, Fidel's, Fish Market Oyster Bar, Beach Grass Cafe, Pizza Port, JT's and Roberto's of Solana Beach..dive bars, Kraken in Cardiff..
Have a blast lvk!

For dinner in Del Mar I also enjoyed Il Fornaio on the top floor of Del Mar Plaza, just across the street from the Auberge.
Also just steps from it, there is Sbicca's which was a casually nice restaurant (on the left side the small sidestreet leading to the beach next to the Auberge, I believe it's 5th).

I'm glad you picked L'Auberge. I am quite partial to coastal towns north of LJ and Del Mar has a nice mix of restaurants and shops, with a great beach. As for restaurants, we just ate at Black Horse Grill on Via de la Valle (you would have to drive a few miles) which was very good. Arterra at the Marriott in Carmel Valley is fun if you want to spend the $$$ and a couple of hours eating (the tasting menu with wine pairings is best). Pacifica Del Mar is across the street from L'Auberge and is a local favorite. Jake's is good - location can't be beat. Have fun!