Planning a trip to La Jolla in April - for 40th birthday. Need advice on where to stay.

Info about what we are looking for:
- I travel a lot for work, so I would prefer to stay away from some of the chains or "typical" hotels
- We are running the La Jolla Half Marathon, so an onsite spa would be wonderful for the post-run massage
- We plan to golf and hike and eat
- Don't need a pool - not much of a pool person
- Willing to drive to town - remote location okay

Looking at the following three Lodge at Torrey Pines, Estancia, Grand Colonial. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is about $100 per night more than the other two (or equal to the rate of a suite at Grand Colonial). Is the $100 worth it - in your opinion, what makes is "better"

Any pros/cons about these three hotels, please let me know. Or, f I am missing a goodie, let me know.

Thanks to all!

I did some research on these hotels just this past weekend -- or at least Estancia. The Estancia and Lodge are both very attractive properties (did not see Grande Colonial).

The Estancia is very new, beautiful architecture, especially if you like the Spanish style, with courtyards with wonderful plantings. Their rooms are comfortable and fairly attractive...a little bit small, a little plain, but should be perfectly comfortable with a nice bathroom and comfortable looking beds with white comforters. It's very close to the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Didn't see any rooms at Torrey Pines, just walked around the property. The building is beautiful, and if you are a golfer, you might be in heaven! I've read good things about AR Valentin, their restaurant. I was a little bit surprised that the property seemed a bit smaller scale than I'd have thought, a very small lobby, for instance. Walking around, it was easy to pretend I was in a National Park Lodge. Very cosy. Wish I'd seen the rooms...

I've stayed at the Grande Colonial, which is a historic property right in the Village. That is, in town. If you're planning to golf and hike, you'll be driving somewhere. I don't recall any onsite spa facilities.

However, the place is otherwise a lovely city hotel with comfy rooms and an outstanding restaurant: Nine Ten. And you're up the street from George's at the Cove, a La Jolla institution that I love. And you could always find a good day spa in LJ Village.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is indeed a small-scale resort, but that golf course is great and the restaurant is indeed wonderful. I don't know Estancia at all. The Lodge would probably be my first choice given your desired activities. Estancia would not be disappointing, however.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is phenomenal although I too haven't seen the rooms. It's just an elegant but unsnobby place. It sits right next to the Torrey Pines golf course so if golf is on your agenda, this is THE ideal spot for you. The Estancia is not far from it but I haven't seen it. Le Colonial is the only one you've mentioned that's right in downtown La Jolla. While you say you don't mind a remote location, it's quite nice to be able to walk out of the hotel and walk to restaurants, shops etc. Parking in La Jolla is murder and you'll probably have to use valet parking if you don't stay in town.

I've heard the Scripps Inn is terrific but haven't seen it nor am I sure where exactly it is in relation to the rest. You haven't mentioned The Parisi which is supposed to be the "it" place. It is right in the middle of downtown La Jolla and I think is supposed to have an outstanding spa facility. I walked into the lobby one night and I did think it was a bit snooty though.

For golfing and hiking, the Lodge at Torrey Pines (or maybe the Estancia but I don't think they're anywhere in the same league. Not sure where the best spa would be. Lots of good restaurants both downtown and within a drive.

Have you checked the VALENCIA? It has the old Hollywood ambiance and close to the water. I think I have the name correct. Been a few years.

I love this site! Such great responses - and so quickly.

I have narrowed it down to La Valencia and The Lodge at Torrey Pines. They have basically the same rates/packages for the same type of room. And they both look wonderful. Now, I think it's all location, location, location. I see advantages to both. Will start thinking more about how we plan to spend our time and decide.

It may be worth it to stay a La Valencia just for the parking in town. Hmmmm...

Thanks to all who have replied. If anyone else stops by, feel free to add your 2 cents. I am sure I will be pondering this for a while!

Just to throw in a little more info.!

Conde Nast traveler includes both of your choices in their "Gold" list, and give the rooms at the Lodge a rating of about 84.6, the La Valencia, as I recall, a 79 or so...

Laura, here's a detailed review on La Valencia that might provide some info to help you decide.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...alifornia.html

I definitely wouldn't select the hotel based on parking. There's valet parking available just in front of George's in the Cove so not to worry.

I wouldn't select a hotel bassd solely on parking either. I would take the La Valencia or one of the other boutique-style hotels in the "village area" of La Jolla over the others because I'd prefer to be able to stroll to wherever I wanted to eat and not have to worry about driving back to my hotel after a coule of glasses of wine.

Thanks again to all. I just booked at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Read lots of reviews and think this place will fit our needs the best.

Next step: Convincing husband to stay four nights, not three!

Have a great time, let us know what you thought of La Jolla and the Lodge!

Have fun in La Jolla! In my personal opinion, George's at the Cove was overrated.... but we can say we've eaten there once, at least. If you're looking to make reservations, do it all on-line. It's so easy! And, the restaurants really do read what you request. We got a great booth at George's and the other restaurants we tried. We loved breakfast at Harry's Coffee Shop. The best breakfast I've had in an old-style diner in a long time. The waitress was uber-friendly and she even gave us some great homemade salsa to try - it was a kicker! I think the tab was maybe $12 for the two of us, but we were stuffed! Left an $8 tip because we had such a great experience.

Once you're tired after the marathon, consider renting Segways and ride around town on them - we had lots of fun doing that!

We stayed at La Valencia in late August/early September and would stay there, without hesitation, again. It was extraordinary in every way!
While the rooms are on the small-ish side, they are plush and comfortable.
Make your reservations with confidence.

in case you're still around, LauraT, we just returned from a weekend trip to La Jolla for our 20th anniversary and stayed at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
It's a beautiful hotel, but I have to admit I found the rooms disappointing. They just didn't have that wonderful enveloping feel of luxury that other 5 star hotels I've stayed in had! Because of the awful weather, we upgraded to a room with a fireplace, but unfortunately we couldn't see the fireplace from the bed, so that was a disappointment. The upgrade didn't feel worth the money, at all.
However, the restaurant is OUTSTANDING! Worth a trip...
If I had to do it over again, I'd have stayed at Estancia, and eaten at AR Valentien.
The Grande Colonial also looks really nice, and we had a nice afternoon snack at NineTen. Great!

Frankie - Thanks for the update. We will absolutely plan on heading to your restaurant recommendation. It's wonderful when a hotel/lodge has a great option onsite and you don't have to venture out every night. I think we stick with our plan to stay at the Lodge, but will keep your thoughts and observations in mind as we finalize our plans over the next couple of months.