Hi, we are comingto the LA area for Christmas, the three places we are considering going to are La Jolla, Laguna Nigel or Palm Springs?

Has anyone stayed at any of these places and what would they recommend? We have never been to CA before-

Thanks

The La Valencia is a lovely and atmospheric hotel in La Jolla but La Jolla is not in the L.A. area. It's in San Diego, a two hour drive south of L.A.

Although I cannot make recommendations on LaJolla or Palm Springs, the Ritz at Laguna is absolutely wonderful. We were there in September. The views are fantastic and the restaurants are great. I loved Laguna!

If you can still secure reservations at the Ritz Laguna Niguel, you should do so.
I've stayed at La Valencia as well, and while it has lots of character and charm, and while La Jolla is certainly worth a visit, if it's hotels you're comparing, the Ritz is in an entirely different league from LV and Ingleside.
(Can you still get rooms at the Ritz at this point?)

I live in Laguna Niguel,and used to live in La Jolla.And I recommend the La Valencia.Reason,in La Jolla,its a great walking/shopping town.Beautiful ocean vista's,etc.The Ritz is near nothing except the beach(a steep walk).And overpriced.Go for the character of LJ.

Hi:

The Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel is awesome. There is a new, very elegant, small hotel in La Jolla called Parisi that is great (but check your budget!)

I live in Palm Springs, so I have a bias. If it were up to me, I would look at a couple other romantic "quintessential Palm Springs" properties before the Ingleside Inn. I would be glad to suggest a few if you would like to mail me.

have fun.