Planning an anniversary trip; we're mid-thirties, enjoy luxury hotels, golf and spa. Would love to be on/have a view of the ocean but have never been to San Diego so we'll probably do a night in town. Not too interested in Sea World, the zoo or legoland type activities. Primarily looking to rest, relax, and escape the southeastern heat in mid-August. Here are the places we're considering:
Lodge at Torrey Pines
Hotel Del Coronado
Estancia
La Valencia
Four Seasons
Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated. Will we need a rental car from the San Diego airport?

Unless you just plan on staying at your hotel, yes you'll need a car.

I haven't stayed at any of these hotels (stay with friends) but have visited 3 of the 5 for dining/drinking.

The Hotel Del has a lot going for it. Great location on Coronado on the beach, a short hop to downtown San Diego. The only problem is it's a tourist destination so may not be the most relaxing place (constant activity at the pool) and the rooms are not glamorous from what I hear.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is gorgeous, right next to golf, wonderful pool, destination restaurant, nice terrace rest. overlooking the pool, very close to La Jolla (by car) with great restaurants and shopping. Only downside, not on ocean (but not far).

I've never been to Estancia. I think it's near Torrey Pines. Found this very helpful write up on epinions

http://www.epinions.com/content_185211915908

La Valencia in La Jolla is in a great location but it's an older hotel. I love La Jolla though and if you stay at any hotel in downtown La Jolla it's nice to be able to walk to lots of different restaurants w/o having to drive. Read reviews here

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

The Four Seasons sounds great if you want spa treatments. I don't really know the Carlsbad area though. Read some reviews here

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

There's not really one "ideal" place for what you want to my knowledge. Each of them have some drawback. I think you might have to decide what's most important, golf vs. spa, beach or luxury.

If golf is important, the Lodge at Torrey Pines may be your best bet but it's evidently quite expensive. Read this post on golf in SD

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34549397

If you want an ocean view and a wonderful beach and proximity to downtown San Diego, The Hotel Del is the answer. For spa treatments, probably the Four Seasons or Estancia.

I choose La Valencia. La Jolla is beautiful, you can walk anywhere, great restaurants, shops and beach. You would not need a car. Eat at the Marine room for your anniversary, very romantic.

The Paradise Point Resort in Mission Bay is great.

www.paradisepoint.com

I would also go with La Valencia. You could check out its sister property, Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe.

www.ranchovalencia.com