Going to San Diego over Christmas(22nd to 28th). We are considering The Four Seasons just north of the city, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, and Ranchero Valencia(sp?), also thought about the W. We would love any feedback on these places. We don't need much to do, wife and I are just getting away,,,, a heated pool would be nice, we will be making a few day trips,,, the zoo, maybe drive up the coast,,, maybe drive into Mexico,,,, but we want a nice place to stay,,, close to good food, maybe nice area to walk around..

I wrote you this response to your last SD question but couldn't get it on your original thread so don't know if you ever saw it. It's mostly about restaurants I liked.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34454936

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is beautiful with a huge pool. I loved it there (didn't stay-just visited for lunch).It's not really within walking of anything though and it's not at all modern (which is what it sounded like you were looking for) but classic arts & crafts-very elegant. It's convenient to get around from there though. La Jolla is close by with many retsaurants & shops & on the beach. Torrey Pines is also near Del Mar. They have their own golf course.

Other than the W, I don't think any of the places you picked are within walking to restaurants. If you want to be in a downtown area but with nice relaxing ambiance I'd suggest staying in La Jolla (I think the Valencia is the nicest hotel there but didn't visit it) or on Coronado Island. The Hotel Del Coronado is fabulous-big old classic hotel ("Some like it Hot" was filmed there) with lovely pool, on the beach. Coronado is just over a bridge from downtown San Diego.

We stayed at the Sea Lodge in La Jolla a couple of years ago. It's on the beach and a couple of blocks from a nice little business area - little shops and decent restaurants.

Avoid La Valencia in La Jolla (based on what you requested).
But Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe may be just what you're looking for (depending on whether or not you want a large resort and its amenities, or a small intimate hotel).
The Four Seasons Aviara is great for your criteria except that it's not really close to most of the better eateries in the area. But the grounds and vistas are beautiful and it's the most elegant resort in the area for a weekend getaway IMO.
The Lodge is the next best on your list.
Don't completely overlook the Hotel Parisi in La Jolla, which is within walking distance of many shops and restaurants worth the trip.

I know that Rancho Valencia has really great food and people I know who have stayed there loved it. That said, the W is really the only hotel on your list that is walking distance from anything at all.

Just to clarify, the Lodge at Torrey Pines does not "have its own golf course". What it does have is a location adjacent to Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. This is where the Buick Invitational is played in February each year and where the US Open will be played in 2007 (I think!).

Thanks for the clarification Barbara. When I was there it appeared as part of the same property. In fact you sit on the dining terrace of the hotel & look out onto the golf course.