Offering a welcoming climate year-round, San Diego is one of America’s top destinations. In fact, it has enough sights of interest and activities to fill endless visits. This historic city has dozens of art and history museums chronicling its fascinating culture. However, the balmy weather and beautiful scenery also beckon lovers of the outdoors. La Valencia Hotel has long offered a luxurious retreat in the heart of the La Jolla district. With impeccable beaches and breathtaking sea views, guests will want to savor the outdoors or enjoy the many comforts of their guest room.
Accommodation type: 4-star
No. of Rooms & Suites: 112
Pricing: starts at $285 for single rooms, at $441 for Junior Ocean Suite, at $1,083 for Icon Pacific Suite
High season: March through October
Nearest airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, families, pet owners
Awards:
- Ranch & Coast Magazine “Best Brunch,” 2016
- USA Today Travel’s “10 Best Boutique Hotels in Southern California,” 2015
- Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence, 2015
Accommodations
Built in Spanish colonial style, this hotel dates to 1926, when the booming film industry in Hollywood was just beginning. Used for outdoor shoots, San Diego became something of a retreat for actors and starlets, many of them staying at La Valencia Hotel. Public rooms feature elaborate wrought iron accents, handmade tiles and hand-painted murals. In addition, a revolving art exhibit features the work of contemporary artists in the lobby area.
The rooms are luxurious, featuring European bed linens, minibars, lush bathrobes and HDTVs with a range of cable channels. Even more, sea view rooms command stunning panoramas that include La Jolla Cove and surrounding beach areas. There’s a heated pool and large spa tub for soaking away sore travel muscles. Concierge service is available for assistance in booking restaurants or sightseeing tours.
Facilities
- Cafe La Rue – with a fusion of French, Mediterranean and Californian cuisine, this charming restaurant serves delicious meals all day. Enjoy fresh oysters in season, burgers, charcuterie or crab paninis while sampling California vintages from their extensive wine collection. Even more, an order of creme brulee for dessert will satisfy a sweet tooth.
- La Sala Lounge – unforgettable views over the Pacific are a highlight of this sophisticated lounge area. Enjoy mixed drinks or peruse the extensive wine list. Their Spanish-style tapas are the perfect accompaniment.
- The Med Restaurant – take a taste tour of the Mediterranean with offerings like paella, honeyed duck, risotto, and hummus. Dishes are colorful and incorporate local seafood and produce. Additionally, the aesthetic is casually elegant and the views over the water from the dining area are spectacular.
- Spa – operating Tuesdays through Sundays, guests get treated to relaxing massages and acupressure within the privacy of their own rooms.
Complimentary Activities
Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel areas and in private guest rooms. In addition, daily newspapers and shoeshines are also complimentary.
Travel Options
Located 13 miles from San Diego International Airport, La Valencia Hotel is just a quick ride away. Visitors can take a taxi, or if they plan on renting a car, upon exiting the airport, they will need to follow signs for I-5 North. After approximately seven miles, take Exit 26A/West La Jolla Parkway. Stay on La Jolla Parkway for one mile, which will turn into Torrey Pines Road. After another mile, Prospect Place will be a right-hand turn. La Valencia Hotel will be on the right.
In addition, the Amtrak runs train service to Santa Fe Depot, located around 13 miles from the hotel.
Main Attractions Around La Valencia Hotel
Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo
The 1,200-acre Balboa Park has museums, theater performances, botanical gardens and the famous San Diego Zoo with its drive-through safari park. Visitors can spend days here and not scratch the surface. However, a visit to the gardens and time spent enjoying rare species like pandas, Andean bears, anacondas and the California condor are an excellent use of a limited schedule. Also, fun exhibits like a butterfly jungle will keep little ones enthralled.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Anyone with a love of boats or history will enjoy a visit to this museum dedicated to oceangoing vessels of all eras. Explore a Soviet B-39 submarine or climb aboard an 18th-century British frigate. There are harbor tours in a Vietnam-era swiftboat or the schooner Californian. Additionally, excellent permanent and temporary exhibits in the museum educate visitors about the various means of travel across the high seas.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
For a glimpse of early San Diego history, this open-air museum features a blacksmith shop with ongoing demonstrations. Even more, you can find a recreated 1850s-era hotel, original adobe structures and other buildings essential to small-town life in the 19th century. The park is in San Diego’s Old Town area. It’s a fascinating attraction in its own right, loaded with historic sites, museums and restaurants.
Belmont Park and Mission Beach
Celebrate California’s beach culture with a visit to this famous amusement park and beach area. The Giant Dipper roller coaster is an iconic feature. However, strolling the boardwalk, taking in a street performance or just stretching out in the sand to get an authentic California tan are also popular activities.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The swanky La Jolla district boasts beautiful beaches. However, nature lovers may want to visit the 2,000-acre Reserve, where dramatic cliffs, lush canyons and stunning views of the ocean reign supreme. In addition, there are trails for hiking or mountain biking, and visitors regularly spy everything from hawks to coyotes along the way.
Final Words
Whether you’re intent on taking in the beach scene, sample the local cuisine, love to shop or are a history buff seeking greater insight, San Diego offers a wealth of wonderful experiences just for you. Have you spent time in the San Diego area? Maybe you’ve had a chance to stay at the pretty La Valencia Hotel? Let us know about your visit to this wonderful city in the comments below. For a similar experience, make sure to check out the Rosewood Sand Hill as well.