San Diego boasts a selection of luxurious hotels that provide upscale accommodations,
impeccable service and a range of high-end amenities. These hotels cater to travelers seeking a
premium experience and are known for their elegance, comfort, and attention to detail. Here are
the best luxury hotels in San Diego.
Featured Photo: L’Auberge Del Mar
Rancho Valencia
Southern California’s only Relais & Chateaux property enchants as a hacienda-style property set on 45 acres of olive groves and gardens with 49 Spanish-style casitas. It’s hard to find an un-photogenic corner at Rancho Valencia, which offers its guests plenty to do — from yoga by a reflecting pool and tennis, to a day at their glorious spa or beauty session at the new salon.
Highlights: Book three nights in a luxurious Olive Grove or higher suite category and receive a
complimentary fourth night.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
This stunning Craftsman-style hotel, an architectural homage to the Gamble and Blacker houses of Pasadena, overlooks a famed golf course. Kilted doormen, oversized fireplaces, stained glass, Tiffany-style lamps, and a sprawling croquet lawn add to the early 20th Century splendor. From the Lodge at Torrey Pines, watch the paragliders while lounging by the pool or enjoy white tablecloth farm fresh dining at A.R. Valentin.
Highlights: The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a short walk away.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
This progressive boutique hotel in Encinitas is the world’s first Well-Certified Platinum hotel with a focus on health and sustainability. The five-suite “conscious destination” has a Zen vibe and myriad thoughtful touches including an urban biodynamic garden, meditation deck, a Wellness Lab for soap and candle making, organic teas and herbal pouches for healing baths, Moonlight massages, locally source artisan treats, succulent box classes and more.
Highlights: Some of the area’s landmarks include Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park and Geisel
Library. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what’s happening at Del Mar
Racetrack or San Diego Polo Fields.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
A former equestrian estate, this 10-acre, hacienda-style resort hotel in La Jolla is a picturesque haven. The property is a lush Eden with vine-covered trellises, romantic nooks and gorgeous mature gardens, and the spa is equally alluring. Indulge in a romantic couple’s massage in a charming bungalow with a private deck and outdoor soaking tub for two, then head to the salt water pool. The firelit brick patio of Mustangs & Burros is a romantic spot for chicken mole or pork belly tacos with spicy margaritas.
Highlights: Nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve has a network of coastal trails or tee up at the
world famous golf course and watch the paragliders catch the wind overhead.
L’Auberge Del Mar
This seaside retreat in walkable Del Mar is the perfect SoCal escape. Elegant rooms with private balconies overlook the pool and coastline. Lunch at Adeline on the deck means crispy fish tacos or ahi tuna chop chop salad and Aperol Spritzes. Live music fills the lobby bar’s vibrant scene, which is particularly packed during the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season each summer. Luxe cabanas line the pool scene.
Highlights: After a surf session or stroll on the beach, relax into a Holistic Deep Tissue massage at their cottage style beachy spa. Then dress up for the night and wander the village of Del Mar where myriad charming eateries await.
La Valencia
The iconic Pink Lady of La Jolla sits regally above the sea, overlooking La Jolla Cove where swimmers, snorkelers and sea lions frolic. The hotel charms guests with its hand-painted murals, rose gardens and divine pool setting, making it one of the best luxury hotels in San Diego. Unwind in the Mediterranean styled guest rooms or opt for a luxe ocean-view villa.
Highlights: Brunch on the front patio, sip classic cocktails in La Sala lounge which exudes an old Hollywood vibe, or drink in the ocean views while dining on grilled sweet water prawns and mussels in the gorgeously tiled Mediterranean Room.
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