La Jolla is a sparkling area in San Diego known for its magnificent natural scenery. We had the chance to stay in different La Jolla San Diego hotels. Most of these hotels overlook the coastline offering a not-to-miss view. The area isn’t only known for its wonderful beaches but also the huge golf courses sitting on the top of cliffs. Moreover, the ocean is another reason to visit La Jolla a million times. We were never bored of snorkeling there to witness the impeccable ocean life. Are you planning to visit San Diego? You should consider staying in La Jolla. There are many venues to stay at and various restaurants and coffee shops to dine in. It’s also a walkable area, so, no need to worry about transportation. We prepared this review of the best hotels in the area to help you find the perfect accommodation. Let’s jump directly to the list.
Table of contents
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites La Jolla
- Scripps Inn
- Cormorant Boutique Hotel
- Residence Inn
- Grande Colonial
- Pantai Inn
- Empress Hotel
- Inn by the Sea
- Sands Of La Jolla
- Sheraton La Jolla
- Hyatt Regency La Jolla
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in San Diego?
- Why is La Jolla San Diego so famous?
- Is La Jolla expensive?
- Is La Jolla walkable?
Holiday Inn Express and Suites La Jolla
11
Being one of the most common tourist magnets in the United States doesn’t necessarily make San Diego a noisy bustling city. We could enjoy some peace of mind by staying at Holiday Inn Express and Suites La Jolla. The best thing about this area is the laid-back life pace. We had enough time to enjoy everything. From the beaches to the outdoor pool, we felt the great atmosphere of La Jolla in this hotel.
It doesn’t overlook the beach, yet, it’s a few minutes from the hotel. The outdoor pool was cool. We enjoyed lounging there for hours. The hotel’s restaurant offered a complimentary breakfast that was basic but delicious. We also loved the rooms. They all come with a coffee machine and a refrigerator. Similar to most hotels in the area, the whole venue is covered with a free WiFi network. A free fitness center is also available for all the guests.
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Scripps Inn
10
Scripps Inn is a nice option to sip your morning coffee daily on a view. This hotel is five minutes from the beach. We could see it from our room’s balcony. This small hotel has rooms and suites for up to six people. Some have kitchenettes while others only have a coffee maker. Anyway, we were in the middle of the neighborhood, so we could reach restaurants and shops easily. We didn’t need to prepare our food inside the hotel so as not to waste time.
The place itself was so relaxing and peaceful. Perhaps it was the beige wooden details combined with light blue fabrics in the furnishing that conveyed this serenity. The furniture was very simple and neat. The whole place looked neat. They took care of it very well just like taking care of us and all our needs. This small inn is a highly recommended option for a beachfront hotel in La Jolla.
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Cormorant Boutique Hotel
9
Cormorant Boutique Hotel is a 3-star hotel, yet it offers the same services as La Jolla 4-star hotels. The beach was steps away from the hotel. We could enjoy the wonderful water of the Pacific Ocean, especially on Cove Beach. Moreover, the hotel’s staff suggested different water activities and offered the needed equipment. We did snorkeling and kayaking which were so much fun.
The hotel had a nice boutique vibe. The decor looked very unique. Although there weren’t many rooms, we could easily find a sea view room. Most of the rooms there overlook the sea. Also, parking was available in front of the hotel. The best part was the rooftop restaurant. We can’t describe how stunning the view from the roof was. Further, the food was delicious, you should try their seafood options.
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Residence Inn
8
The Residence Inn hotel is located in La Jolla, yet, it doesn’t overlook the beach. Some might think this isn’t the best location but it was practical for us. The hotel is located in a more lively area. It’s closer to downtown, and shops are everywhere around the hotel. We could reach popular destinations easily such as San Diego’s zoo, and the beach wasn’t too far.
We had breakfast at the hotel. It was good, and the varieties were enough for us. The evening reception was also a great addition. We shopped for our needs from the on-site market, which worked 24 hours a day. All the suites and studios had a kitchen, so we could cook food before leaving the hotel. For entertainment inside the hotel, there was an outdoor pool, a professional spa and wellness center, and BBQ facilities.
“If you want to stay in the middle between La Jolla beaches and Downtown, this hotel is the best. The atmosphere there was wonderful and the breakfast was top. Highly recommended.”
WOW Travel
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Grande Colonial
7
Grande Colonial is a world-class La Jolla Hotel San Diego enjoys. We stayed in this beachfront hotel for a few nights during a business trip. It was a great choice as the hotel had an amazing business center with many professional facilities. Apart from that, the oceanfront views were amazing. La Jolla Cove, the best shore in La Jolla, was just a few steps from the hotel. Our accommodation there was so luxurious, we’re willing to come here again and again.
We felt at ease during our stay there. The rooms looked historic in an elegant way. They had a unique style combining modern American culture with classic European style. The room didn’t lack anything. From plush bedding to comfy bathrooms and premium toiletries, we felt like VIPs in our intimate room. Moreover, the food was similarly impeccable. The NINE-TEN restaurant offered exceptional food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We had no comments on anything regarding our accommodation.
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Pantai Inn
6
Most unique style. Have you ever visited Bali before? If yes, it’s time to remind yourself of the nature there, and if not, the Pantai Inn, one of the best La Jolla hotels 5 star, will give you a taste of it. This wonderful hotel was one of the most unique accommodations we have ever had. It’s a beachfront hotel made in the Balinese style using natural materials such as bamboo and wood. It’s a real retreat on the coastline of La Jolla.
The hotel’s design made us feel like we were secluded on a tropical island. The view from our room boasted this feeling. Even more, they took care of fine details to make you indulge in these dreamy vibes. The cushions had tropical prints, the paintings on the walls used a blue-green tropical palette, and the rattan furnishing complemented this masterpiece. The hotel didn’t lack any services. They offered a complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and private parking.
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Empress Hotel
5
Experience a lovely stay in the Empress Hotel, one of the most stylish hotels in La Jolla. We felt at home in this hotel. It’s a perfect accommodation for travelers who seek a home-feeling hotel with luxurious facilities and a perfect location. Speaking of which, it has a nice location, not too far from the beach or the downtown neighborhood. Many points of interest are located around. They have a nice map showing such locations, you can check on the official website.
We had all the amenities we needed in our room for a perfect vacation. After a deep sleep on our plush beds, we made our coffee using the coffee maker in our room. Then, we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast before heading to the nearest La Jolla beach. For an easy lunch, we ordered food from the on-site restaurant in our room. We also enjoyed some late-night drinks in the bar on some days when we were too tired to go outside.
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Inn by the Sea
4
Best value for money. As the name suggests, Inn by the Sea is a few minutes from the sea. We could see the ocean from our balcony. Some rooms offer an ocean view or a partial ocean view while others overlook the pool. We booked an ocean-view room, however, you can go for other options for a cheaper rate. Compared to other hotels, this one offers a good rate. It was a great value-for-money choice as we had different facilities and a wonderful view at a good price.
Aside from that, the surrounding area was full of shops and eateries. We had breakfast in the hotel and went out for other food options. You can order breakfast in your room to enjoy eating on a view. This was one of the special features we loved about the hotel. Additionally, it includes a large pool with several lounges and seats around. The facilities include private parking, a shared lounge, and a professional fitness center.
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Sands Of La Jolla
3
Most friendly staff. Sands Of La Jolla was one of the best places we stayed in. This property is family-owned, which explains the intimate vibes we felt during our stay there. We felt at home and everything there was so convenient. You can check all the available amenities on the official website. The staff was the most friendly one we dealt with throughout our different visits to San Diego. They treated us as guests, not clients, you surely know the difference. They ensured that we were comfortable in our rooms and didn’t need anything. Our rooms were spotless as if everything there was brand new.
The hotel was small with private parking in front of the building. It had a heated pool surrounded by palm trees where we could soak ourselves under the warm sun of La Jolla. The beach was a few blocks from where we were staying. The rooms didn’t have ocean views. Yet, the pool view from the balcony was good. One of the perks of this hotel is the location. It’s near the beach and also near Downtown. Public transportation is just outside the hotel, so, moving around was the easiest.
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Sheraton La Jolla
2
Just beside the University of California, Sheraton La Jolla offers a 3-star hotel with the sense of 5 star hotels in La Jolla CA. We stayed there a couple of months ago. It was one of the best vacations we had. The hotel had a lovely natural scenery although it isn’t a beachfront hotel. The koi pond and the trees created a tropical style that made the hotel stand out among other venues in the same area.
We also loved the food scene there. There were two eateries on site. The Humphreys La Jolla Grill is a fine dining restaurant offering continental meals whereas Shooters Bar & Grill is the casual restaurant in the hotel offering nice cocktails and snacks. The rooms included a kitchenette with a coffee maker, a fridge, and a microwave. The rooms were spacious and clean. All the amenities were of quality making our accommodation easier.
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Hyatt Regency La Jolla
1
Best facilities. Experience the best of La Jolla at this high-standard hotel, Hyatt Regency La Jolla. If a beachfront hotel isn’t one of your priorities, this hotel should be on your list. The services there were impeccable. Everything looked modern and chic. Our room had modern facilities including an iHome docking station and a mobile key entry. Moreover, we could order food from the on-site restaurant using our mobile phone and have it in our room.
The hotel offered more than one dining option. We ate in DRIFT, the on-site restaurant, that offered local food and craft cocktails. The outdoor seating on the patio around the firepits was very cozy. Another option was the poolside bar that served wraps, salads, and other delights. Further, there was an on-site market where we could also order our needs using the phone and get them delivered to our room. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub, private parking, and a fitness center. You can get a glimpse of them all on the official website.
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Our Verdict!
Thinking of something special? Maybe a good price or premium facilities? If so, check these options first. They’re the top in their respective categories.
- Best value for money: Inn by the Sea
- Most friendly staff: Sands Of La Jolla
- Best facilities: Hyatt Regency La Jolla
- Most unique style: Pantai Inn
Where to Stay in San Diego?
La Jolla is one of the best areas to stay in, however, San Diego has other neighborhoods worth considering. If you prefer La Jolla, try to find La Jolla San Diego hotels close to La Jolla Cove. It’s one of the best beaches there.
Moving south, you’ll find the Mission Valley district. We have many memories in this area. It’s full of shops and malls where the Fashion Valley Mall is the most famous one. Some of the hotels overlook the Mission Bay. These venues have wonderful views, so you’ll be lucky if you stay in one of them.
Old Town is another nearby neighborhood. It’s so unique with artistic venues and buildings. It isn’t as old as we thought from the name. We found many modern hotels, bars, and restaurants there. We usually search for boutique hotels in this district as they have more intimate vibes. Finally, if you want to stay at the heart of action, DownTown is your destination. You won’t struggle to find the best hotels in San Diego there. Further, the area is well-covered with transportation means. Everything is easy to reach and most tourist attractions are located there.
Why is La Jolla San Diego so famous?
La Jolla is a seaside neighborhood in San Diego with stunning white sand beaches and shores. The water is suitable for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and other water activities. You can find many luxury hotels there, so, it’s a great tourist magnet.
Is La Jolla expensive?
When compared to other areas in San Diego, it’s expensive. It’s home to most of the luxury hotels in San Diego.
Is La Jolla walkable?
La Jolla is walkable with many shores, beaches, and trails to wander around and enjoy the beautiful scenery.