Search the best hotels in San Diego

5 Best Hotels in La Jolla

Pantai Inn

La Jolla, an oceanfront village just north of San Diego's downtown area, is a top beach destination. The 'Jewel of San Diego' is a great place for couples and families alike. If you want an active beach holiday, you can go scuba diving or surfing on California’s famous coastline. Nature lovers can admire the seal colonies, spot Grey Whales, or watch pelicans take to the air. You can picnic in Scripps Park with the family; stroll with your loved one through the village and check out the award-winning restaurants; take in a concert beneath the stars. It’s fun, intimate, and relaxing. The best hotels in La Jolla are all near the beach and have stunning ocean views. They also reflect California’s diverse heritage: think hacienda-style spas, renovated colonial hotels, Balinese-inspired boutique properties, and so much more.

For a spa break

Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa

  • Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a hacienda-style hotel with an old world feel. Centred around a lush green garden, the Spanish-style rooms boast spacious balconies. It’s also one of the best hotels in La Jolla for a spa break: unwind in the heated saltwater pool, lounge in the day-bed cabanas or indulge with a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure at the spa.

For a boutique beach break

Scripps Inn

  • Scripps Inn is a more intimate affair, a 14-room boutique hotel offering light, airy nautical-style rooms affording stunning views of the bright blue Pacific Ocean. Just steps from some of the best bars and restaurants in La Jolla, and the beach is right across the road.
  • Another great option for a beach break in California, boutique Pantai Inn offers spacious contemporary rooms with a twist: Balinese artwork, fireplaces, and handcrafted wood furnishings. The well-equipped kitchens make it ideal for a more independent stay, whether as a family or couple. And the views of the Pacific Ocean from the roomy private balconies are to-die-for.

For old world glamour

The Grande Colonial

  • Although stylishly renovated, the Grande Colonial Hotel retains its original glamour. The spacious, luxurious rooms have marble bathrooms and guests get a clear view of the Pacific Ocean from their large sash windows. It’s the best eco-friendly hotel in La Jolla for those who can afford it, embodied by its famous farm-to-table restaurant, a favourite haunt of locals.
  • If you want old world charm, look no further than La Valencia. This Mediterranean-inspired hotel, nestled amidst palm tree-lined gardens, has everything you need for a holiday by the beach. Light and elegant rooms and suites, sophisticated coastal dining at The Med or Café la Rue, and a spa and outdoor pool — all just a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean… A dreamy, seafront idyll!

Still not sure?

5 Best Hotels in La Jolla

La Valencia Hotel
La Valencia Hotel

San Diego (La Jolla)

Old world charm resting in manicured gardens overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean. Rooms & suites are naturally light and exude comfort. Coastal dining at The Med, European cuisine at the Café la Rue is reason enough to stay. Spa and pool could mean you never want to leave. Idyllic!

  • Great walks - Windansea Beach offers a great place to take off your shoes and walk in the shallows.
  • Sights nearby - La Jolla Cove is a stones throw from the hotel and a great spot to catch sunset.
  • Surfing - Underwater reefs make the surf break on Windansea Beach ideal.
  • Diving - Diving and swimming at La Jolla Cove is utter paradise.
from £260 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Grande Colonial
The Grande Colonial

San Diego (La Jolla)

An historic building that's been beautifully renovated keeping the hotel's original grandeur but now with modern luxuries. Spacious rooms feature large sash windows (most have sea views) and marble bathrooms. The farm-to-table Californian restaurant is a destination in its own right. A smart stay.

  • Local exploring - Set in one of San Diego's smartest neighbourhoods (right on the seafront), surrounded by chic boutiques and high-end restaurants
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Traditional
  • Sea Views
from £183 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Scripps Inn
Scripps Inn

San Diego (La Jolla )

An intimate 14-room boutique hotel just steps from La Jolla’s world-renowned museums, galleries, bars, beaches and restaurants. Rooms are spacious and stylish with nautically inspired decor. Enjoy the stunning views of the pacific ocean, Relax on the terrace and spot the Grey Whale migration.

  • Local exploring - The hotel is perfectly located on the beachfront of La Jolla, making most restaurants, shops and sites easy to walk to
  • Sights nearby - The Children’s Pool Beach and Boomer’s Beach are just steps away from the Inn
  • Surfing - Catch fantastic waves at the nearby beaches in La Jolla
  • Kayaking - Kayak your way through La Jollas beautiful coves
from £165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Pantai Inn
Pantai Inn

San Diego (La Jolla)

A Balinese-inspired hotel set directly on the coast. Rooms are comfortable with wood-carved furnishings, Indonesian artwork, fireplaces and expansive balconies overlooking the Pacific. The hotel offers a delicious fresh breakfast and rooms have well-equipped kitchens. An idyllic beach break.

  • Local exploring - Situated in the heart of La Jolla, Pantai Inn is the ideal spot for discovering the area and cultural attractions
  • Restrictions on children - Not suitable for infants and young children, however, children from 6 - 17 stay for free!
  • Spa - Book an in-room spa treatment and look forward to a relaxing massage
  • Kayaking - Kayak the caves of La Jolla cove (only 5 minutes from the hotel)
from £292 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

San Diego (La Jolla)

Large hacienda-style hotel nestled in a garden oasis between La Jolla and Del Mar, offering neutral-toned modern Spanish decor in the rooms with sit-out balconies or terraces. A heated saltwater pool, a spa and day-bed cabanas are a bonus. An excellent base for exploring Southern California.

  • Spa breaks - The Spa Estancia offers a wide range of treatments and is recognised as one of the best spas in the region
  • Local exploring - La Jolla and Del Mar are on the doorstep
  • Spa - Spa Estancia is recognized as one of Southern California’s top spa retreats
  • Restaurant - Three restaurants serving an array of authentic West Coast cuisine
from £220 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Back to articles

Written by Edmund Wise

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.