We’ve got your next San Diego trip covered with local restaurant recommendations, the best San Diego public markets where culture and cuisine collide, and San Diego adventures to make your time truly unforgettable. However, the final piece to the puzzle is choosing the perfect hotel.
There’s nothing worse than spending a day exploring the niche, boutique elements of a city only to return to a neutral chain hotel at the end of the day. You need a lifestyle hotel that matches the excitement and luxury of your daily activities.
That’s why we rounded up 11 of our favorite San Diego boutique hotels in the city, from the heart of downtown to the far reaches of North County. Whether you’re coming from a distance, enjoying a nice staycation, looking for a road trip hotel, or visiting from a nearby local area, these San Diego hotels will fit like a glove.
1. La Valencia
La Valencia, also known as The Pink Lady of La Jolla, overlooks pristine San Diego coastline from its position high above La Jolla beach. It stood as a hallmark fixture of La Jolla when it opened in 1926, and its stature has not diminished one bit since then.
Get a taste of the hotel’s elegance at the outdoor pool, saltwater spa (with ocean views), top notch restaurants, or exploring the Mediterranean architecture. You’re only steps from some of the best shopping in San Diego, and a quick drive to other neighborhoods that offer just as much activity and excitement to explore.
2. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Not far from La Valencia is Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, right between La Jolla and Del Mar. It’s a picture-perfect representation of Southern California, built as a hacienda-style resort with white stucco walls, dark brown wooden accents, and those classic Spanish terracotta roof tiles.
The property is situated on 10 acres of land with pathways that guide you through verdant gardens, past adobe fireplaces, and to meditative courtyards. You’re also positioned to easily explore both North County and San Diego proper from Estancia.
3. The Grande Colonial
Another La Jolla institution, the Grande Colonial has been hosting guests since 1913. It’s been completely modernized, but strict attention has been paid to maintaining its stories past throughout all the updates.
Right away you’ll notice the classic blue and white awnings that serve as a gateway back in time when personalized guest service was the hallmark of your stay. The Grande Colonial prides itself on delivering the same experience now as they did back then. Plus, this hotel might just be haunted, but you’ll have to decide for yourself and let us know what you experience.
4. L’Auberge Del Mar
Another great hotel with direct access to North County, L’Auberge Del Mar is absolutely stunning (like all L’Auberge resorts—we’re huge fans). Pretty much the entire hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean, from the estate-style guest rooms and suites to the spa that operates out of its own seaside cottage.
There are daily events at the hotel, like hands-on art lessons, live music, and sweeping brunch feasts. Since you’re located in the heart of Del Mar, you’ll find it’s incredibly simple to get up and explore one of Southern California’s best beach towns. Plus, it’s a perfect gateway from which to explore Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Solana Beach.
5. Surfhouse
The owners of Surfhouse grew up in Encinitas, relishing in the primetime surfing conditions of Southern California’s coastline. They brought that spirit into Surfhouse, a hotel that’s dedicated to providing you with a true-to-form surf culture experience.
It’s equal parts beach lifestyle, surf community, good vibes, and local neighborhood. And whether you’re going solo or with a guide, Surfhouse provides access to some of the best breaks around. We think they capture it best when they say: “At Surfhouse, you might check-in as a guest, but you’ll leave feeling just like one of the locals.”
6. Twelve Sense Retreat
Located on the historic Pacific Coast Highway, near Encinitas in North County, Twelve Sense Retreat is dripping with luxury and exclusivity. They only have four rooms total, inspired by the natural elements of fire, water, earth, and air.
Each room is designed with a sustainable approach to nature and you wellbeing in mind as it hones in on the 12 different sense set forth by Rudolf Steiner: equilibrium, life, warmth, ego, touch, thinking, hearing, sight, movement, voice/speech, proportion/sound, and taste.
7. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is another great option for those looking to stay in North County, but it’s inland. You won’t get views of the ocean, but you will get a more rustic, ranch-style experience that’s often overlooked—there’s much more culture to San Diego beyond the beach.
Despite the “horse country” vibes on the outside, the amenities are polished and modern on the inside. From this 21-acre property, you’ll have great access to Julian (get some pie and cider) and Anza-Borrego State Park for some of the best desert hiking and nature viewing around.
8. Rancho Bernardo Inn
Maybe one of the biggest hotels on this list, Rancho Bernardo Inn is laid out across 265 acres of land with 287 rooms, three swimming pools, multiple restaurants, a golf course, and a giant spa and wellness center. And each room has gorgeous views of the property’s gardens, as well a private balconies or patios.
Rancho Bernardo Inn is a bit further inland than The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, but that only means you’re closer to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Plus, you’re almost halfway to Temecula and some of Southern California’s best wine tasting.
9. Rancho La Valencia
If you head South from The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, you’ll hit Rancho La Valencia. Lauded as a top “hideaway” resort, it’s a true sanctuary that’s tucked away from the calamity of city living on 45 acres of gardens and olive groves.
They completed a massive renovation project in 2013 to remodel the guest rooms, build a brand new restaurant and bar, and upgrade the spa and fitness center big time. All 49 of the guest casitas have their own private patio for you to relax before heading out, or returning form, your San Diego adventure.
10. The Guild
One of our favorite partner hotels at Luxpitality, The Guild is located in the heart of downtown San Diego in an old YMCA building. From Luca, the in-house Mediterranean restaurant, to the Guild Bar, every detail of this hotel is thoughtfully and artistically planned—just look at the dazzling tile-work.
When you’re ready to explore, head out into the city and use our San Diego restaurant guide to find some of the best hidden gems outside of the tourist-dominated Gaslamp Quarter. From there, it’s a short 10-minute trip to almost any nearby neighborhood.
11. The Pearl
Located in Point Loma, near Liberty Public Market and some of the best seafood around, you’ll find The Pearl. The exterior of the hotel is straight up 1960s, but the interior has been remodeled and outfitted with contemporary designs and amenities.
It’s a longstanding institution in the Point Loma area with 23 guest rooms arranged around an oyster-shaped pool that’s famous for public movie nights. Grab a few drinks at the on-site bar, which is phenomenal, before heading out to experience all that Ocean Beach has to offer just over the hill.
At Luxpitality, our speciality is hooking travelers up with the perfect San Diego hotels. Whether you’re a solo traveler, or looking to book group events, reach out to us today to see how we can help. And be sure to come back next week to see what new city we’ll be touring now that San Diego is officially wrapped up.
Image Credit: Surfhouse