8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, California, United States | (251) 219-4428
Rare beachfront location right on La Jolla Shores beach
Clean, beautiful beach with coastal walk; separate areas for swimming and surfing
Free beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels, plus free DVDs for in-room use
Heated swimming pool and in-room massage service
Tennis courts and small fitness center
Two waterfront restaurants and (with reservation) nightly beach barbecues
Clean rooms with Spanish-influenced decor and balconies or patios; many have ocean views
Free parking at beach parking lot and on adjacent streets
Free shuttle into La Jolla Village for shopping
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast for kids
Can be expensive for a dated hotel, despite the beach location
Daily parking charge for hotel’s
underground facility
Some complaints of spotty housekeeping and maintenance issues
Food (though delicious) can be pricey
This upper-middle-range, 128-room hotel is one of the only options right on La Jolla Shores beach, and has gorgeous views
from many rooms, all of which have private balconies or patios (though some face a busy street). Rooms feature a combination of classic Spanish design and '70s-inspired decor, and bathrooms with basic tub/showers that could use updating. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels are free, as is Wi-Fi, and notable features included the heated pool and two waterfront restaurants. More dining is within walking distance. Those looking for lower rates and a location in the Village of La Jolla might want to consider La Jolla Cove Suites, though it is a motel-style property with fewer features.
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Scene
Gorgeous water views and old-fashioned Spanish style
Large palms, a tiled outdoor
fountain, and pretty garden grounds accentuate this hotel’s classic Spanish
style. The façade combines white walls and wood balconies with a grand
staircase which lead through twin archways to the lobby. White lobby walls and
warm wood accents and beams are the backdrop for comfy neutral-tone couches and
chairs, water-colored rugs, and hexagonal tile floors that fill several conversation
areas. Despite all the Spanish charm, however, this is an older property and it shows in places. Still, it remains perennially popular -- especially with families -- thanks to its rare beachfront location and waterfront dining. Prices can be steep even given the beachfront location, however; the more upscale La Valencia sometimes isn't too much more.
Location
Beachfront hotel near restaurants and attractions
Very
convenient for tourists -- especially families -- La Jolla Shores Hotel is right on La Jolla Shores, one of the best beaches in Southern California. It's also adjacent to Kellogg Park, a seven-acre public beachfront park with
playground equipment and picnic tables, and near La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Guests can
walk to pizza, Mexican, breakfast-focused, and sushi restaurants in less than five
minutes. The hotel is also under a five-minute drive to Birch Aquarium; sights in the Village of La Jolla, including the classy Museum of
Contemporary Art, La Jolla Cove, and Children's Pool Beach, are a 10-minute drive (the hotel offers a free shuttle). The renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course is a 15-minute drive in the other direction. To reach the sights of downtown San Diego, expect around a 20-minute drive, and expect it to take around 30 minutes to reach the airport.
Rooms
Slightly dated Spanish-style rooms with balconies or patios, many with ocean views
Ocean views are one of the hotel's biggest draws, and many rooms offer at least a partial glimpse of the water. The main categories are Garden Patio, Coastal View, and Beachfront, with the views from the latter being the best. There can be pretty large variations within each category, though; some of the higher-floor Garden Patio Rooms have partial ocean views, including the one we visited, while some ground-floor Coastal View rooms barely have a glimpse of the sea. It's luck of the draw, and some in the Garden Patio rooms may get stuck with a view of the busy street. Rooms start at around 400 square feet; accommodations on the top floor seem larger because of rafter ceilings. The 19 rooms with kitchenettes are available for extended stays. Bathrooms feature basic tub/shower combinations
with grab bars and can be dark. Some guests have complained of noise from other
guests and outdoor sources. Beds, and upholstered seating in some suites, are
comfortable. Overall, though, rooms could use a style makeover, from
the faux cultured marble countertops to aging carpeting. Guests occasionally complain about spotty
housekeeping or maintenance issues. Amenities include coffeemakers, Starbucks coffee and tea, mini-fridges, robes, and hairdryers. Flat-screen TVs have over 50 channels, including HBO, and DVD players. For an extra charge, guests may order additional items including fresh flowers, wine and cheese, or freshly baked cookies.
Features
Free beach chairs and umbrellas, two waterfront restaurants, and a heated pool
The biggest highlight of La Jolla Shores Hotel is the beachfront location. Guests can walk along the boardwalk,
have a beach cookout (reservations required), or rent surfboards, kayaks, and wetsuits from the hotel. The beach itself is long and sandy, and though it can get crowded, it is cleaner than Mission or Pacific Beach. Families will also likely appreciate the spacious
L-shaped heated outdoor swimming pool with tiled hot tub and small wading pool; poolside food and drink service is available during the summer. A small fitness
center offers treadmills and free weights. Business
travelers can take advantage of indoor or outdoor meeting spaces, which accommodate up to
250 people. The Shores Restaurant draws guests and non-guests alike, and has classy Spanish ambience: painted tiles, vaulted white wood ceiling beams, and 200-year-old cathedral doors from Mexico City. A Pacific-inspired menu is offered at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday
brunch; patio dining and happy hour drinks are available. The Marine Room is a more formal (and more expensive) option; both eateries have ocean views. Bicycle rentals are available and there are pool and ping-pong tables
beneath a pergola.
