Best Boutique Hotels in San Diego

This 49-room luxury resort is located in Rancho Santa Fe, a wealthy residential community in the hills of Southern California, on 40 acres of lush grounds. The Spanish-style suites, all with fireplaces and patios, are located in 26 casitas spread across the sprawling property, creating a rare level of privacy for guests. Excellent freebies (including Wi-Fi, minibar items, parking, morning juice and newspaper delivery, and breakfast) contribute to the experience of exclusive pampering.

The 120-room L'Auberge Del Mar is one of the top hotels on the Southern California coastline. It's located in beautiful Del Mar Village, right next to the beach, and it's farm-to-table restaurant is exceptional. The spotless rooms have a homey, almost country feel, with green bedspreads, floral pillows, and soft peach walls. Marble bathrooms have large walk-in showers, and some of the higher-end suites have soaking tubs.

The Palomar (formerly Se San Diego) is one of San Diego's most luxurious hotels, and also one of its coolest, with a trendy rooftop bar, zen design, and a location just north of the lively Gaslamp Quarter, next to a major concert venue. Rooms are big and luxurious, with walnut floors, Asian-inspired decor, and up-to-date amenities, like flat-screen TVs and iPod docks.

This 235-room Kimpton boutique just outside the Gaslamp Quarter is notable for its stylish rooms with beach-inspired decor and its attractive rooftop pool area. Plus, it has some great freebies -- a free nightly wine hour, free coffee and tea in the lobby, free newspaper delivery, and free guided walks every Wednesday afternoon.