Watch for internet specials

Posted by millerowski on June 15, 2009

La estancia hotel in north la jolla is located across from the campus of the university of california, san diego. that makes it convenient to the university and to the bio-tech firms in the torrey pines area.
it does not, however, have an ocean view although it is close to the cliffs that overlook black's beach. it is set in from the street about a block and is secluded by a wall, so that it exudes the feeling of a private hacienda.

i have stayed at the estancia four or five times--mainly as a getaway from my san diego condo but also when i have attended evening events at ucsd (i don't drive at night).
i have enjoyed my stays, but they have been pricey, and so if price matters to you, i advise you watch for internet specials or stay somewhere else in the area (except the lodge at torrey pines, which, although lovely, never seems to have rooms for lower than $350 base price).

the estancia offers lush gardens featuring native plantings (as well as some non-native), a large swimming pool surrounded by cabanas, a full-service spa, a wine bar, and two restaurants--as well as facilities for large groups.

the main restaurant, el adobe,
offers trendy cuisine with spanish and mediterranean touches. it does not offer basic "american" food. so, if you're staying there as a sanctuary, and you just crave a simple sandwich, well, it's not on the menu (you could ask, though.) the restaurant features brandt beef as well as various pasta, seafood, and lamb or pork specialties. i've enjoyed the paella, the diver scallops, and the rack of colorado lamb. the sports bar, mustangs & burros, sports pleasant outdoor dining and beverage service (and inside, you'll find a large tv and a casual, relaxed atmosphere). here, you can enjoy tapas, salads, seafood, and burgers (either ahi or beef). prices in both eateries are high, and, given the isolation of the hotel (there are no restaurants within walking distance), if prices are an issue, you may as well bring a few granola bars for snacks. the room service menu is more limited than most high-end hotels, and, again, pricey. a basic continental breakfast costs around $20 once you include the delivery fee and 18% mandatory gratuity and tax. for dessert--whether in the restaurant or room service--devotees of chocolate will succumb happily to the chocolate lava cake. el adobe also offers a "flight" of decadent desserts to share ($28).

the guestrooms at the estancia are spacious, well-appointed, and, well, luxurious. the best rooms have balconies that overlook the large garden courtyard; however, this can backfire when large events--such as weddings--are scheduled for the courtyard because the whole day is given over to the set-up and the execution of the gathering--not very peaceful.
some rooms overlook the pool areas and others have no view--just a patch of lawn with a few plantings and the adobe wall that surrounds the complex. (i believe that some rooms have a parking lot "view" but i haven't been relegated to in one of those.)
note that it can be a long walk from the elevator to your guestroom; ask for a room close to the elevator if your knees are as cranky as mine.

parking is valet-only at $25 per day with in and out privileges, and there is a $12 per day guest services charge.
these two, in addition to hotel room tax, turn that $249 per day "deal" into a $310 splurge.

therefore, although i recommend the hotel for its gardens; serenity; pleasant rooms (with comfy bed and linens); quality of food (if not selection); and service, i advise planning your stay on off-peak nights, which, as of june 2009, can be reserved at $189 or a bit lower (check the "packages" menu on the website (www.estancialajolla.com).