Couples Retreat at La Jolla Hotels

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many couples are planning their holiday celebrations.  Make this year one to remember and reserve a table at one of La Jolla’s first class restaurants and end the evening with a romantic stay at one of the premier La Jolla hotels.

If you are looking for a mouthwatering dining experience, there are several restaurants in La Jolla that are offering fixe prix menus and specialty dinner entrees for Valentine’s Day.  Here are some of our favorite options:

-Donovan’s Steak and Chop House – The prix fixe menu at Donovan’s includes choice of appetizer or salad, Australian cold water rock lobster tail and prime filet mignon and a choice of dessert for $100 per person. Guests can choose to share a bottle of wine for $135 per person.  Each lady will also be given a complimentary long stem rose to celebrate the night.

-George’s California Modern – George’s menu focuses on local products and produce and features a 3 course Valentine’s Day meal with choice of appetizer, entrée and dinner or night cap beverage for $70 per person.  Meal choices are selected from a special Valentine’s Day menu; however, additional items can be requested for an additional charge.

-The Marine Room – The Marine Room features a 4 course prix fixe menu including choice of appetizer, first course, main course and dessert.  The seafood inspired menu that includes crab cakes, sea bass, lobster tail and more is available on Valentine’s Day for $125 per person.

To end the night, reserve a room at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla for a romantic couple’s retreat.  Their exclusive Destination Romance Package includes a two night stay in a partial ocean view accommodation, a welcome amenity with the chef’s selection as well as your choice of champagne or wine, breakfast for two each morning, and a three course dinner for two in the Mediterranean Room or in Café La Rue and Whaling Bar.

Look through our local directory for other La Jolla restaurants and hotel options and begin planning a Valentine’s Day to remember.

La Jolla Real Estate Tips – Successfully Turn Your Second Home into a Vacation Rental

With spring a few months away, many La Jolla homeowners are beginning to consider the option of turning their second home or condo into a vacation rental.  While a great way to generate income during the busy spring and summer months, there are various items that homeowners need to complete in preparation for listing their home for rent on the La Jolla real estate market.

First, determine if your property is a suitable vacation rental.  By conducting a little research, you can learn more about the rental market in your area and determine whether or not your property is marketable and desirable.  Especially in a beach community like La Jolla, proximity to the beach or waterfront views are items that will make your property more desirable in comparison to rental properties further inland.  Also, use local La Jolla hotels as a reference for what additional amenities are available to travelers such as high-speed internet or Jacuzzi bathtubs.

Second, it is important to prepare your property.  Walk through your property and make sure everything works, including items such as appliances and lights.  It is also a good idea to locate a good housekeeping service or maid that you can use regularly to clean the house once your guests departs.  While you can do this on your own, if you expect multiple rentals in a short time period, an outside professional will be more convenient and help save you time.

Next, prepare for your guests. You will need to create a system for providing a key or entry instructions to your guests.  Property owners generally sent up a lockbox on their property; however, if you reside locally, you can also meet your guests and walk through the property and provide the keys, property details and instructions on how to use certain electronics, where to place trash, where extra towels are located, etc.  If you are unable to meet your renters, leave instructions with the keys or in the home to address these items.

The final step in preparing your home or condo is advertising.  Most property owners market their property online and use pictures to show the property and surrounding area.  In addition to taking high quality photos of the property, property owners should stage the area before to give prospective renters a sense of what they could be doing in your property.  Your advertisement should also include a description of the property, bedroom layout, amenities, nearby activities including shops and restaurants in La Jolla.

The above advice will help property owners turn their home into a successful vacation rental in La Jolla.  For individuals considering renting their home or condo, but feel they are unequipped or do not have the time to do so themselves, there are many agents that specialize in real estate in La Jolla and can help you with pricing and marketing your property.

Celebrate a Special Event at a Luxury Hotel in La Jolla

With ten local beaches, an upscale downtown district, and some of the area’s most popular restaurants, it is no surprise that La Jolla is one of the most frequented vacation destinations in California. Whether in town to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or a romantic weekend getaway, there are several award winning, luxury hotels in La Jolla that each offer unique features and amenities to make any occasion one to remember.

A favorite among vacationers is La Valencia Hotel.  Situated along the coastline, the hotel is within walking distance to world-class museums, galleries, shopping and restaurants in La Jolla.  Offering the perfect blend of location and recreation, the oceanfront hotel is ideal for those who are not only interested in relaxing, but exploring the surrounding area.  The elegant, but historic hotel also boasts Mediterranean influenced architecture and décor, highlighting its old world charm.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines provides an all inclusive resort experience. Featuring natural colors, sandstone exteriors, brick masonry and natural stone surfaces, the Lodge at Torrey Pines was designed to look and feel like an authentic Craftsman style residential home.  In addition to beautifully crafted accommodations, the hotel provides guests with a view of the Pacific Ocean as well as the Torrey Pines Golf Course.  The Lodge, located along the 18th fairway of the course, provides its guests with an exclusive guaranteed tee time program and special rates.

Hotel Parisi is another option for luxury hotels in La Jolla.  Offering a distinctive layout created using concepts of Feng Shui, the holistic inspired and eco-friendly boutique hotel refers to its accommodations as a sanctuary.  The Zen retreat features 29 suites and also offers spa and wellness treatments that are performed in the privacy of your room.  For vacationers looking for a well deserved retreat, the Hotel Parisi provides an extremely relaxing and calming environment.

While the above hotels may be some of the more popular options for luxury hotels in La Jolla, there are many other upscale and boutique accommodations to choose from.  Depending on your budget and what amenities and services you are looking for, there are smaller inns, as well as bed and breakfasts that also offer beautiful views of the water.  Use our directory of La Jolla hotels for assistance in choosing the perfect hotel for your upcoming vacation or special event.

7 Factors to Consider when Booking a Hotel in La Jolla

With its close proximity to the downtown business district and beautiful beaches, La Jolla is a frequented destination for both business travelers and vacationers.  Before you make the trip to La Jolla, you must choose a hotel that will meet your personal travel needs.  When researching the hotels in La Jolla, here are 7 items visitors should consider to help reduce costs and maximize comfort:

  1. Price – Accommodations in La Jolla provide visitors with a large range of prices.  The kind of experience you are looking for will definitely affect your end decision.  Choose a hotel that you will feel comfortable with, at a price that leaves enough room in your budget for attractions, shopping and dining.
  2. Parking – If you are traveling to La Jolla by car, contact your hotel and see if they provide parking for guests.  Parking fees can be rather expensive and if you are staying for an extended period of time, it can add up quickly.  You also want to consider how secure the parking area is.
  3. Extra Fees – In addition to parking, hotels sometimes charge for certain amenities.  For instance, if you are traveling on business and Wi-Fi is critical to complete your work, see if Wi-Fi is included in your rate or if you will be charged hourly or daily.
  4. Onsite Facilities – For many travelers, onsite facilities provide additional convenience.  Many hotels have a pool and a restaurant or cocktail lounge.  For a more luxurious stay, you may be in search of other offerings such as a day spa or golf course.  Some smaller hotels may work with offsite day spas in La Jolla and offer promotional packages that are available upon request.
  5. Family Friendliness – If traveling with smaller children, you may require additional items to accommodate them.  Basic necessities may include cribs, refrigerators, recreational areas, or day care facilities.  Also ask the concierge about discounted meals or discounted tickets for local attractions and theme parks.
  6. Pet Friendliness – Not only does the hotel you choose need to accept pets, inquire about extra charges, weight limitations and possible cleaning fees.  For travel with dogs, it is important to choose a hotel with a park or places to walk your dog nearby.
  7. Reviews – Checking online reviews can help you make a decision with confidence.  There are a variety of websites that are dedicated to hotel reviews, allowing future guests to read about recent experiences from customers.  This provides you with updated knowledge and gives you a feel for what you can expect upon arrival, during your stay and at checkout.

For more information about La Jolla hotels, use our hotel directory.  We provide contact information, online addresses, maps and directions to help you choose the accommodations that will enhance your travel experience.

La Jolla Hotels Provide the Ideal Accommodations for your Family Vacation

Known for its luxury real estate, upscale restaurants and classy beach community, La Jolla is the perfect vacation destination.  Home to numerous La Jolla Hotels with accommodations for your entire family, there are a variety of activities and entertainment options in the town itself and in nearby surrounding areas.

La Jolla Shores is one of the most family oriented beaches in San Diego.  The gentle waters of the area make it the ideal location for children to go swimming, boogie boarding or surfing.  Various shops along the shore also rent scuba and snorkeling gear.  Visitors can sign up for lessons or participate in guided tours along the shore and observe the native marine life.  One of the other unique features of La Jolla Shores is the large grassy areas just north of the beaches.  Although the area is ideal for picnicking, there are also a variety of casual La Jolla restaurants within walking distance.

Birch Aquarium is another option for vacationing families.  The aquarium highlights exhibits that mimic over 60 marine habitats, showcasing a spectrum of marine life from sharks to seahorses.  If you are planning a visit to the Birch Aquarium, we recommend that you visit their website.  They often offer discount tickets if you purchase online and you can check their calendar to see if there are any seasonal exhibits or educational programs taking place during your visit.

La Jolla is also in close proximity to popular theme parks.  Whether viewing the more than 4,000 animals at the San Diego Zoo or watching a live show featuring Shamu at Sea World, both parks offer a variety of exhibits and entertainment for individuals of all ages.  Legoland is another family theme park providing a full day of fun.  With rides, shows and a water park revolving around Legos, the park offers families a theme park experience unlike any other.

When you book your reservation at a hotel in La Jolla, be sure to ask about the hotel’s family friendly amenities.  Many hotels offer multi-room suites to accommodate large families and provide cribs or roll away beds.  Swimming pools, wireless internet and on site restaurants are other popular amenities that can add convenience and comfort to your family vacation.  Search our directory of La Jolla hotels and find the one that is right for you and your family.

La Jolla Hotels Allow Visitors to Explore Local Favorites

La Jolla is known as “The Jewel” of San Diego.  Located within 15 minutes of the downtown San Diego district, the shoreline community presents a convenient way to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.  The town’s quirky personality is reflected in its beaches, shops and restaurants.  When staying at one of the La Jolla Hotels, vacationers are in close proximity to explore and discover a variety of areas that are unique to the neighborhood.

Over the years, a few shoreline sites have emerged as favorites among the community allowing visitors to experience the local lifestyle firsthand.  La Jolla Shores, a popular destination among San Diego surfers, is also perfect for vacationers.  With warm waters and gentle tides, families can participate in surf lessons, swim or boogie board.  The sandy shores also make it a great spot to relax and sunbathe.  The La Jolla Cove is another local spot that has evolved into a tourist favorite.  Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular water sports in the area as the cove’s sheltered waters create the perfect environment to observe fish and other marine life.  A section of the cove also includes a grass park with paved walkways and picnic tables that provide a panoramic view of the water.

Shopping in La Jolla offers an experience unparalleled to others in the San Diego area.  The downtown district of La Jolla is lined with fashion boutiques, consignment stores, antique shops, home décor and furniture stores.  There are also a variety of specialty stores that offer hand crafted items using materials found locally.  These shops add to the personality of the city and allow for visitors to purchase one-of-a-kind items to commemorate their trips.

Staying in La Jolla also places visitors in the ideal location to dine at restaurants popular among the community.  From local family owned La Jolla pizza parlors to upscale restaurants that highlight the seafood of the region, visitors can enjoy local favorites and flavors.  Restaurants including George’s at the Cove, Roppongi and Tapenade are examples of local dining destinations that have captured the attention of visitors.

Hotels in La Jolla provide visitors with the ability to explore the unique city from top to bottom.  From local surf spots to favorite mouth-watering restaurants, visitors can appreciate why La Jolla residents and local San Diegans adore the area.

Hotels in La Jolla Offer Genuine Hospitality

When staying in La Jolla, visitors are presented with ample options for shopping, dining and entertainment.  From visiting the eccentric downtown area to participating in water activities along the beach, vacationers can pack their schedules with new and exciting things to do.  In addition to the variety of local La Jolla activities, the city’s close proximity to the Downtown Gaslamp District and other popular San Diego attractions makes it an ideal tourist destination.

When staying in La Jolla, you can choose a hotel that best fits your vacation needs. Hotels in La Jolla offer options ranging from small family owned establishments to full service spas. For a quaint retreat to La Jolla, smaller bed and breakfast establishments or beach style cottages are available offering genuine Southern California hospitality.  These smaller accommodations give visitors an authentic feeling of beach living and provide an intimate vacation experience you will always remember.  If you are visiting the area and looking to add a little luxury to your stay, there are also a variety of hotels that offer stunning views of the water and a more boutique experience.  These accommodations often present guests with large luxurious suites and a full service concierge.

For families staying in La Jolla, there are also a variety of well-known hotel chains that offer family style rooms and suites that can easily accommodate your large family or group.  They also offer amenities ideal for family travelers including heated swimming pools, workout facilities and complimentary wireless internet.  In addition, these hotels are in close proximity to other attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, making La Jolla the ideal choice for families looking to explore the San Diego area.  No matter what type of experience you are looking for during your stay in La Jolla, we can help you find the perfect hotel to fit your needs. Adding additional convenience to your stay, there are several La Jolla transportation companies providing services including pick up and drop off from your La Jolla hotel to any San Diego tourist attraction.

Visitors looking to book a hotel in La Jolla are guaranteed to have plenty of options.  Whether you are in La Jolla for a couple’s getaway or for a family vacation, one of the many La Jolla hotels will have accommodations that fit your exact needs.

La Jolla Real Estate Update

Decades ago Del Mar, California was the new kid on the block; a stones toss to the Pacific Ocean where a monolithic real estate deal had created the Del Mar Racetrack. That epiphany mostly involved Hollywood “big shots” Pat O’Brien, Bing Crosby, and Jimmy Durante. During that era you could have bought a small home nearby for a couple of race tickets and a case of Coca-Cola. The nearby community of La Jolla was only a place you had to drive through on Highway 1, if you wanted to visit Mission Bay or San Diego. Oh, my, how times have changed. Today, La Jolla real estate is the “Big Brother” and the choice of many looking for prime real estate with or without ocean views.

La Jolla living is thought to be too expensive for the average homeowner, however, depending on the location and whether it’s a single family home, condo, town home, or just an apartment rental, you shouldn’t make a final decision until you contact a real estate agent who is an expert in the area. This is when time is money and experience counts. If you are considering buying a home in La Jolla, here is a recent update on the market.
A recent updated Zillow report on La Jolla real estate has shown 1,500 homes sold, 18 in foreclosure or short-sale status, 235 homes for rent and 450 still alive and well on the for sale page. And if you’re still thinking that La Jolla real estate may be out of your price range, bury that thought. There are a variety of living options available in La Jolla and it couldn’t be a better time to buy. With prices and mortgage rates remaining low, you can have your dream home in La Jolla.

La Jolla has more to offer prospective home buyers than just prime real estate. We have sandy beaches and rocky shorelines dotting the coastline, Scripps Research and Medical Center, the PGA Torrey Pines Golf Course, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and, of course, the stretch of stores in the downtown La Jolla shopping district.

Are you considering buying a home in La Jolla? Whether you prefer Spanish style homes, contemporary homes or just a small beach cottage, real estate in La Jollahas it all. Contact a professional La Jolla real estate agent today and begin your search for the home you always dreamed of owning.

Top 5 Things to do While You are Staying at La Jolla Hotels

Are you planning a trip to La Jolla? La Jolla, California is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Thousands of tourists flock to the beaches of La Jolla each year to enjoy the Southern California sunshine and gorgeous views. While you are staying in one of our luxurious La Jolla Hotels, there are many attractions in the area that you should take advantage of. Here are the top 5 things you must experience during your time in La Jolla.

1. Children’s Pool & La Jolla Cove

Located at the bottom of Coast Boulevard and Jenner Street, this cove is just a short walk from many La Jolla Hotels. Children’s Pool, also known as La Jolla Cove, is the perfect place to enjoy 360 degrees views of the La Jolla coastline and observe the local marine life. Children’s Pool was originally named as a safe place for children to swim, because it is guarded from the surf by a long seawall. Overtime, sand has filled the small cove and become a popular place for sea lions and seals to hangout. From the top of the bluff or along the wall, spectators can watch the marine mammals interact in their natural environment. The clear water also makes the cove a popular place for scuba diving and snorkeling.

2. La Jolla Scripps Birch Aquarium

Discover the amazing creatures of the sea and help promote ocean conservation at the La Jolla Scripps Birch Aquarium. Located on the bluff in La Jolla, this aquarium features over 60 tanks, living tide pools, coral reefs, a shark tank and an interactive museum. Visitors can observe and learn about the local marine life including variety of fish, sharks and jellyfish. The Birch Aquarium strives to educate the community in ocean science and the importance of marine conservation.

3. Ocean Adventures in the Marine Reserve

Explore the rocky reefs, sandy flats, kelp beds and underwater canyons of the La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve. The reserve covers over 6,000 acres of ocean bottom and tidelands, from La Jolla Cove to the end of Torrey Pines State Reserve. Kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving are a great way to see the sights and observe the natural marine life in their unique habitats.

4. Antique Shopping

While visiting La Jolla, you will have access to some of the world’s best antique dealers and boutique stores. La Jolla shopping offers a great alternative to malls and unique experience for visitors. With a wide variety of boutiques, art galleries and antique stores to choose from, you will surely find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip to La Jolla.

5. Oceanfront Dining

Hotels in La Jolla provide easy access for visitors to dine at the top oceanfront restaurants in San Diego. Whether you are in the mood for a quaint café, formal dining or a tasty grill, La Jolla restaurants have it all. Enjoy the gorgeous ocean views while you dine in style at some of our internationally renowned restaurants in La Jolla.

Compare La Jolla Hotels and Rates Online

Are you planning a trip to La Jolla and need hotel accommodations? La Jolla has a variety of accommodation options including hotels, suites, resorts, beach rentals and more. Whether you are looking for top floor ocean views or a summer beach cottage, our La Jolla hotels directory allows you to quickly compare rates online.

Resort vacations offer guests the opportunity to enjoy their full trip without leaving the estate. Guests can take advantage of the resort swimming pool, spas, shops and other amenities during their stay. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, making it the perfect romantic getaway. La Jolla hotels feature gorgeous ocean views and plush suites, for a luxury vacation you will never forget. If you are looking for accommodations that provide all the comforts of home, a beach cottage rental is a great option. The rows of charming homes, which line the coast of La Jolla, include several rooms, full kitchens and living areas within walking distance of the beach.

La Jolla is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. Visitors enjoy the widespread sandy beaches, ocean cliffs and coves throughout La Jolla. Explore the marine reserve or participate in water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Walk along the coastline at the parks overlooking the La Jolla Cove, where you can observe the local marine life and enjoy year-round sunshine.

In addition to the attractions and ocean views, La Jolla has some of the best dining and shopping in the San Diego area. Pick up your vacation souvenirs and La Jolla gifts at one of our many unique stores or visit the art galleries in La Jolla Village. No matter what you plan to do during your La Jolla vacation, we have the perfect hotel accommodations for you. Search the La Jolla hotels directory for a quick and easy way to compare hotel rates and find the ideal hotel to meet your vacation needs.