Lodge at Torrey Pines

Craftsman-style resort, overlooking the 18th hole of the Torrey Pines Golf Course.The overwhelming majority of people give the Lodge at Torrey Pines the higihest marks, and rate it a very good value. A few report minor problems with service that might be overlooked in a lesser property.

• $$$$
• 175 rooms
• 11480 Torrey Pines Rd
• La Jolla
• Phone: (858) 453-4420
• Toll Free: (800) 656-0087
• Fax: (858) 453-0691
• website
• Local hotel tax is 10.5%

• Pool
• Fitness center
• Spa services available
• Restaurant

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Tripadvisor reviews

I can be a tough hotel reviewer. If you spoke to places I've visited, you might hear of complaints about bedsheets coming undone, surly desk clerks being rude to others and properties that just aren't worth what they charge. However, I simply cannot find a single fault with The Lodge at Torrey Pines.

This La Jolla property has the Torrey Pines Golf Course in its front yard, with the Pacific Ocean beyond. The California craftsman-style architecture is functionally modern and true to its roots, with natural wood and careful attention to detail.

In winter, the smell of wood burning in the lobby fireplace gives a feeling as warm as afternoon sunlight gleaming through its stained-glass entry doors. In any season, rooms are comfortable and clean enough to evoke praise from my even-pickier-than-I-am husband. Every room has a view of either golf course and ocean or central garden. Our ocean view was splendid, but it's easy to imagine relaxing hours spent enjoying the garden, which looks like a small, well-maintained forest.

The spa here is excellent, with every need attended to and personnel focused on ensuring nothing spoils your relaxing visit.

As if all this weren't enough, critics rate the restaurant, A. R. Valentien one of San Diego's best, and it's one of the finest I've ever dined in. The menu features California cuisine, with chef Jeff Jackson so obsessed with having the freshest local ingredients that he hires someone just to be a "food forager." Jackson's cuisine is stellar, and the service is super-stellar, with attentive servers anticipating and attending to every need while at the same time never disturbing you.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of reviewing the Lodge at Torrey Pines. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.