Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

My low review has nothing to do with the beautiful property. Instead it is due their policy on gift card reserved rooms. I have been to this resort numerous times for business events and it it truly is a special place - which is why I was surprised at such stringent rules about using a gift card. My wife and I "won" a silent auction during a charity function for one nights stay, along with comp'd resort and parking fees. I believe we paid around $500 for this (which went to the charity of course -not the resort). I was planning to use for our anniversary weekend only to learn that they black out weekends in the summer. This is no where on the certificate that I was presented. I offered to take a picture and send it to the gentleman in reservations but he said it would do no good - those are the rules. I accepted this as I don't know if the lack of detail on the certificate is due to the hotel or the charity. But what really irritated me is that he could not really tell me when I could use it -he gave vague guidance that basically said - if they have below a certain availability of rooms - then we cannot use the certificate. So the only way to use it is to call close to when you want to stay, and if they are not highly booked, they will honor it. BTW - I had just checked the price on AMEX travel - Fine Hotels and Resorts and you can get a room for only $329 plus fees and taxes and that includes a $100 resort credit and free breakfast for 2. So my complaint in that is that a 5 star hotel is pissing off a routine customer over one nights room that they are selling for $329. Doesn't seem like a good policy. Again - the inability to use for our upcoming anniversary is not the issue - it is the lack of clarity on when we can use it which makes planning difficult.

Great location.

Phil at the pool bar is AWESOME!

Set on a beautiful lush landscape with flowering gardens and pathways, is a well hidden hotel with the best customer service I’ve ever seen. Having traveled to multiple countries I felt customer service was the one thing I always looked for and this hotel had it. From the moment we pulled up in the valet parking to the front desk, to the multiple staff we ran into during our stay, Estancia was the best! It’s not a tourism spot. It’s a place to relax, dine, and enjoy the amenities. I wanted to find a place where I personally could unwind and refresh. I wasn’t concerned with seeing local attractions, even though they were all a short drive away.

Nice hotel but service was horrible. I reported at the front desk that there is mold on our shower head. They said that they’ll take care of it. No one came so the day after I asked on front desk again and they told me that we had sign “Do not disturb” on our door but ironically we didn’t have this sign at all we had to request that as well and and they also told me that they sent me text message and guess what I didn’t received any message. I am doing big deal of it not because it’s 4* hotel but because we were there with our 7 months old baby and I definitely don’t want any mold to be close to her.
Overall pretty disappointed!

The property is beautiful. The food is delicious. The staff is professional and authentically friendly. The rooms are exquisitely appointed.

Quiet and clean

I tell ya what, this place was GREAT. Beautiful property, and even better staff. We had Andrea at the pool and she was on top of it. Great service is what takes a day at the pool to the next level, and we will definitely be coming back here again for Andrea.

Andrea provided some of the best service at the pool during our stay. Incredibly friendly, fun and helpful!

This was our second time visiting Estancia. We traveled to SD for soccer nationals and it was once again exquisite! It is pricey but you get what you pay for. Wonderful staff, serene and calming environment and the grounds are just amazing! The only improvement I would suggest would be Mustang and Burros restaurant. The pool menu and food were great and I would suggest adding those menu items to the main restaurant menu. We visited the Greenfinch on our last day, and food was great as our last visit, as well as in addition to the local coffee pastry shop where we ordered daily for breakfast. Great visit and we plan to stay again on our next visit to SD !

Stayed here with my family for a couple nights. It’s a beautiful property and the location is great. We ate breakfast at Greenfinch and the food was very good. Madeline was amazing, our waitress the next morning was less knowledgeable about the menu but I think she was in training and was a sweetheart. We had dinner at Mustangs and Burrows one evening which was just ok food and service wise. The valets that assist with luggage were so friendly and gracious. The atmosphere of the property is whimsical and a delight in that regard. I think the property focuses on bringing in a lot of events and meetings.

Now onto the major issues with this property and the reason for the low rating. We had room 339 that directly overlooks the pool but doesn’t include a balcony which would have been nice. The air conditioner when it kicks on is very loud. The walls must be very thin because the people in the room next door were up late and you could hear them as if they were in the room with you. Never got a good nights sleep. You will pay over $100 in resort fees and parking per night on top of high room rates which seems exorbitant to me even for San Diego. Here’s the real kicker…when they email me the final folio I was OVER CHARGED $132.48. I emailed
Florence Laberge-Chalifoux asking for an explanation and to ensure I was refunded the overcharge. Zero response. I then had to call the next day and was offered the explanation of, “oh it must have been a glitch” with a tepid “we are sorry” that lacked sincerity.

First of all, what if I didn’t check the bill? How often does this occur? Why do I have to work this hard to get refunded and how does one trust this property moving forward? Totally unacceptable for a property like this. Do not recommend!

I've been a vendor partner with Estancia for about 4 years now, and I just can't say enough about how great they are! Every corner of the hotel, from the courtyard, to the bar, to the gardens, is more stunning than the next. They prioritize native plants and artists with murals around the property, while still maintaining a prestine appearance.

In regards to their annual Agave & Whiskey Festivals, I am a bit biased, but they are a must to attend! Each year has gotten better and better with the experiences that are offered, the decor, the food, and the vendors and brands that make an appearance.

What is great about Estancia's team (Lauren especially) is that they take guest and vendor feedback into consideration for continued improvement of the venue and the events. Couldn't recommend more! Definitely visit while you're in San Diego, or make a special trip if you're a local for one of their events!

AMAAZING birthday experience!! Highly recommend for celebrations and a little splurge. I only stayed in the hotel and the balcony, I did not go in the pool or the spa but those seemed nice too!

During your stay, I recommend trying out the different cafe and restaurants there! It’s all very convenient located.

Property was so beautiful lots of artwork around, staff very accommodating, and rooms were spacious very modern with a touch of mission style. It was a very romantic place to get away for a wedding anniversary.

Absolutely fantastic experience always at Estancia. Service is wonderful at the property and in all the dining areas. Madeline was a terrific server a breakfast. Truly a lovely experience!

Convenient location, helpful and friendly staff; hotel was clean and our rooms were very comfortable. We didn't have an opportunity to eat at the restaurants but the cafe was delicious. We will definitely stay at the Estancia La Jolla again!

The entire staff was knowledgeable and friendly.

I am assured that I cannot change the fan setting in my room from high “auto” to anything else and that is true throughout the hotel. How does anyone sleep with the AC cutting in and out all night? I switched the whole system off but then it just gets too warm.

This is my favorite hotel in La Jolla! The atmosphere is tranquil, the staff is friendly, and the accommodations are thoughtful!