Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Not a 4-Star Resort, Deeply Disappointing Experience I booked Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa expecting a true 4-star resort experience. What I encountered felt far closer to a conference and convention hotel with resort pricing, not a luxury destination designed around guest care. Let’s start with the biggest failure: food and guest accommodation. This property has four restaurants on site, yet not one offers thoughtful non-dairy or proper vegan options. When I asked for accommodations, I was told I “should have requested it before check-in.” That response alone tells you everything about the hospitality culture here. At a resort, especially in California, especially in a so-called wellness-forward area like La Jolla, guests should not have to pre-announce basic dietary needs. This felt less like a resort serving guests and more like a conference hotel set up to feed large groups without flexibility. The message was clear: if you don’t fit the standard menu, you’re invisible. I could not have been the only guest asking for something this basic. Yet instead of solutions, there was resistance, confusion, and a noticeable lack of culinary knowledge around what vegan or dairy-free options should even look like. That is unacceptable at this price point. The staff overall felt disengaged and undertrained. There was little warmth, minimal listening, and no sense of anticipation of guest needs. I did not feel seen or valued and that’s the opposite of what luxury hospitality should feel like. As for the property itself: the photos are misleading. Online, it looks lush and elevated. In person, it falls flat. Hallways smelled of cigarette smoke masked by artificial fragrance, which is shocking for a hotel positioning itself as upscale. There were visible spider webs in areas guests clearly see, signaling a lack of attention to detail and routine upkeep. I’ve stayed in hotels across all categories, from boutique luxury to true resorts. This is not a 4-star property. Not in service, not in food program, not in execution. The overall energy is bland, the service feels transactional, and the experience is geared more toward events and conferences than individual guests. Being in La Jolla does not automatically make a hotel luxurious. Location alone cannot compensate for sub-par service, lack of inclusivity, and poor guest experience. This stay felt closer to a Level 2 hotel experience dressed up with landscaping and marketing language. The price does not align with what’s delivered. There is potential here, but until there’s a serious shift in service standards, food inclusivity, staff training, and guest awareness, I would not recommend this property to discerning travelers. Do not be misled by the photos or the star rating. Expectations will not be met.

amazing property. such a beautiful property. excellent on property food. excellent massage at the spa. relaxing pool. welcoming stuff. perfect getaway, no matter what your group.

Shout out to Sofia Ronzon for taking me on the Golden Hour walk today. She's a gem and I'm honored to have learned so much and grateful for the conversation.

My friend and I stayed at Estancia to celebrate a big birthday for her. We loved everything about Estancia. The room was beautiful, clean, and had everything we needed. Our little balcony overlooked a beautiful courtyard with a fountain. The feel of the resort is relaxing and peaceful. There are so many great spots to sit and enjoy a coffee or a cocktail-- both inside and outside. The lobby fireplace and bar are so inviting. The fire pits and lounge chairs outside were perfect for a drink and catching up. The staff is exceptional-- everyone from the valets, to the front desk, bar tenders, market workers, housekeeping, spa employees, and concierge-- they all went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. I highly recommend Estancia!

Staff was very friendly and accommodating. The room was very clean and comfortable. Pool area and garden areas are very relaxing.