California Craftsman Architecture
Inside, the early 1900s California Craftsman-style architecture features rustic post-and-beam construction complemented with Mission-style furnishings by Gustav Stickley.
The lobby is warm and inviting with a natural stone fireplace surrounded by rockers, rich dark woods, and vaulted beam ceilings make the lobby warm and inviting. Floor to ceiling windows accentuate its natural indoor/outdoor character.
As you’ll see, similar decor is woven throughout the spacious accommodations.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Rooms and Suites
The Lodge at Torrey Pines features 170 rooms and suites across five expansive floors. Accommodations range in size from 500 to 2500 square feet and provide incredible views of The Lodge’s central courtyard or the undulating golf course with sneak peeks of the Pacific Ocean.
All guestrooms and suites feature hardwood floors and authentic Gustav Stickley furniture, leathers, and fabrics, as well as Egyptian cotton linens and cozy quilted duvets. Additional design features include California Craftsman accents, work desk and chair, Tiffany-style lamps, and luxurious marble and granite bathrooms with oversized tubs.
In-room amenities include air conditioning, a 32-inch LCD television with cable, MP3 docking station, Keurig coffeemaker, minibar, walk-in closet, and blackout curtains. Additional amenities include a telephone, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, signature lemongrass bath amenities, and a lighted make-up mirror.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers an elegant turndown service that includes a lavender-scented pillow spritz for sweet dreams, and delicate chocolate for your sweet tooth. Your slippers are also readied, and your bathroom is refreshed.
Connecting guestrooms and suites at The Lodge at Torrey Pines are available for families and groups. Not all accommodation styles offer connecting rooms, so be sure to ask when booking.
Rooms
Signature Rooms
With approximately 500 square feet of space, Signature Rooms are the smallest accommodation at the resort, but they are much larger than many area hotel rooms. They have either one king bed or two queen beds, making them a good choice for a romantic getaway for two, or a family vacation for four. These rooms typically come with a patio or balcony, but not always, so if this is important make sure to request it at the time of booking.
Reserve Rooms
Slightly larger than the Signature Rooms, Reserve Rooms offer 550 square feet of space. Every Reserve Room has either a private balcony or a patio. This room only comes with a king bed, which makes it an ideal choice for a solo traveler or a couple.
Palisade Rooms (Top Pick)
Palisade Rooms are hands-down the most talked-about guest rooms on the property. They offer the best views and have in-room fireplaces. A bit larger than Reserve Rooms, Palisade Rooms offer 600 square feet of space with scenic vistas of Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean horizon from their balcony or patio. Rooms can be reserved with one king bed or two queen beds. These rooms also include a walk-in shower.
Accessible Rooms
Both Signature and Palisade rooms can be reserved with Accessible features and either one king bed or two queen beds. There is an option of either a lowered or lifted bed depending on guests’ needs. Rooms also feature modified closets, lever-style door handles, accessible height door viewers, TV closed captioning, visual notifications for the phone and door, and accessible power outlets, light switches, and controls.
Luxury Suites
The resort’s Luxury Suites range in size from 800 square feet to 2,500 square feet and offer an assortment of upgraded in-room amenities. These include in-room gas fireplaces, double-sink vanities, standalone walk-in showers, and separate garden tubs.
The Lodge’s two largest suites are named after the Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, California which are two of the best examples of early 1900s Craftsman-style architecture. The other suites are named after other historical California Craftsman-style houses.
Gamble Suite
Boasting a whopping 2,500 square feet of space, the Gamble Suite has a gracious sophistication. Guests have beautiful views and walk-out access to the golf course. The suite features a separate bedroom with one king bed and the option of adding a second bedroom with a fireplace and two queen beds.
It also includes a central Presidential Parlor, full kitchen, 1.5 baths, and two fireplaces. Upgraded amenities include a double-sink vanity, stand-alone shower, and separate garden tub. This is the ideal accommodation for large families or groups.
Blacker Suite
Providing the same square footage as the Gamble Suite, the Blacker Suite is another expansive luxury accommodation. A private, furnished balcony overlooks the iconic 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course and provides sweeping views of the California coast.
The space is equipped with a Presidential Parlor, two fireplaces, 1.5 baths, and a full kitchen, as well as a separate bedroom with one king bed. Guests also have the option of connecting an additional bedroom with two queen beds, a fireplace, and an extra bathroom to this suite. It includes the same upgraded amenities as the Gamble Suite.
Thorsen Suite
The ideal accommodation for a romantic getaway for two or a small family of four, the Thorsen Suite provides 800 square feet of space overlooking the 18th green of the world-famous golf course.
This spacious suite includes a king bed, living area with oversized fireplace, and a 400-square-foot balcony with an outdoor fireplace. The opulent bathroom has a comfortable Jacuzzi, walk-in shower, double-sink vanity, small sofa, fireplace, and Craftsman hardwood accents.
Robinson Suite
Golf enthusiasts will find their ideal accommodation in the 900-square-foot Robinson Suite that provides walk-out access to the Torrey Pines Golf Course’s 18th green.
This ground floor suite is spacious and features a king bed and a living area with a large fireplace. Expect the same Mission-style furniture, Tiffany lamps, and sophisticated details as other suites. The marble and granite bathroom has a walk-in shower, double-sink vanity, and oversized tub.
Makinson Suite
The Makinson Suite is just over 1,100 square feet of luxurious space. The accommodation has a king bed and a separate parlor with a pull-out sofa bed and fireplace.
The suite opens onto a private balcony that provides sweeping views of Torrey Pines Golf Course and the California coastline. Both the bedroom and the parlor have gas fireplaces with 60-inch flat-screen TVs above them. In the marble and granite bathroom, there is a walk-in shower, separate soaking tub, and double-sink vanity.
Palisade Suite
The Palisade Suite is also a generous 1,100 square feet. This impeccable accommodation has a king bed, plus an adjoining parlor with a pull-out sofa bed and a large gas fireplace.
French doors open onto a fully furnished patio where guests can share expansive views of Torrey Pines Golf Course by day, and beautiful California sunsets by evening. The granite and marble bathroom has a double-sink vanity, oversized tub, and separate walk-in shower.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Restaurants
There are two outstanding onsite restaurants at The Lodge at Torrey Pines that both residents and in-house guests enjoy. A.R. Valentien is a fine dining experience, while The Grill is their casual eatery. They feature indoor and al fresco dining and provide dedicated children’s menus.
Be sure to check out the Special Happenings Event Calendar on their website during your stay. They often host culinary events that are wildly popular with both local chefs and foodies such as Celebrate the Craft in the fall.
A.R. Valentien
The signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, is widely considered one of the best restaurants in all of San Diego County.
Named after early 20th century California artist Albert Robert Valentien, the restaurant pays homage to its namesake with its California Craftsman architecture and lavish artwork. Guests can expect a sophisticated fine dining experience featuring multiple intimate dining rooms and plush private booths. An elegant outdoor patio overlooks the 18th hole of the golf course.
Upscale design features include sizeable handcrafted wood-framed windows, elegantly patterned carpet, stained-glass lanterns, and numerous Valentien artworks on display throughout the restaurant.
Farm-to-table lunch and dinner menus are curated by hotel Executive Chef Jeff Jackson and his culinary team. Menus feature regional Southern California cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. We particularly like the Local’s Lunch set menu.
Evenings feature a four-course tasting menu with seasonal selections, or guests can order from the menu. Children’s menus offer fun choices at every meal, from chicken strips to brownies with ice cream and caramel sauce.
The Grill
The Grill is ideal for families who want to unwind and relax in a cozy, warm space while enjoying incredible panoramic views of Torrey Pines Golf Course. Inside you’ll find a collection of well-appointed pastoral-style tables, large brown leather booths, and an expansive bar. Its rustic-chic interior leads to a spacious outdoor patio set beneath a trellis. The patio is warmed and illuminated by fire pits at night.
Embracing the wistfulness of cooking over an open fire, The Grill is a casual eatery serving savory and smoky entrées cooked on their custom wood-burning rotisserie. Expect a menu that is SoCal fresh with wood-fired with selections like the legendary Drugstore Burger. Dishes can be paired with carefully selected craft brews and wines. The Grill doesn’t offer a children’s menu for breakfast, but they have plenty of options on the regular menu for kids to enjoy.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Hotel Amenities
The Swimming Pool
Situated on a charming patio partially shaded by towering Torrey pine trees, the La Jolla hotel’s outdoor pool and hot tub provide a serene atmosphere with picturesque vistas of the legendary golf course. Comfortable striped loungers, wicker tables and chairs, and private cabanas encircle the pool which also plays underwater classical music.
Poolside food and beverage service is delivered via room service or the pool bar. Pool guests who reserve cabanas are looked after by an attendant. A grand stone fireplace overlooking the pool is perfect for an intimate evening under the stars. What is also nice is that there is no extra fee to use the pool cabanas.
The Spa at Torrey Pines
The Spa at Torrey Pines offers a generous selection of beauty and wellness treatments inspired by the indigenous plant life found in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Also influenced by the Pacific coast, many of the spa products use either a marine or botanical base and utilize refreshing, crisp scents like sage and lemongrass.
Services include massage therapies (I can personally tell you that they are excellent), body masks, body wraps, skincare therapies, water therapies, body exfoliating treatments, nail care, and rituals. Private label signature products are available for purchase.
Guests receive complimentary access to The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ spa facilities. This includes their fitness studio, herbal-infused steam rooms, aromatherapy inhalation rooms, sauna, and resting area with complimentary water, tea, and fruit. You’ll also get the use of a plush robe and matching sandals, as well as private key lockers.
You can schedule appointments for kids. Those under the age of 12 can have nail treatments. Kids ages 12-16 may book facials and nail treatments. Ages 16 and older can enjoy the entire menu.
Weekends bring complimentary 75-minute yoga flow classes for those who booked a spa treatment and overnight guests. Private yoga instruction is available by appointment only for an additional cost.
Tips: Please book your spa appointment ahead of time as we locals love it, too. Virtuoso guests receive a $100 spa credit.
The Fitness Center
Available 24-hours a day, the fitness center offers all the necessary equipment for you to enjoy a successful workout. The space features cardio equipment like stationary cycles, treadmills, and elliptical machines with personal entertainment screens, as well as several strength training systems and free weights. Towels, water, and fruit are provided as well.
Torrey Pines Golf Course
World-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course features two championship 18-hole courses. The South Course boasts 7,698 yards of play, and the shorter North Course has 7,258 yards. Both are par-72 courses.
Famously known as host to the 2008 U.S. Open where legendary golfer Tiger Woods took home the win in a nail-biting playoff, Torrey Pines will again play host to the U.S. Open in 2021. The course is also home to the PGA Tour’s annual Farmers Insurance Open. You can also take a peek at current conditions and who is teeing off on the live golf cam.
It’s one of the best hotels for golf in the United States as the hotel’s Golf Services department can help you secure a coveted tee time.
Activities and Amenities
Play Tennis
The resort provides complimentary use of two outdoor tennis courts. However, they are off-property, about a five-minute walk to nearby Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Hotel. The front desk or concierge staff at The Lodge arranges play at the Hilton. Complimentary rackets and balls are provided.
Practice Golf
There is an onsite driving range and a practice putting green (grab a putter and balls complimentary from Golf Services for the putting green) available for guests wanting to work on their play. The resort hotel offers guests private golf lessons with club pros through the concierge desk, or at the golf course pro shop.
Head to the Beach
The Lodge at Torrey Pines provides complimentary car service to and from three of San Diego’s best beaches. A major perk is that with the hotel’s complimentary car service, you won’t have to deal with parking issues during peak season.
For sunbathing, typical beach activities and water sports, I recommend La Jolla Shores Beach. Stop in the La Jolla Shores business district, a few short blocks from the beach, to pick up beach chair and umbrella rentals from Surf Diva and perhaps a gourmet sandwich from the Cheese Shop. You can also rent kayaks, surfboards, and stand-up paddleboards from Surf Diva or join a kayak tour at Everyday California. This beach is the entry point into the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. The underwater park causes the waves to break gently on one side, while they’re epic for surfing on the otherwise. Kellogg Park and its play area are also located just steps from the sand.
Del Mar Beach is a family-friendly beach located near two coastal parks – Seagrove and Powerhouse. The latter features a “tot lot” where your little ones can play on slides, swings, and climbing equipment. Beach chair and other gear is available at Del Mar Surf Rentals.
Torrey Pines State Beach lies below Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve though your best bet is to drive there from The Lodge rather than walk. It’s family-friendly though you’ll need to bring all of your own gear as rentals aren’t available here. (Strolling too far south along the beach brings you to Black’s Beach, which is a nudist beach. Watch for signs.)
Explore Nature Trails
The resort grounds and adjacent Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve feature numerous walking, hiking, and biking trails. Guests have complimentary access to all trails (you only pay to enter if you have to park a car), which range in difficulty from easy to moderate.
One popular reserve trail takes you from the top of the bluffs down to the beach. The hike is approximately three miles and passes through a pine forest. Hikers enjoy beautiful lookout points complete with charming wooden benches.
Resort guests can take advantage of complimentary guided nature walks through the adjacent nature reserve each day at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tours depart from The Lodge.
A complimentary trail mix bar is set up in the lobby on Saturdays and Sundays for you to create your own snack before hitting the trails in addition to chilled bottled water.
Relax at Scripps Library
Scripps Library is the resort game room open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The space features a big-screen TV, pool table, numerous books, and a collection of board games curated with the entire family in mind.
Play Croquet All Day
Adjacent to the pool there is a Croquet Lawn surrounded by a low hedge and bench seating. It is open for guest play at 10 a.m. most days. Mondays and Fridays have an hour later start time, and the court is occasionally closed for events.
The Torrey Pines/La Jolla Neighborhood
La Jolla is a family-friendly seaside sanctuary known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and mysterious caves. Natural attractions include the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, La Jolla Cove, Children’s Pool (aka Seal Beach), and the 6,000-acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. The latter is famous for its legendary scuba diving and snorkeling.
Mount Soledad is a prominent landmark atop an 822-foot hill with 360-degree views of La Jolla, San Diego, and the Pacific Ocean. La Jolla is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps with over 60 marine habitats on display.
An upscale neighborhood, La Jolla is mostly residential. Architecturally stunning homes are commonplace here. The area features an eclectic array of upscale dining, chic boutiques, and stylish galleries, as well as many laid-back cafes, interesting museums, and outdoor recreational activities. La Jolla nightlife is relatively subdued with sophisticated bars and trendy lounges.
From San Diego International Airport, it should take about 25 minutes by car without traffic.
Hotel Policies and Other Services
A mandatory resort fee of $40 per accommodation per night includes access to the fitness center, spa facilities, business center, and sporting facilities and equipment. It also includes in-room bottled water, free Wi-Fi, wired Internet, local calls, use of the spa facilities and yoga classes, use of pool cabanas, and the chauffeured house car service.
There is also complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby every morning.
Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is noon. Two children under 17 stay free in each accommodation. Infant beds are available, but not cribs. Childcare services require an extra charge.
The Lodge provides 24-hour concierge and front desk services, and hotel staff is multilingual.
Pets are limited to two small dogs with a combined weight of no more than 75 pounds, or one large dog 50 pounds or lighter.
The entire property is smoke-free.
Other services at The Lodge include a hair salon, onsite ATM, safety deposit boxes, laundry, and dry-cleaning services, luggage storage, and porter services. Self-parking is $30 per night, and valet parking is $35 per night. Complimentary car service fills quickly, so it’s necessary to plan ahead (Uber works very well in La Jolla, too).
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Reservations
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a Virtuoso property which means that La Jolla Mom readers have access to the following value-added VIP amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily in the restaurant for up to 2 in-room guests (up to 60.00 credit per day)
- USD 100 Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full, excluding gratuity and tax)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
You’ll also notice that the Virtuoso rate is also often slightly discounted (it is, in my opinion, the best way to book in). I work with the hotel after booking to help coordinate your stay — I can tell you that front and back end service is equally excellent. You will also have access to my email series timed to your check-in date with tips for how to make the best of your San Diego vacation.
Book on Virtuoso**If on a mobile device, scroll down to the footer and click “Full Site” to access rates and booking.
If you have questions about the property that aren’t answered here, feel free to send them my way.