Guest Reviews

Beautiful bar area

The Lounge is incredible

La Valencia Hotel is one of the most iconic places to stay in La Jolla, and it absolutely lives up to its reputation. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed by a timeless elegance that blends historic charm with modern luxury. The hotel's stunning ocean views, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, and beautifully maintained grounds create an unforgettable atmosphere. The location is unbeatable—just steps from La Jolla Cove, excellent restaurants, boutique shopping, and scenic coastal walks. The staff is warm, professional, and genuinely attentive, making every guest feel valued. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and waking up to views of the Pacific is an experience in itself. The pool overlooking the ocean is a perfect place to relax, and dining on the terrace while watching the sunset is hard to beat. Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a special celebration, or simply a relaxing weekend by the coast, La Valencia offers an exceptional experience. A true La Jolla landmark that combines classic California luxury with outstanding hospitality. I would gladly stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable coastal retreat.

absolutely gorgeous sunset view! the room rate is high but food & drinks on premise are actually great and reasonably priced. bet it’s one of the best places to stay in la jolla

Went here with my family and the hospitality was breaking the scale. Genuinely worth it

I’ve put off writing this review because La Valencia has been my favorite hotel in all of San Diego for more than 15 years. I truly wanted to believe my most recent experience was just an exception. I first stayed at La Valencia several times around 2010 and absolutely fell in love with the hotel. It wasn’t just the breathtaking location or the timeless charm of the Pink Lady—it was the service. Back then, General Manager Carlton Werner set a standard for hospitality that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. In 2011, I hosted a baby shower for one of my closest friends at La Valencia. Carlton personally ensured every detail was flawless. He communicated with me as though my event was the most important one on his calendar, anticipating details I hadn’t even thought of. While I’m sure many of those tasks weren’t technically part of a general manager’s job, he owned every aspect of the guest experience. That baby is now a sophomore in high school, and people still talk about how beautiful and perfect that shower was. Because of that experience, I never considered hosting an important celebration anywhere else. Sadly, my most recent event hosted in January 2026 was nothing like the event I remembered. The property itself no longer feels as meticulously maintained as it once did. The rooms weren’t kept to the same standard, and the attention to detail that once made La Valencia so special was noticeably missing. Most disappointing was the event experience. It simply wasn’t executed with the care, communication, and professionalism that made me fall in love with this hotel years ago. This review isn’t written out of anger—it’s written out of disappointment because I know exactly how extraordinary this hotel can be. I’ve seen it at its absolute best. If anyone from La Valencia reads this, please know this comes from someone who genuinely loves your property and wants to see it return to the level of luxury and defined excellence it once represented. And finally, if anyone knows where Carlton Werner is today, please tell me. I would travel almost anywhere to stay at or host an event at any hotel he manages. In all my years of traveling, I have never encountered a hospitality leader who cared more about his guests or delivered a more exceptional experience than he did.

We stayed here for the first 4 days of our honeymoon and were so sad to leave. Perfect location right in the heart of La Jolla — we walked the 3 minutes to see the seals and go to the Cove everyday. Pool and amenities are beautiful and the staff is extremely kind and attentive. We loved The Whaling Bar for Happy Hour and cookies with the concierge. La Valencia truly ensured the first leg of our honeymoon so special and comfortable. We can’t wait to come back!

We had the BEST experience at La Valencia! Everything was wonderful from start to finish, and Michael truly made our visit extra special. He was hands down one of the best waiters I’ve ever had. So attentive, kind, welcoming, and genuinely made us feel taken care of the entire time. The service was exceptional, the atmosphere was beautiful, and I left so happy with the experience. Thank you, Michael, for making our time at La Valencia so memorable. I will absolutely be back!

Great Wedding experience.