Superior Staycation on California’s Golden Coast
Usually when my husband and I travel, we’d use the verb “schlep” to describe the general disarray that accompanies our family of four.
Especially if we’ve got the teens in tow – cruising in and out of hotel rooms, or fiddling with yet another key code for a private rental. Nothing could be further from the verbiage I’d use to attempt a recap of our recent stay at La Jolla’s Grande Colonial Hotel. There’s something so special about individually decorated guest rooms, a calming juxtaposition to your typical grey and orange chain stay. iPhone docking stations for the kids, flat-screen televisions for the adults, premium bedding and designer toiletries to take things up a half a notch.
Accommodation options include luxurious ocean, garden, or village view rooms, sumptuous suites and vacation rental studios – each capturing the essence of the quintessential California coastal lifestyle. But the truly satisfying distinction lies in the luxury amenities scattered about this sun kissed San Diego property.
The only Four Diamond Hotel in the Village of La Jolla, The Grande Colonial Hotel has been welcoming guests to a gorgeous coastal respite for over a century. One of the city’s oldest original seaside hotels, The Grande Colonial has been completely modernized, yet remains faithful to the timeless elegance of its storied past – the sophisticated decor infused with a classic European ambiance and aesthetic. This intimate, iconic property is ideally situated amidst the pristine beaches and regal bluffs of one of Southern California’s most picturesque coastal towns.
From a family staycation standpoint, there is literally something for the everyone right outside the doors – steps from all of the shops, art galleries, restaurants and favored local coffee spots. As far as I’m concerned, anytime of year is the ideal time to visit.
As fledgling foodies, my husband and I are fans of the casually elegant farm-to-table dining experience at NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar on site. Led by nationally recognized chef, Jason Knibb, the local harvest dictates his “globally inspired, locally sourced” seasonal menu. I love, love crudo and both the hamachi sashimi and the Ahi tuna appetizers were incredibly flavorful (the first with marinated baby shiitake mushrooms and the latter with a Calabri chili and Meyer lemon relish), while kids devoured their signature NINE-TEN angus burgers.
Other popular dishes on the menu at the time of this writing range from pan seared Maine sea scallops enhanced with roasted Matsutake mushroom, the pan-roasted Colorado lamb loin with maitake mushroom and another favorite – pan-seared black cod accompanied by braised leeks, roasted cauliflower mushroom, yuzu and white wine leek broth.
Health club, glittering outdoor pool, and an incredible restaurant and bar serving globally inspired locally sourced cuisine. A culinary excursion through classic California farm-to-table fare, end your day of activity outside (the hotel is just moments from ziplining courses, swimming, sailing, scuba, kayaking and more) with a crisp ocean view. No schlepping allowed.
The Grande Colonial Hotel
910 Prospect Street
La Jolla
(858) 454-2181
