17 Best Hotels in La Jolla for All Travel Styles and Budgets Reviewed

I’ve lived in La Jolla for over 20 years, and I work as a travel advisor specializing in San Diego. I also stay in these hotels myself, so when people ask me about the best La Jolla hotels, I have real opinions.

Where to stay in La Jolla depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. Do you have kids? Want a real sandy beach or prefer walkable restaurants and shopping? Looking for 5-star luxury or affordable hotels near the water? Yes, we actually do have wallet-friendly places to stay.

The other thing that trips people up: La Jolla’s attractions are spread across three distinct neighborhoods, and you can’t easily walk between them. I’ll break down where each hotel is located and what that means for your San Diego vacation.

Location Tips for Booking La Jolla Hotels

Hotels in La Jolla, CA, cluster in three neighborhoods:

Village of La Jolla – Our downtown. Walkable to La Jolla Cove, shops, galleries, and some of San Diego’s best restaurants. The beaches here are rocky coves, not wide sandy stretches. This is where you’ll find the most La Jolla hotel options.

La Jolla Shores – A quieter, family-friendly area with a large sandy beach ideal for swimming, kayaking, and beginner surfing. Avenida de la Playa has coffee shops, casual restaurants, and water sports rentals, but it’s a different vibe than the Village. You’ll need to drive (about 5-10 minutes) to reach the Village from here.

Torrey Pines/UCSD – Inland and uphill. This is where you’ll find the golf course, hiking trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve, and hotels convenient to the university. It’s a 10-15 minute drive down to the coast.

The neighborhood you choose matters more than most people realize. Bouncing between them isn’t difficult, but don’t expect to walk from your La Jolla Shores beachfront room to dinner in the Village without effort.

One more thing: Many hotels along La Jolla Village Drive near the I-5 freeway market themselves as “La Jolla hotels.” They’re close—about 15 minutes from the coast—but they’re not in the La Jolla zip code. I haven’t included them here.

1. The Lodge at Torrey Pines (Top Pick)

Location: Torrey Pines/UCSD
Class: Luxury
Best for: Golf trips, special occasions, spa getaways, UCSD visits

Why I love it: This AAA Five Diamond hotel is our most requested and booked La Jolla property. Built in California Craftsman style next to Torrey Pines Golf Course, The Lodge feels intimate despite being a full-service luxury resort as there are only 170 rooms. The architecture is stunning (the website photos genuinely don’t do it justice).

It’s also in one of La Jolla’s best locations for nature lovers. You can walk directly to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for hiking, and the setting overlooking the golf course feels removed from everything while still being 15 minutes from the Village. A.R. Valentien, with its seasonal farm-to-table menu, is one of my favorite San Diego restaurants.

What stands out:

• Golf Services team secures tee times at Torrey Pines and members-only clubs like Del Mar Country Club and Aviara—fees billed to your room, no markup
• Chauffeured car service within 5 miles (first come, first served)
• Heated pool with underwater music and pool bar
• Full-service spa with some lounging amenities (I go here for massages)
• Pet-friendly with ground-floor rooms and suites
• Spacious rooms at 500-650 square feet

Book this room: The Palisade Room, with ocean-horizon views and a fireplace, is my favorite. The Preferred Palisade Room is on higher floors. One heads-up: grandstands for the Farmers Insurance Open can block views for several weeks around the late January tournament—exciting if you’re a golf fan, could be frustrating if you’re not.

Good to know: This is a quieter, refined property without a scene unless there’s a major tournament like the Farmers Insurance Open. The families who book here typically have a golfer in the group. Kids’ amenities, like in-room tents, are available, but the property is best suited for couples, friends, and golf-focused trips. If you prefer modern W-style hotels, this isn’t a fit. You’ll need to drive to the Village for walkable restaurants and nightlife. Connecting rooms available for families and groups.

Full review: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Reservations: The Virtuoso rate includes extra benefits outlined below, plus a discount off published rates. However, you must create a Virtuoso account and log in to see the discount. I work directly with their team, and they take great care of my clients.

2. La Valencia Hotel

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Luxury
Best for: Couples, walkable dining and shopping, classic La Jolla experience

Why I love it: Built in 1926, “The Pink Lady” is the nicest hotel in our downtown area. It’s AAA Four Diamond and on Prospect Street above La Jolla Cove, within walking distance of the best La Jolla shopping and La Jolla restaurants. Some rooms and villas have ocean views, and you’ll see the Pacific from the pool and lobby even if your room doesn’t.

This is the spot for well-heeled travelers who want an urban village experience over direct beach access (though the sand is right across the street). They just reopened The Whaling Bar, a local favorite for decades. I remember sipping martinis with work colleagues there over twenty years ago.

What stands out:

• Mediterranean Room patio dining with ocean views (on my list of best La Jolla brunch restaurants)
• La Sala Lounge with live music and tapas
• Heated oceanview saltwater pool with poolside service
• The Whaling Bar is back
• Small pets welcome
• Les Clefs d’Or Concierge service

Book this room: If you can splurge, the Icon Suites. Otherwise, Villa King Ocean Rooms or Villa King Ocean Suites are in a quieter section closer to the ocean. Avoid Vintage Kings unless you’re okay with 250 square feet.

Good to know: It’s a historic hotel, so room sizes vary significantly. Valet parking only. This was Gregory Peck’s hangout during La Jolla Playhouse’s early days, and it still has that old Hollywood glamour feel.

Full Review: La Valencia Hotel and Spa in La Jolla

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3. Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Moderate
Best for: Value seekers who want a Village location, foodies, historic hotel fans

Why I love it: La Jolla’s oldest hotel, built in 1913, is still one of the best values in the Village. It’s a few blocks south of La Valencia on Prospect Street at a significantly lower price point, with the same walkable access to shopping, galleries, and restaurants. It’s just a short uphill walk from the Children’s Pool where our famous La Jolla seals live (one of the best things to do in La Jolla with kids).

NINE-TEN is one of my favorite San Diego restaurants. You can even order the restaurant’s half-baked chocolate cake from room service. Wednesday nights are half-priced bottles of wine. It’s an easy place to recommend.

What stands out:

• NINE-TEN restaurant (one of the best in La Jolla, also does room service)
• Prime Prospect Street location near galleries and beaches
• Bicycle rentals and EV charging stations
• Little Hotel by the Sea and Garden Terraces wings for extended stays—all 18 suites have kitchens or kitchenettes, some with fireplaces
• Excellent price point for the location and amenities

Book this room: The Ocean-View Junior Suite is my pick for view, comfort, and space (I’ve stayed in it). For extended stays or families who want a kitchen, book the Little Hotel by the Sea or Garden Terraces wings. Little Hotel guests get rooftop deck access with panoramic ocean views and a restored 1929 mahogany elevator. It was once called “The Smallest Hotel in the World with an Elevator.”

Good to know: Room sizes vary widely in this 1913 building. Colonial King rooms start at just 310 sq ft. Village View rooms (Colonial King, Colonial Queen Queen) face busy Prospect Street; request Garden View or Ocean View if you’re a light sleeper. The pool is small and fine for a dip, not a destination. Valet only. Also one of San Diego’s haunted hotels—staff have stories.

Full review: Grande Colonial La Jolla

Reservations: There are so many different room and suite types that I suggest check rates directly with the hotel first to find one that suits your needs. Then, you can compare it to other sites online.

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4. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Location: Torrey Pines/UCSD
Class: Moderate
Best for: UCSD families, spa lovers, pet owners, anyone seeking a quiet retreat

Why I love it: I’ve probably been to Estancia more than any other hotel on this list. Locals go here for events, meetings, spa days, and dining. The hacienda-style property sits on 10 acres of botanical gardens, and the buildings are no more than two stories tall. It’s genuinely peaceful and popular for photos and weddings.

The property was once Blackhorse Farm, a thoroughbred training facility owned by the Black family (yes, the same family Black’s Beach is named after). You can still see elements of the original 1940s stables in the lobby, and the equestrian heritage shows up throughout the design.

The hotel completed a $26 million renovation in 2024 for its 20th anniversary, and it shows. Mustangs & Burros remains one of my favorite outdoor patios in town for Baja-inspired food and craft cocktails, and they have a dog menu. Trading Post Café & Bar in the lobby serves local coffee and honey from the resort’s own apiary. Greenfinch handles breakfast and brunch overlooking the gardens, and The Palma is a stylish poolside spot.

It’s among the closest hotels to UCSD, making it ideal for parents visiting students, as the campus is directly across the street.

What stands out:

• Mustangs & Burros restaurant with outdoor fireplaces and a dedicated dog menu
• Full-service Spa Estancia with eucalyptus steam room and couples bungalow
• Heated saltwater pool with cabana rentals and pool bar
• 10 acres of botanical gardens with guided tours
• One of San Diego’s most dog-friendly hotels
• eBikes and a board game library are included with the resort fee

Book this room: Pool Cabana Rooms have walk-out access to a private poolside terrace with a see-through fence for privacy. You get cabana-style lounging without renting one separately. For dog owners, request a Veranda Room on the ground floor. The private patios open to landscaped grounds with plenty of grass for morning walks.

Good to know: You’ll need a car to reach the Village of La Jolla, UTC, or the beaches. The resort fee covers quite a bit (eBikes, fitness classes, weekend yoga, guided beach hikes), so factor that into your value calculation. The hotel has earned recognition from both U.S. News and Forbes Travel Guide.

Full review: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Reservations: They have some discounts for UCSD staff and families, which you can check directly with them. We can book you in with Noble Select benefits that include the following.

5. Pantai Inn

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Moderate
Best for: Extended stays, families who want a kitchen, couples seeking a quiet retreat with ocean views

Why I love it: Pantai Inn is unlike anything else in La Jolla. This small Balinese-inspired property feels like a home away from home, with custom furnishings and art imported from Bali. The 30 accommodations are all suites, villas, or cottages with separate living rooms, full kitchens, and dining areas. Some have fireplaces.

The location is exceptional: on Coast Boulevard between the Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove, across the street from the ocean and within walking distance of Prospect Street shops and restaurants. Buildings on the property date from the 1800s to the 1930s, adding to the charm. I walk by it all the time, and guests on the balconies and just generally look at ease. It’s that kind of place.

What stands out:

• Every accommodation has a full kitchen or kitchenette
• Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast served until 11 a.m.
• Complimentary self-parking (rare in the Village)
• Afternoon tea, cookies, and evening beverages included
• Courtyard fire pit and ocean-view seating areas
• In-room spa treatments available
• Exceptional customer service (they’re known for it)

Book this room: The Ocean View Premium Villa is the most requested for good reason: king bed, fireplace, full kitchen, private patio with panoramic views, and beautiful Balinese details throughout. Cottages are available for longer stays and include laundry facilities.

Good to know: There is no pool and no on-site restaurant, which is why I classify Pantai as moderate rather than luxury despite its Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) membership. If you prefer a full-service resort experience, this isn’t the right fit. There’s no sandy beach directly in front of the property. La Jolla Cove is a scenic five-minute walk for swimming. No pets allowed.

Reservations: Pantai Inn doesn’t participate in the SLH Within VIP program. I’d book directly, or you can check other sites online.

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6. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

Location: La Jolla Shores
Class: Moderate
Best for: Multigenerational family reunions, tennis enthusiasts, guests seeking a private beach experience

Why I love it: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is a beach club with nearly a century of history and families who’ve been coming back just as long. It sits on 21 acres with one of Southern California’s only private beaches, 13 championship tennis courts, five pickleball courts, and a nine-hole par-3 golf course. The Kellogg family has owned it since 1935, now in its fifth generation.

This is where my out-of-town family stays when they visit, and I’m here often for the beach barbecues. The club completed the first phase of a major renovation for its 90th anniversary, including a reimagined pool deck with cabanas and a wood-fired pizza oven.

But the rooms? Still dated and basic. Nobody comes here for the rooms. They come for the experience: waking up steps from the sand, playing tennis with club pros, grilling dinner on the beach while kids play. If you want designer interiors, look elsewhere. If you want an authentic California beach club where your family can spread out and make memories, this is it.

What stands out:

• Located on La Jolla Shores, my favorite beach in San Diego (see my full guide to San Diego’s best beaches)
• Private beach with complimentary gear and barbecue grills
• 13 championship tennis courts with free court time and matching service
• Five pickleball courts and a nine-hole par-3 golf course
• One-, two-, and three-bedroom suites have full kitchens
• The Marine Room restaurant on the property
• Reimagined pool deck with wood-fired pizza and cabanas
• Free self-parking is included in the resort fee

Book this room: Beachfront Suites puts you steps from the sand. You could seriously toss your flip-flop onto the beach. Light sleepers should know the waves can be loud at high tide, and smoke from the beach barbecues sometimes drifts over (I love it, but not everyone does). For quieter surroundings without sacrificing beach access, ask about Garden Rooms in the courtyard. Spindrift Suites overlook the grounds and have a more residential feel, but they’re a trek to the sand.

Good to know: This is a private club, and overnight guests receive full member privileges. Expect older finishes in your rooms, as this is a three-star hotel. Book well in advance for summer; families reserve the same weeks year after year. Peak season gets busy with members.

Reservations: We have a small discount that matches the AAA rate. Submit a request for rates if you’d like to access it, otherwise I find most people tend to use Hotels.com for this property.

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7. La Jolla Shores Hotel

Location: La Jolla Shores
Class: Moderate
Best for: Budget-conscious beach lovers, families who want sand access, casual California vibes

Why I love it: This is one of the few La Jolla hotels where you can book a beachfront room for around $300 a night during off-peak season. My daughter loves staying here because you can run back and forth from the sand to your room all day. If your San Diego vacation centers around the beach, this is a good choice.

La Jolla Shores Hotel is the sister property to La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club next door, also owned by the Kellogg family. It’s more casual and more affordable. The rooms aren’t fancy, but you’re paying for the location right on La Jolla Shores Beach. The Shores Restaurant serves locally sourced seafood with beach views and outdoor fire pits, and I like going for happy hour.

What stands out:

• Direct access to La Jolla Shores beach with complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and towels
• Rooms with kitchenettes available, up to 780 square feet
• The Shores Restaurant with beach views and outdoor games on the patio
• Complimentary shuttle within La Jolla
• Access to tennis courts at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club next door
• Kellogg Park playground adjacent to the hotel
• Pets allowed
• No resort-style pretense

Book this room: Beachfront rooms put you steps from the sand. I’ve stayed in the Beachfront Deluxe with two queens and a wraparound balcony, and it’s fantastic. If you’re a light sleeper, know that beachfront rooms pick up wave noise and activity from the boardwalk.

Good to know: The hotel is doing exterior work through June 2026. The pool is temporarily closed. Unlike LJBTC, you’ll pay for garage parking here. The pool is small even when it’s open, but you’re here for the beach. Walk to Avenida de la Playa for Piatti, the Cheese Shop, and surf rentals.

Full review: La Jolla Shores Hotel

Reservations: As with LJBTC above, we offer a discount equal to the AAA rate. You can submit a request for rates if you’d like to access it, otherwise most people tend to use Hotels.com for this property as well.

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8. Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton

Location: La Jolla Shores
Class: Moderate
Best for: Hilton Honors members, travelers who want newer rooms than the beachfront properties, easy freeway access

Why I love it: When La Jolla Shores Hotel and La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club are sold out or pricing high, this is where I send people who want to be in this neighborhood. The rooms here are nicer than those at both properties, following a multimillion-dollar renovation completed in 2024. All 110 guest rooms and suites were redesigned with a modern, coastal-inspired look.

The location is in an odd pocket, tucked behind a gas station at the intersection of two busy streets, but I’ve stayed here and didn’t hear traffic noise from my ocean view room. And that intersection means easy freeway access to the rest of San Diego for sightseeing at San Diego Zoo, Pacific Beach, Downtown, and elsewhere. The gas station is adjacent to a Starbucks, which is convenient.

Sea & Sky, the 11th-floor penthouse restaurant, has one of the best views in San Diego. The sea-to-table menu is overseen by James Beard-nominated Chef Anthony Wells. It’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying here.

What stands out:

• Rooms renovated in 2024 with modern coastal design
• Sea & Sky penthouse restaurant with panoramic ocean views
• All rooms have furnished balconies or patios, most with ocean views
• Hiatus Lounge poolside with fire pits
• Complimentary bicycles
• 5-minute walk to Avenida de la Playa shops and restaurants, 10 minutes to the beach
• Hilton Honors members earn and redeem points

Book this room: Deluxe Ocean View rooms are typically only slightly more than standard rooms and worth the upgrade for the panoramic views and lack of street noise. The One Bedroom Suite has three balconies.

Good to know: The pool is pretty but shallow (3 feet throughout), so not ideal for exercise. There’s a daily destination charge that includes a $30 food and beverage credit, premium WiFi, and bike rental.

Full review: Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton

Reservations: Hilton has a best price guarantee, so between that and the Hilton Honors discounts, I believe booking directly is your best bet.

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9. Orli La Jolla

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Luxury
Best for: Design lovers, couples seeking a boutique experience, travelers who value independence over traditional hotel service

Why I love it: This is one of only two San Diego hotels with a Michelin Key, which tells you everything about the level of design and attention to detail here. The 1910 building was designed by architect Irving Gill, and the current owners invested $5 million in a meticulous reimagination that blends Art Deco elegance with modernism, avoiding the typical beachy clichés.

With only 13 rooms, it feels more like staying in an elegant private residence than a hotel. The service model is entirely app-based and contactless. You check yourself in using a digital keypad. A concierge is available on-site during the day for recommendations, but this option is for travelers who prefer independence.

The location is a bit off the beaten path, tucked on a quieter stretch of Draper Avenue next to a church and across from the La Jolla Recreation Center. But it’s diagonal to the Museum of Contemporary Art and walkable to everything in the Village.

What stands out:

• Michelin Key designation (one of two in San Diego)
• Irving Gill-designed 1910 landmark building
• Each of the 13 rooms is uniquely designed with curated furnishings
• Sferra Egyptian cotton sheets and Flamingo Estate bath products
• Courtyard with century-old olive trees
• Complimentary brew bar with local cold brew and kombucha
• Morning pastries from local bakeries
• Beach cruiser bikes

Book this room: The two-story Irving Gill Penthouse has a private rooftop lounge and gets rave reviews. For a lower price point, rooms like The Conservatory showcase the same meticulous design aesthetic.

Good to know: I would rank it higher if it weren’t for the following. There’s no on-property parking, which is the trade-off for this historic Village location. Orli offers spots in a nearby parking structure for $25/night (reasonable for La Jolla), and street parking is available overnight (6 p.m.-8 a.m.) but limited to 2 hours during the day. The hotel is next to the La Jolla Woman’s Club, so occasional event noise is possible. The church also has a preschool (my daughter attended), so there’s drop-off and pickup on Draper during weekdays.

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10. Cormorant Boutique Hotel, La Jolla

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Moderate
Best for: Younger couples, friend groups, travelers who want to be in the middle of the Village scene

Why I love it: This is one of the best values for a prime Village location. Right on Prospect Street, steps from La Jolla Cove, surrounded by restaurants and shops. The building dates back to the 1940s, when Prospect Market at street level was La Jolla’s only grocery store. The hotel takes its name from the cormorants that nest along the cliffs at La Jolla Cove, just steps away.

The 26 rooms are compact (most around 200 square feet) but thoughtfully designed. The real draw is Birdseye, the rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic ocean views. It’s become one of La Jolla’s popular sunset spots, and hotel guests get a 15% discount. I’ve seen lines to get in on weekends.

What stands out:

• Prime Prospect Street location steps from La Jolla Cove
• Birdseye rooftop restaurant with panoramic ocean views (15% guest discount)
• 22 of 26 rooms have private ocean-view balconies
• Midcentury modern design with art deco touches
• Prospect Market grab-and-go on-site
• Nespresso machines, quality linens
• Dog-friendly (fee applies)

Book this room: Spring for a room with a balcony. The basic rooms without balconies have small windows and feel cramped. A King Room with Sea View gives you that ocean panorama from your own space.

Good to know: This is a busy corner with tourist traffic, so expect street noise. The hotel provides ear plugs for light sleepers. Rooms on the top floor near Birdseye can hear restaurant noise in the evenings. No on-property parking. There’s valet or paid parking available at a nearby garage. No pool, no gym. While there’s an ADA elevator, most guests should expect to use stairs (up to four stories).

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11. Empress Hotel La Jolla

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Moderate
Best for: Value seekers, couples, dog owners (under 50 lbs)

Why I love it: This is one of the best values in La Jolla Village. No ocean view, but the location on Fay and Silverado puts you within easy walking distance of La Jolla Cove, the seals at Children’s Pool, and all the Village shops and restaurants. The European-style boutique hotel has 73 rooms with comfortable beds and practical amenities, including microwaves and mini-fridges.

Manhattan of La Jolla, the on-site restaurant, is a local favorite and a hidden gem. It serves steaks, seafood, and Italian fare in a romantic setting with a piano player on weekends. Since I live on Mount Soledad and can’t walk to the Village, I loved staying here and walking everywhere with the dog (La Jolla is a pretty pet-friendly place).

What stands out:

• Prime Village location, walkable to everything
• Continental breakfast included (served on the courtyard terrace)
• Manhattan of La Jolla restaurant on site with live piano on weekends
• Beach concierge service with complimentary beach supplies
• Fitness center
• Jacuzzi suites available
• Dogs welcome up to 50 lbs (fee applies)

Book this room: Standard rooms are comfortable for the price. For a splurge, the Jacuzzi suites add some romance.

Good to know: No pool. Self-parking is available at the garage across the street or by valet. If you’re sensitive to street noise, request a quiet room away from Fay Avenue. A resort fee applies but covers breakfast and parking when booked directly.

Full review: Empress Hotel La Jolla

Reservations: Book direct for best value (parking included in resort fee) or compare on Hotels.com.

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12. Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Location: Torrey Pines/UCSD
Class: Moderate
Best for: Hilton Honors members, golfers, business travelers, conference attendees

Why I love it: This 394-room resort sits directly on the 18th hole of the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, making it a bucket list destination for golfers. If you have Hilton Honors points to burn and want golf course views with the Pacific Ocean in the distance, this delivers real value.

The location works for business travelers too, with easy freeway access and proximity to Scripps, UCSD, and the biotech corridor. Spacious rooms (450 sq ft standard) have balconies or patios with views of the course, gardens, or ocean. The interiors are dated (last renovated in 2013) but functional and comfortable, with Hilton Serenity beds.

What stands out:

• On the 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course, with exclusive guest tee times
• Heated pool with cabanas, hot tub, fire pits
• Torreyana restaurant with outdoor dining and sunset views
• Tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts
• Breeze shuttle to the beach, beach equipment rentals
• Pets welcome (dogs and cats up to 70 lbs, fee applies)
• 60,000 sq ft of event space for weddings and conferences

Book this room: Request an upper-floor ocean/golf course view for the best vistas. The Terrace Suite (900 sq ft) adds outdoor dining space and sweeping views if you want to splurge.

Full review: Hilton Torrey Pines

Good to know: A daily resort fee covers WiFi, fitness access, daily wine or beer, and sports court access. Parking is extra. Both fees draw complaints in reviews, so factor them into your budget. People comfortable with Hilton’s style will appreciate the property, but those expecting boutique charm or recently updated decor will find it too corporate.

Reservations: Hilton has a best price guarantee, so between that and Hilton Honors rate discounts, I believe direct is your best bet.

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13. Scripps Inn La Jolla

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Moderate
Best for: Couples, quiet getaways, repeat visitors who prioritize location over amenities

Why I love it: This 14-room boutique hotel sits directly across from the ocean on Coast Boulevard, near Cuvier Park (Whale Watch Point). You can fall asleep to the sound of waves and watch for whales, dolphins, and sea lions from your window. It’s a quieter, more residential stretch of the Village, south of La Jolla Cove, but an easy walk to restaurants and shops. With so few rooms, you receive personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps loyal guests returning year after year.

Each room is unique. Standard King Deluxe rooms offer 350 square feet with a sofa sleeper and ocean views. Suites add fireplaces, kitchenettes, or full kitchens. All rooms were recently updated with new A/C, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers.

What stands out:

• Directly across from the ocean on a quieter stretch of Coast Boulevard
• Complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, boogie boards, and sand toys
• Bike rentals
• Free WiFi
• On-site parking ($20/night‚ reasonable for the area)
• Dogs welcome (2 max, each 40 lbs or under, fee applies)

Book this room: Upper-floor rooms have the best ocean views. The Ocean Vista Suite adds bay windows, a private balcony, and a full kitchen. The Two-Bedroom Suite works well for families.

Good to know: Despite the name “Scripps Inn La Jolla Cove,” it’s not actually at La Jolla Cove. It’s about a 10-minute walk south, near Cuvier Park. It’s quieter over here, but you’ll walk a bit further to restaurants than the Cove in the name implies. There’s no pool, restaurant, or breakfast. Some reviews mention hearing footsteps from upstairs, and the building shows its age in spots despite updates. I see summer rates in the mid-to-high $300s make this a solid value for oceanfront La Jolla hotels.

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14. La Jolla Cove Hotel

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Moderate/Budget
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location over polish, families needing kitchen suites

Why I love it: This is one of the best locations in La Jolla at a price that doesn’t completely break the bank. You’re directly across from Ellen Browning Scripps Park and La Jolla Cove, steps from restaurants, and you get ocean views that rival hotels charging twice as much. The 117-room property offers full kitchens and two-bedroom suites that can sleep up to six, making it practical for families or longer stays.

The hotel is in the midst of a renovation (expected to wrap up in late 2026), and the differences between building sections are stark. The Pines and Shores sections have been refreshed with modern, nature-inspired decor and updated bathrooms. The Terrace and Cove sections have not. If you book an unrenovated room, expect dated finishes and thin walls. Even in renovated rooms, the acoustics are not great. You’ll hear neighbors, hallway noise, and possibly rooftop events.

What stands out:

• Prime oceanfront location directly across from La Jolla Cove
• Many rooms with oceanfront balconies and full kitchens
• Rooftop deck with pool, hot tub, fire pit, and panoramic views
• Parakeet Cafe on-site (a local favorite)
• On-site bike rentals
• Free passes to La Jolla Sports Club (no on-site gym)
• Complimentary WiFi

Book this room: Request a renovated room in the Pines or Shores section, upper floor for better views and less foot traffic noise. Avoid unrenovated Terrace and Cove rooms.

Good to know: No pets. You will hear sea lions barking from oceanfront rooms, even at night, so light sleepers take note. Elevators are slow. The property has a laid-back, casual vibe. Reviews remain mixed during the renovation, but I hope for improvement once it’s complete. Construction noise is possible on weekdays.

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15. La Jolla Riviera Inn

Location: La Jolla Shores
Class: Budget
Best for: Extended stays, budget-conscious families, travelers who want apartment-style accommodations with kitchen facilities

Why I love it: If you’re looking for cheap hotels in La Jolla, this 12-room vintage inn delivers. It’s a five-minute walk to the beach for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The rooms are more like apartments than hotel rooms, each around 600 square feet with a separate bedroom, living room, and full kitchen stocked with everything you need to cook: pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and a full-sized refrigerator. It’s ideal for families or longer stays when you want to prep some meals rather than eat out every night.

The property sits in a quiet residential neighborhood across from La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. The innkeeper, Debbie, gets rave reviews for her hospitality. Guests return year after year. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean, well-maintained, and an unbeatable value for La Jolla.

What stands out:

• Full kitchens in every room (not just kitchenettes)
• Year-round heated pool
• On-site laundry facilities
• Free WiFi and parking
• Walking distance to La Jolla Shores restaurants, coffee shops, and beach rentals
• Extended stay options available
• Upper-floor rooms have views over the golf course and glimpses of the ocean

Book this room: Request an upper-floor room for better views and quieter nights. The two-bedroom suites work well for families.

Good to know: No air conditioning, but La Jolla’s coastal climate is usually mild (I rarely run my AC), and ceiling fans and floor fans are provided. The sofa beds get mixed reviews for comfort. The pool closes at 8 p.m. and has house rules (no alcohol). No pets. The vibe here is quiet and residential, not resort-style. If you want concierge services and daily housekeeping, look elsewhere. If you want a home base to explore La Jolla Shores at a reasonable price, this delivers.

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16. Inn by the Sea

Location: Village of La Jolla
Class: Budget
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want to be in the heart of the Village without paying Village prices

Why I love it: This is one of the best values in La Jolla. You get a prime Village location, ocean views (in select rooms), and genuinely excellent service at rates that won’t make you wince. The 131-room hotel sits on Fay Avenue, a short walk from La Jolla Cove, the seals at Children’s Pool, Prospect Street restaurants, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Every room has a private patio or balcony, which is rare at this price point.

The staff receives rave reviews, and I personally know many visitors who return year after year. It’s an easy, reliable choice when you just want a comfortable home base in the Village without any fuss.

What stands out:

• Every room has a patio or balcony
• Oceanview rooms available
• Outdoor heated pool
• In-room breakfast delivery from The Cottage, a beloved local restaurant
• Guest lounge with complimentary coffee all day
• Complimentary WiFi
• Mini-fridge and coffeemaker in every room
• Two free bottles of water daily

Book this room: Request an upper-floor oceanview room for the best experience. Rooms facing the street are still quiet in the evenings.

Good to know: The hotel is undergoing a full room renovation through spring 2026, with work happening weekdays during business hours. Expect some noise if you’re booking during this period, but rooms and amenities remain open. There’s on-site parking but no on-site restaurant. Lots of restaurants and places to work out are within walking distance. No pets.

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17. The Shoal at La Jolla Beach

Location: Windansea
Class: Budget
Best for: Surfers, beach lovers, and travelers who want a quieter neighborhood away from the Village crowds

Why I love it: The Shoal is a 46-room motel about 300 yards from Windansea Beach, one of San Diego’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. This beach is more of a locals spot without many tourists. It’s a popular surfing and bodysurfing destination (for those with experience), and the sunsets here are spectacular.

You’ll be within walking distance to casual dining like Cafe Vahik for affordable breakfast, and Valley Farm Market, a gourmet market with a deli counter (I recommend the poke nachos).

What stands out:

• Heated pool and hot tub
• Fire pit
• All rooms have a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
• Bicycles for rent
• Complimentary beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and sand toys
• Complimentary pack and plays
• Free WiFi

Book this room: The King Suite has a private patio and a little bit of an ocean view (other rooms have residential views). Upper-floor rooms are quieter but require stairs.

Good to know: Only double queen rooms have bathtubs. No rollaway beds. No elevator. No pets.

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FAQs About the Best Hotels in La Jolla

I understand that finding a place to stay in my community can be tricky. Here are some answers to questions I get asked quite a bit about where to stay in La Jolla.

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What are your favorite top La Jolla hotels?