La Valencia Hotel La Jolla: The Iconic “Pink Lady” (A Local’s 2026 Review)

La Valencia Hotel, also known as The Pink Lady, has been serving guests million-dollar views from the lap of luxury since 1926. This four-diamond hotel is legendary for providing a private escape to Hollywood stars since its early days. Co-owner MacArthur Gorton’s Hollywood connections made it a hideout for stars like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, and later, for Gregory Peck when he launched La Jolla Playhouse during the Golden Age.

From original 1940s murals (like the famous Wing Howard mural in the Whaling Bar) to Spanish red-tiled floors to opulent furnishings and hand-picked artwork, the iconic pink hotel is awash in old-world charm. Rest assured that the long tradition of excellence continues today with elite Les Clefs d’Or concierge services that help you get the most from this seaside village.

I think La Valencia caters to business, leisure, and family travelers who like well-located boutique hotels. I have advice on how to choose a room and other tips for your stay in this review.

Rooms, Suites, Villas, and Icon Accommodations

La Valencia Hotel accommodations are available in four styles: Vintage, Classic, Villa, and Icon. There are 114 rooms, suites, villas, and penthouses in total scattered across three buildings.

All rooms, suites, and villas are appointed with luxury amenities, which are now largely included as part of the nightly resort fee. Standard in-room amenities include:

• Keurig coffee makers with coffee & herbal tea pods
• Luxurious C.O. Bigelow bath amenities
• In-room Netflix access on Smart TVs
• Two complimentary bottled waters daily
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Plush bathrobes

Vintage Ocean King

Vintage Ocean King rooms at La Valencia are small at 250 square feet, yet elegantly appointed. They feature a natural color palette, a large dresser, a king bed with a dramatic headboard, luxurious linens, a down comforter, and a Euro-style bathroom with dual shower heads in a standing shower.

It’s a partial ocean view room. Some rooms have French doors that open onto a patio. People choose this room because they don’t plan on being in it much, and when they do, they’d like to see the ocean.

Classic Rooms & Suites

For a relaxing home away from home feel, classic rooms and suites are more spacious, ranging from 350 square feet for the classic king to 800 square feet for the classic king suite ocean view.

They have chic neutral color schemes, king or two queen beds, oversized bathrooms with luxury spa products, and large vanities. Some king rooms, king junior suites, and king suites also have ocean views.

The most popular room in the hotel is the Classic King Ocean. Book this early. It’s so popular that they typically do not offer the option to book it with Preferred Platinum benefits.

Classic Queen Queen rooms have two queen beds, but don’t have an ocean view option.

Classic King Junior Suite and Classic King Junior Suite Ocean rooms provide a bit more space and a sofa sleeper, but do not have separate living areas.

Classic King Ocean Suite and Classic King Suite accommodations have separate living areas with sofa sleepers.

Private Villas

Villa King Ocean and Villa King Garden accommodations are 425 square feet of luxury. Those looking for more space should choose a Villa King Suite Ocean or Villa King Suite Garden, which are 800-square-foot, two-room suites.

All villas have either a balcony or terrace, and a sitting area with a wet bar and club chairs, and most have a fireplace. Bathrooms feature separate spa tubs and showers, plus dual sink vanities. Villas have designer furnishings indoors and out. Suite villas also have a sofa sleeper in the living room.

Icon Collection

The crème de la crème of accommodations at La Valencia is the ICON Collection. There are three styles in this category — the ICON Pacific Suite, ICON Sky Suite, and ICON La Valencia Villa.

These are also the hotel’s newest accommodations. Pacific suites are similar to king ocean suites, but they’re newer. The sky suite is 1,100 square feet of 1940s style and grace. It features 180-degree ocean views and modern amenities. You’ll get fresh flowers and free parking with this one-bedroom suite. The La Valencia Villa is 1,200 square feet, and includes his and hers closets and a kitchenette.

For Larger Families

Some Classic Queen Queen rooms connect to either a Vintage King or a Classic King room. Families of five can also choose a suite or junior suite (king bed, sofa bed, and rollaway bed or crib).

Dining at La Valencia

There are four main dining options at La Valencia. Mediterranean Room is their signature dining restaurant, Spanish-inspired La Sala Lounge, and the iconic, newly reopened The Whaling Bar. Poolside dining is also available.

La Valencia’s Executive Chef and his culinary team prepare mouthwatering dishes using unique spices and the freshest local ingredients.

Mediterranean Room

Boasting a ‘great room’ inspired open design, the Mediterranean Room is the premier dining option at La Valencia. The main dining room is regal and spacious, while the ocean view terrace has a sophisticated old-world charm.

Its stylish ambiance is enhanced by ocean-inspired menus enriched with Spanish flavors. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (plus a popular weekend brunch), you can expect a delicious selection of dishes, including Baja Shrimp Chilaquiles, Crab Cake BLT, and mouthwatering Surf & Turf.

La Sala

Located in the hotel lobby, La Sala has a living room vibe with Spanish-inspired décor. Design elements include soaring, hand-painted, Cathedral-style ceilings, antique chandeliers, and custom furniture. The beauty of the space is elevated with spectacular views of the sparkling blue ocean and live music.

A simple menu of tapas and small plates is available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You’ll find selections of sharable plates and the popular LV Burger.

Pair your meal with classic and signature cocktails like the Sidecar and the Pink Lady for the complete La V experience.

The Whaling Bar (A Local Favorite)

The biggest news from the property is the long-awaited return of The Whaling Bar. First opened in 1949, this iconic, dimly lit lounge was a favorite of literary figures such as Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Raymond Chandler, who famously drank gimlets here and later featured a version of the hotel in Playback.

After its controversial closure in 2013, when it was converted into Café La Rue, the bar officially reopened in February 2024. I am so, so happy about it.

The stunning redesign stays true to its 1940s heritage while introducing thoughtful modern updates. Most importantly, the beloved 20-foot Wing Howard mural, The Whale’s Last Stand, has been fully restored and reinstalled as the focal point. (Legend says Howard painted the murals as a young artist in exchange for room and board.)

The menu features a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, along with a strong cocktail program.

Local Insider Tips:

• There is a daily Happy Hour from 3-5 p.m. (check times before you go) with mini martinis and discounted light bites.
• I recommend making reservations, as it’s popular with locals.

La Valencia Amenities

The overriding amenity at La Valencia Hotel is impeccable service.

La Valencia offers their guests Les Clefs d’Or elite concierge service. It’s essentially the five-star status of luxury hotel concierges. What it means to you is dedicated, highly trained, and knowledgeable concierges who can direct you to any location, activity, or product, at any time. They have their fingers on the pulse of their communities.

Beyond high-end service and in-house dining, La Valencia offers a range of amenities for its guests, including a business center, fitness center, pool and hot tub, and an upscale spa.

Spa at La Valencia

The Spa at La Valencia is a full-service luxury spa offering a curated menu of massages, body treatments, facials, and signature experiences. Its multi-sensory “Retreat Collections” and themed treatments draw on floral, botanical, and coastal elements.

Standout offerings include The Pink Lady Indulgence, The Couples Escape, and The La Jolla Getaway, each designed to showcase the hotel’s classic glamor with a modern wellness twist.

The Ocean View Pool

The large pool at La Valencia is surrounded by a red tile deck, lots of palm trees, and lush tropical plants. Spanish-style plush sun loungers line two sides of the pool, interspersed with side tables and wide sun umbrellas. Cocktails and snacks are available from a poolside cabana bar. Generous comfortable seating surrounds the cabana and pool, and the entire space offers epic views of the Pacific Ocean. You can stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi.

A lovely arbor separates the main pool from a shady, Spanish-style hot tub (jacuzzi) area. The circular space has an intimate feel, surrounded by tropical foliage and trees that offer a bit of privacy. There are Spanish tile benches along the edges of the hot tub deck, and an accessible lift is also available.

Shopping

The on-site La Valencia Hotel Retail Store offers a curated mix of stylish apparel, accessories from brands like TravisMathew, and exclusive “Pink Lady” merchandise. But don’t fear, there is so much shopping outside your doorstep if you forgot to pack something!

The Business Center

La Valencia offers 24-hour access to basic business services, including computers and printing. For events, the hotel offers several meeting spaces, including a boardroom, The Galeria (seating up to 40 guests), and a ballroom with an adjacent terrace.

The Fitness Center

The hotel’s fitness center is open 24 hours for easy access, regardless of your schedule. Double doors open to the outside, infusing the small space with fresh air and offering a view of a tranquil garden.

You’ll find cardio machines, a Peloton bike, and free weights for a complete workout session. There are mirrored walls and a large flat-screen TV, allowing you to focus your attention where you choose. The room is stocked with workout towels and bottled water, both at room temperature and chilled.

The La Jolla Neighborhood

Whoever first said, “Location, location, location” must refer to La Valencia Hotel. The Pink Lady’s prime location, nestled between tony Prospect Street and the Pacific Ocean, puts you at the epicenter of La Jolla Village entertainment.

Often referred to as the “crown jewel” of San Diego, La Jolla is one of the city’s most sought-after and family-friendly neighborhoods. This is why I live here.

The Village sits distinctively atop a bluff overlooking La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean. Its convenient Prospect Street address puts you steps from the neighborhood’s most popular art galleries, boutique shops, live music, and enviable culinary scene.

See also: Where to Go Shopping in La Jolla

You’ll find La Jolla Cove and an oceanfront boardwalk running from Scripps Park to Windansea Beach down the hill from the hotel. The park, which is directly across the street from the back of the hotel, is one of the most photographed spots in San Diego.

The Children’s Pool just to the left is perfect for watching frolicking sea lions and seals with the kids. Step out onto the seawall for the best looks and maybe a little surf spray.

Windansea Beach provides epic surfing (experienced only) and photography opportunities at one end of the boardwalk, and there are snorkeling and kayaking opportunities at the opposite end. Sunny Jim’s Cave offers the only land access to one of La Jolla’s seven sea caves.

The entrance is located in Sunny Jim Cave Store on Coast Boulevard. Sea caves and an abundance of colorful garibaldi fish highlight kayaking and snorkeling tours.

Other La Jolla attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art on Prospect Street in the Village. La Jolla Shores Beach, a premier mile-long sandy beach and adjacent Kellogg Park with picnic and children’s play areas, are on the other side of La Jolla Cove.

Birch Aquarium is just up the hill from the beach and Kellogg Park. Torrey Pines Glider Port, next to UCSD, is a great place to watch paragliding and hang gliding — or to join in, of course.

You’ll also find Torrey Pines Golf Course — host of the PGA Farmers Insurance Open, and La Jolla Playhouse, which has produced 24 Tony Award-winning plays.

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome—up to two per room. The hotel does not allow cats. There is a $50 nightly fee per dog.

Local Insider Tip (Pampered Pooches Package):
The Pampered Pooches Package is the best value if you’re traveling with dogs. It includes a plush in-room dog bed, bowls, welcome treats, and a $25 daily credit for the dog menu. Most importantly, it waives the standard $50 nightly pet fee for up to two dogs, which can add up to meaningful savings.

La Valencia Hotel Reservations

There are usually three places to check for the best rates: direct on the hotel’s website, American Express, and an online travel agent like Hotels.com.

Photos are courtesy of La Valencia.