The Lodge at Torrey Pines Detailed Review & How to Book

The Lodge at Torrey Pines rests atop rugged cliffs overlooking the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. Its north La Jolla location, nestled next to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, appeals to nature lovers, golfers, couples, families, and those looking for one of the best luxury experiences in San Diego.

The 170-room boutique resort hotel is modeled after the 1900s California Craftsman-style movement and offers a cozy, woodsy ambience and excellent service, starting with a warm welcome from the Scottish kilted doormen.

They’ve received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award every year since they reopened in 2002 after extensive renovations. I love this hotel, and I am sure that you will, too. In this review, I’ll share everything you need to know before you book in based on my most recent stay and feedback from clients.

---

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. Floor-to-ceiling windows accentuate its natural indoor/outdoor character.

Truthfully, the photos do not convey how stunning the lobby area is. It, along with other public spaces, are gorgeous in real life.

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 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 plush carpet 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, a work desk and chair, Tiffany-style lamps, and luxurious marble and granite bathrooms with oversized tubs.

In-room amenities include air conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, plenty of USB and electrical plugs for your devices, a Keurig coffeemaker, a minibar, spacious closets, and blackout curtains. Additional amenities include a telephone, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, signature lemongrass bath amenities, and a lighted make-up mirror. Guests also receive an amenity kit with face masks, hand sanitizer, and hand wipes inside.

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 ask when booking.

Guest Rooms

There really isn’t a bad The Lodge at Torrey Pines room choice, but I suggest choosing Palisade Rooms whenever possible.

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 one king 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.

TIPS FOR VIRTUOSO GUESTS

Try to book this room category over Signature if you can. If an upgrade is available it’s easier for them to upgrade you to the Palisade Rooms from this category.

Palisade Rooms (Top Pick)

Palisade Rooms are hands-down the most talked-about guest rooms on the property and the category you should book whenever possible. 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 stunning views of the golf course and the Pacific Ocean horizon from their larger 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 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 Lodge at Torrey Pines suites range from 800 to 2,500 square feet and offer 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, 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 from the ground-floor terrace. 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, a 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.

TIP

The Gamble Suite and Blacker Suites offer the same layout and square footage. The difference is that the Gamble Suite is on the ground floor while the Blacker Suite is on the second floor.

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, a living area with an 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 golf course and ocean views. 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, a separate soaking tub, and double-sink vanity.

Palisade Suite (Great for Families)

The Palisade Suite is also a generous 1,100 square feet. This impeccable accommodation has a king bed, 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 in the bedroom, and there is also a full bathroom in the living room.

This suite can price lower than connecting Palisade rooms.

---

The Lodge at Torrey Pines Restaurants

No matter where you eat at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, rest assured that the food is fresh and excellent. We’ve been dining here for decades.

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. Both feature indoor and al fresco dining and provide dedicated children’s menus.

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 botanical artist Albert Robert Valentien, the restaurant pays homage to its namesake with numerous Valentien pieces on display.

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.

California Craftsman design features include sizeable handcrafted wood-framed windows, elegantly patterned carpet, and stained-glass lanterns throughout the restaurant.

Hotel Executive Chef Kelli Crosson and the culinary team curate farm-to-table breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients. I particularly like the Ancient Grain Bowl for lunch, which you can also get via room service.

The Grill at Torrey Pines

The Grill is ideal for families who want to unwind and relax in a cozy, warm space while enjoying incredible panoramic views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. It’s also popular with golfers after they finish playing for the day.

Embracing the wistfulness of cooking over an open fire, The Grill is a casual all-day eatery serving savory and smoky entrées cooked on their custom wood-burning rotisserie. Expect a menu that is SoCal fresh with wood-fired selections like the legendary Drugstore Burger. Dishes can be paired with carefully selected craft brews and wines.

You’ll find 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. A portion of the patio is warmed and illuminated by the fireplace at night (which doubles as a wood-burning rotisserie oven).

---

Hotel Amenities and Activities

The Swimming Pool

Situated on a charming patio partially shaded by towering Torrey pine trees, the La Jolla hotel’s heated 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 are delivered via room service or the pool bar. An attendant looks after pool guests who reserve cabanas. 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 Lodge at Torrey Pines Spa

The Spa at Torrey Pines offers a generous selection of beauty and wellness treatments inspired by the indigenous plant life in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Also influenced by the Pacific coast, many spa products use 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.

Complimentary Spa Access for Hotel Guests

Guests receive complimentary access to the La Jolla hotel spa facilities here. 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.

Appointments for Kids

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.

Yoga Classes

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.

The Fitness Center

Available 24 hours a day, the fitness center offers all the necessary equipment 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. The fitness center is open by appointment only.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

The 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 also played 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 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. They can work magic, and you’ll pay the same rate as if you would by going through the city. (Note: They are unable to secure San Diego resident rates.)

Another benefit for golfers is that they can arrange tee times at members-only Del Mar Country Club and Aviara Golf Club, with all charges billed back to your room.

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 at Torrey Pines arranges play at the Hilton. Complimentary rackets and balls are provided.

Putting Green

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.

Going 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 just steps from the sand.

Del Mar Beach is a family-friendly beach 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 chairs and other gear are 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.)

Nature Trails to Explore

The resort grounds and adjacent Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve (also called Torrey Pines State Park) 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 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.

Scripps Library

Scripps Library is the resort game room open from 7 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.

Croquet to Play

Adjacent to the pool 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.

Kids Activities

Check the schedule for kids’ activities, such as arts and crafts for an hour supervised by a local company called Sitterwise.

You can also grab a family scavenger hunt at the front desk.

Getting Around

Many people skip renting cars when staying at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, thanks to the complimentary car service within five miles of the hotel. This covers La Jolla Shores, the Village of La Jolla, Del Mar, and Westfield UTC mall to name a few spots.

If you’d like to sightsee further, you can participate in the Tesla ride-share service, where you can reserve and pick up a Tesla from the hotel. You need to download the EV Mobility app.

You can also reserve one of the hotel’s electric bikes.

---

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. You can check my list of the best things to do in La Jolla for more ideas.

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, CA, 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 20 minutes by car without traffic.

---

Hotel Policies and Other Services

• A mandatory resort fee of $50 per accommodation per night (subject to change) 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, the use of 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 11 a.m. 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 the 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. (Email me if your dog is larger.)
• The entire property is smoke-free.
• Other services at The Lodge include a hair salon, onsite ATM, safety deposit boxes, laundry, dry-cleaning services, luggage storage, and porter services.
• Self-parking is $50 per night, and valet parking is $60 per night. Complimentary car service fills quickly, so it’s necessary to plan ahead. Uber works very well in La Jolla, too.

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT PARKING

It is very easy to self-park here. The lot is either steps from your room or the parking structure outside of the lobby. Getting in and out is easy.

---

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 and discounted rate:

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 at this top-rated La Jolla hotel. You will also have access to my email series timed to your check-in date with tips for making the best of your San Diego vacation.

---

Frequently Asked Questions About The Lodge at Torrey Pines

These are some of the FAQs that land in my inbox.

How do I use my Virtuoso benefits?

If you booked in as a Virtuoso guest, the hotel has your benefits on file, and they will be explained to you at check-in.

The Virtuoso daily breakfast credit can be used at The Grill, A.R. Valentien, or room service.

Where is Torrey Pines Golf Course?

Torrey Pines Golf Course is adjacent to The Lodge at Torrey Pines and is one of the many reasons guests choose this San Diego boutique hotel. There are two 18-hole championship courses, and hotel guests receive priority tee times. Palisade Rooms overlook both the golf course and the Pacific Ocean horizon.

How much does it cost to play at Torrey Pines?

The cost to play at Torrey Pines Golf Course depends on whether you are a resident or non-resident, whether you are playing the south course or north course, and whether you seek a weekday or weekend tee time.

Junior golfers and senior golfers also play at reduced rates. If you choose a twilight tee time, you’ll also enjoy a reduced rate. The best place to check rates is through SanDiego.gov, as it is a public golf course.

Guests of The Lodge at Torrey Pines should contact the hotel’s Golf Services department immediately after making a room reservation so that they can assist with securing a tee time.

How far is The Lodge at Torrey Pines from San Diego?

Fun fact: La Jolla is actually part of the City of San Diego. However, when people ask this question, they’re usually referring to Downtown San Diego where the San Diego International Airport is located.

Without traffic, it should take about 20 minutes to reach Downtown. On weekdays, there can be a pocket of traffic that starts on the I-5 near the airport in the late afternoon. It is about a 15-mile drive.

How do I get from the San Diego Airport to The Lodge at Torrey Pines?

The hotel concierge desk can arrange airport transportation for you. However, it’s easy to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft and there are always taxis waiting at the transportation islands in front of the terminals.

Note that rideshare apps can’t pick you up right in front of the baggage claim exit so follow the signs to the rideshare section of the transportation islands.

How many rooms does The Lodge at Torrey Pines have?

The Lodge at Torrey Pines has 170 rooms and suites. They are all generously sized at 500 square feet and larger. My favorite rooms are the larger Palisade Rooms for their ocean horizon and golf course views.

Each suite is unique. The Mackinson Suite has a panoramic 18th hole view of the ocean that you can enjoy from your private balcony. Some suites, like the Robinson Suite, have walk-out access to the 18th green.

How old is The Lodge at Torrey Pines?

The Lodge at Torrey Pines was originally built in 1961 as a 71-room inn. The Evans family, who also owns Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel, purchased the inn in 1995. It was closed for renovation and expansion before reopening in 2002.

What is the Torrey Pines Resort?

There isn’t a San Diego or La Jolla hotel by that name. So, if people ask for the Torrey Pines Resort, they’re usually referring to The Lodge at Torrey Pines. In some cases, this could mean the Hilton Torrey Pines next door.

If you have questions about the property that aren’t answered here, please send them my way.

---

More La Jolla Hotels that Readers Love