The Five Best Luxury Hotels in San Diego

There's so much to see and do in bustling downtown San Diego that an enthusiastic tourist is likely to be entirely wiped out by the end of a busy day of sightseeing and diving into the many eclectic activities the city has to offer. One could be winding down from a day at Sunset Beach, crashing after a packed schedule of adventure sports or even going in for a spot of pampering after a day of deal-hunting around Fashion Valley - San Diego has a perfect hotel for any kind of traveler. However, if it’s specifically an opulent retreat from the city's buzz you're looking for, then San Diego does luxury the unabashed way only Southern California knows how. The following are five outstanding examples of hotel luxury in San Diego.

Us Grant San Diego is the epitome of city chic

Situated in the heart of the action downtown, the magnificent US Grant building holds its own in a city offering plenty of novel luxury. With effortless style, harmoniously blending together urban and classical in a palatial Classical Revival style historic landmark, the US Grant is welcoming, warm and renowned for a highly professional service team. The over hundred year old building oozes San Diego personality and the rooms, although relatively small, are well appointed and plush. A high quality but comparatively reasonably priced restaurant is a competitive alternative to the many eateries in the surrounding area.

Hotel La Jolla is a devastatingly hip seaside resort

Hotel La Jolla doesn't color inside the lines - anyway, you'd be hard pressed to find any straight lines in this smoothly modern, laid back urban / seaside fusion retreat. This hotel is perfectly situated for visitors who want to enjoy the city and the beach while maintaining that relaxed resort ambience - it's right next to La Jolla beach, and close to the city. Clean, fresh color schemes and glass panelling distinguish this hotel's decor while outdoors it's all palm trees, sun loungers and beach bars.

The Lodge At Torrey Pines is a countryside escape a short drive from the city

Sprawling hills and a view of the ocean on the horizon complement some of the city's best golf courses at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The Lodge is an immersive experience in countryside style and charm, with wooden panelling, balconies and porches overlooking rambling greenery - all acting as the perfect foil to the bustling city less than fifteen miles away. A wide-ranging spa and sophisticated on-site restaurant mean that residing amid the pines outside San Diego city needn't mean sacrificing civilized, indulgent leisure options.

The Rancho Bernardo Inn is a luxurious but cozy San Diego hideaway

The huge Rancho Bernardo Inn is a world away from urban life, while still being perfectly situated for tourist trips to attractions like the San Diego Zoo. There's enough to keep guests entertained at the resort, however, with a plethora of activities on offer including an exemplary golf course. Airy, well serviced rooms all have a view of the huge gardens, and the gardens themselves offer a relaxing ambience and plenty of privacy with many picturesque areas to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Various high quality options for dining here include a bar, cafe and restaurant all on site.

The Grand Del Mar theatrically evokes a Mediterranean Retreat

Guests who visit the Grand Del Mar hotel in San Diego will find it difficult to venture outside the grounds of this stunning Mediterranean-style retreat. Tucked away from the city, on private grounds near the mountains, Grand Del Mar is frequently cited as one of America's best hotels. Sprawling, immaculately landscaped grounds feature an expansive pool and world class golf resort. Bedrooms open onto Tuscan-inspired balconies and a five star spa offers indulgent relaxation. Unusually for a luxury hotel, this one's particularly kid friendly, with lots of family activities on offer.