Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

We booked Estancia La Jolla as an Amex FHR staycation for New Year’s Eve, our first trip with our 4-month-old. The experience was frustrating from start to finish. Front desk staff provided inconsistent and incorrect information and didn’t seem to know basic amenity hours. We were sent to a restaurant that was closed, quoted prices for dining that couldn’t actually be booked, and never informed that NYE bar service would end early. The hotel text line went unanswered overnight, and room service ignored a clearly noted dairy allergy. There was no accountability or effort to fix issues as they came up. The property markets itself as luxury, but the service execution doesn’t come close.

1. AC extremely loud. Woke us up every time it turns on. Had a bad sleep 2. The pedant light is so low and it hit us multiple times 3. Breakfast wait time 1 hour. Never had this issue at any other hotels

The setting for this resort is gorgeous and the grounds are lovely. Our room was as described and both the bed and the shower were great. We were appreciative of the fact that they were able to extend our stay one night as a result of our flight cancellation. The pool area was good, though the seagulls also swimming in the pool wasn't ideal. If that was the only issue, our rating would have been a five. The customer service left much to be desired, and the accounting office was at times inept and other times simply confused. The fact that there is not a microwave available unless one is willing to pay a $30.00 fee is ridiculous. Surely the $49.00/daily resort fee could cover the use of a microwave either in one’s room or in the public gathering area in the lobby. We were not informed at check-in about the enhancements for purchase—and luckily inquired that first night in time to take advantage of them. Folks should know that reservations seem to be required for breakfast-unless one is willing to wait 45 minutes. The front desk told us that the regular breakfast menu would be available on the weekend as well as their brunch menu. That was not true. The ice water by the pool was removed in mid-afternoon on Sunday and there were no towels available for a while at the pool either. Individually, these are all small things. Added together they make a very lovely resort into a less than desirable spot. I am hopeful that the management will address these issues.

Exceptional clean hotel resort. All food experiences were exceptional except mustang dinner Resturant. Skip Mustang s at all costs. Everything else on the property is excellent.

Came here for a weekend getaway with my mom. Had a great time! Beautiful resort. They went all out for the holidays, the decorations were great. They had a holiday bar as well that was super cute. I’d come back.

We had such a great experience at Estancia La Jolla thanks to Phil, the bartender. Even though the kitchen wasn’t open at the time, he went completely above and beyond—he kindly offered us complimentary drinks and still made sure our food orders were put in. Phil was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. He turned what could have been a frustrating situation into a memorable and enjoyable evening. Service like this truly stands out and reflects the best of hospitality. We’ll absolutely be back and hope to see Phil again.