La Valencia Hotel
Cherished among locals and visitors alike, San Diego Historic Landmark and Preferred Hotels & Resorts member, La Valencia has embodied coastal California charm since it opened in 1926. Originally named Los Apartmentos de Sevilla, the hotel was designed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style – its pink façade inspired by the owners’ vacation to Waikiki Beach in the 1950s. Famed for its 11-story Spanish-tiled tower, Mediterranean-style architecture, and stunning Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove views, “The Pink Lady” has served as a glamorous getaway for Hollywood’s elite, hosting many notable guests over the decades, from Ginger Rogers to John Lennon. Nods to the hotel’s rich history are still evident across the property, including beautiful courtyards and an original tile medallion of the Pink Lady of La Valencia in its ocean-facing garden. Throw in Les Clefs d’Or Concierge Services and award-winning California coastal cuisine and it’s easy to see why this “grand dame” remains such an iconic place to stay in Southern California.
The Swimming Pool
La Valencia’s swimming pool is nothing short of breathtaking. Overlooking the La Jolla Shoreline and framed by palm trees and tropical plants, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon or entire day on one of the plush sun loungers, which are interspersed with side tables and wide sun umbrellas, enjoying food and beverage service (think ahi poke nachos, Mediterranean flatbread, and seared local bluefin tuna salad, plus Frosé All Day cocktails) from the poolside cabana bar. COOLA sun care products are available, and complimentary Wi-Fi can keep you connected if you need to WFP (‘Work From Pool’). There’s a private hot tub area, too, but much like the rest of the hotel, the entire terrace offers epic Pacific Ocean views.
Seasonal Guest Experiences
There might be no prettier place to land on yoga mats and salute the sun than La Valencia’s ocean-view El Jardin where the hotel will be hosting an hour-long Vinyasa yoga class every Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. through September 30. Complimentary for hotel guests and $25 for a local drop-in rate, it’s led by Dr. Austin Shutler with mats, towels and bottled water all provided. Mark calendars for Breast Cancer Awareness Month programs in October, which include the hotel’s third annual Pink Tea Series and this year’s Poolside Movie, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (October 12), with a portion of proceeds from both going to benefit Susan G. Komen San Diego.
New Chef, New Menus
La Valencia Hotel recently appointed executive chef Alex Pailles to redefine the dining experience across its three restaurants: the Mediterranean Room, Med Patio, and glamorous La Sala lobby bar. After a nearly decade-long tenure at The Marine Room, Pailles also brings a wealth of fine dining experience from his time at the Michelin-starred Xerta Restaurant in Barcelona to the fore. Drawing on his Mexican heritage, Pailles has created complex flavor journeys using hyper-local ingredients across dishes, including sweetwater prawns with aroz bomba and a tataki tuna crudo with cactus fruit aguachile, both of which can be found on the Mediterranean Room menu. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with brunch served on weekends, score a table on The Med’s Ocean View Terrace for the prettiest dining backdrop in La Jolla. But for a post-yoga breakfast or early evening glass of Champagne swing by La Sala Lounge and nab a window seat for cinematic views.
The Whaling Bar
La Valencia Hotel fixture since 1949, historic lounge the Whaling Bar reopened in February after a $1.5 million renovation led by the SDCM Restaurant Group (of Kettner Exchange in Little Italy and standout speakeasies Grass Skirt and Captain’s Quarters). A 20-foot mural and original centerpiece, ‘Whale’s Last Stand,’ by Wing Howard anchors the intimate space, whose Moroccan-style interior and intimate ambiance are reminiscent of a 1940s cocktail lounge. Open daily from 11am to 11:30pm, menus have been created with nods to the original Whaling Bar and feature ‘Martini Hour’ nightcap cocktails like The Whaler (composed with cognac, coffee liqueur and homemade ice cream) alongside lunch and dinner dishes conceived by executive chef Brian Redzikowski that span Osetra Caviar with buckwheat pancakes, a ‘dip’ lobster roll, and Caesar ‘Twinkie’ salad.
Tempting Getaway Packages
When staying three nights or longer, save up to 30 percent off La Valencia’s historic suites with the How Suite It Is package. Located in the original Sevilla wing, the Sunset and Riviera Suites feature ocean-view king bedrooms and living rooms with a sleeper sofa, while the Pacific Suite boasts superb ocean views from its top floor perch on the private Cabrillo Wing along with a primary bedroom, separate living area, and powder room decked out with Art Deco décor. Although August might be National Dog Month, La Valencia’s Pampered Pooches package features everything your pup needs to feel at home year-round. Expect a plush dog bed and dog bowls placed in the room for your stay, welcome treats, plus a keepsake La Valencia monogram bandana and pink La Valencia tennis ball. A daily $25 daily credit for the dog menu, which features gourmet dishes like “steak & eggs” and “chicken & veggies,” and a nightly pet fee waived for up to two dogs, is also included. For more information, visit www.lavalencia.com.
