Family-Friendly Luxury: A Review of the Grande Colonial La Jolla
The Grande Colonial La Jolla is a boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque coastal village of La Jolla, San Diego. Last week, my family and I experienced a luxurious stay, highlighted by top-notch accommodations and exquisite dining at the Michelin-recognized Nine-Ten restaurant.
For more family travel adventures, check out our recent stay at Rancho de los Caballeros.
While our stay and dinner were complimentary, all opinions expressed are my own.
Grande Colonial La Jolla
If you’re looking for the best hotel in La Jolla, the Grande Colonial is it. But don’t just take my word for it. It has the world-class distinction of being a four-diamond hotel. So when I got the opportunity to experience a stay with my husband and kids, we eagerly packed our bags!
The staff is friendly, the ocean is within view, and while it has elegant flair, it doesn’t feel stuffy or outdated.
Why We Love Grande Colonial La Jolla
Ideal Location: If you want ocean views and beach town vibes with the city just a short ride away, you’ll love this boutique hotel. There are tons of restaurants, cafes, and great shopping options within walking distance so we hardly had to use our car!
Family-Friendly Amenities: Kid-friendly spaces are a top priority for me. They offer free beach and pool toys and spacious family suites.
Exceptional Dining: Most hotel restaurants are a matter of convenience, but that's not the case here. NINE-TEN is a Michelin-recognized restaurant that attracts diners from near and far, even if they aren't staying at the hotel. The culinary excellence and farm-to-table focus make it a destination in its own right.
Location
Located on Prospect Street in La Jolla, the Grande Colonial is perfectly positioned for foot traffic and exploration. Just 15 minutes away from downtown San Diego, this seaside destination is within walking distance of various attractions, including shops, restaurants, beaches, and entertainment options. The “Children’s Pool” and La Jolla Cove are nearby, offering fun spots for kids to explore.
History
The Grande Colonial boasts a fascinating history dating back to its opening in 1913.
By the 1950s, the hotel became a social hub for locals and celebrities due to its proximity to the La Jolla Playhouse, a performing arts theatre.
This historic hotel has been beautifully restored (with a $4 million room renovation and expansion in 2019), maintaining its classic European charm while integrating modern amenities.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The hotel staff goes above and beyond to cater to families. They offer free beach and pool toys for kids, which made our beach outings so much fun. Although we didn’t use the free bike rentals this time, we are looking forward to trying them on future visits!
Our king suite was spacious, featuring a separate living area where our toddler, Crew, and our 11-month-old, Quinn, could sleep comfortably. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming environment that feels more like a resort.
Dining at Nine Ten Restaurant & Bar
One of the highlights of our stay was dining at the Michelin-recognized Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar. The restaurant uses produce from local farms, ensuring that every dish is fresh and flavorful. As farmers ourselves, we loved learning how local produce was incorporated into every single dish.
Dining at Nine-Ten was one of the best culinary experiences we’ve had in a hotel, and it’s a must-visit for anyone staying at the Grande Colonial (or anywhere in San Diego!).
My husband Ben had the smoked liberty duck breast and pavlova while I ordered the northern halibut and Meyer lemon semifreddo. They have options the kids will love too- Quinn couldn’t enough of the Parker house rolls and Crew loved the gnocchi and cacio e pepe!
For those times when you just want to relax in your hotel room, the restaurant offers room service as well (so you can stay in your bathrobe and still enjoy this amazing food).
A Place to Revisit
During our stay, we met a woman who had been bringing her kids to the Grande Colonial since they were little, and now she was there with her grandkids. It’s clear that this hotel is a beloved destination for many families, offering a place to create lasting memories and revisit again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The diamond rating system originates from AAA and features five levels, with 5 being the most distinguished. According to AAA, a 4-diamond rating is designated for hotels that provide “a notable splurge for a special occasion.” The Grande Colonial fits the bill perfectly!
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While I can’t confirm or deny whether the historic hotel is haunted, they acknowledge the whispers on their website. The lore includes late-night phone calls from unoccupied rooms, sightings of ghostly figures, and mysterious occurrences in the kitchen. They are generally considered to be playful and harmless. If anything, the ghost stories add to the hotel's allure and unique charm.
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Grande Colonial provides complimentary valet parking for up to one car per night. Additional cars are charged $10 for day-use and $30 for overnight parking.
