Another Look: The Fabulous Lodge at Torrey Pines

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is perfection! It has a highly respected PGA golf course, which has hosted the US Open and hosts an annual PGA Tourney, adjacent to the property, and a golf concierge. The lodge is a perfect classic California Craftsman design in every gorgeous detail (it’s Tiffany-style-glass entrance doors are replicas of those in the famous Gamble House in Pasadena), yet, as it’s only about 7 years old, all amenities and facilities, including the bathrooms, are completely up to date. It’s two-story entry lobby features panoramic views, a huge stone fireplace and huge Tiffany style chandeliers. It’s so welcoming it just draws you right in!

The signature fine dining restaurant, A.R. Valentien, is superb! It was my second time dining there, and I was again really impressed by their attention to detail, including the locally grown beef, fowl, veggies and herbs they use, the house-made artisan bread, the creative ever-changing menu and expansive wine list, But even the casual dining grill venue was very nice. Service in all areas was excellent.

The hotel’s halllways are elegantly wood paneled with gorgeous original craftsman furniture statement pieces and replica fixtures throughout the public areas. The suites are gorgeous and huge (the largest was 2,000 sq. ft., expandable up to 8 BR with a gigantic terrace) with beautiful craftsman furnishings. The smaller suites are also lovely–one that Tiger Woods favored (pre-children) is a junior suite that has an area off the bathroom with a fireplace and two chaise lounges–great for in-room massages. However, even the lead category was a spacious 400-450 sq ft. with a balcony overlooking the interior botantical gardens. I stayed in the first upgrade Palisades category, which is lowest priced, with separate tub and shower and features a fireplace and a very large private terrace with a panoramic golf course view, two lounge chairs and a small dining table and chairs. It also had a large bathroom with beautiful marble mosaic tile floors. Plus the best in-room comp coffee ever! They even had little individual half and halfs in the fridge.

I did not sample the spa treatments, but both the spa and gym were very nice and well equipped. The spa’s own products are in-room amenities and are excellent. The only drawback is there’s not much going on at night on premises beside dining. There’s a sports bar, but bring your own party. However, it’s only a short distance to the village of La Jolla where one can walk around and window shop, catch a play, dine, shop, visit the many art galleries. In daytime, there’s the beach, Del Mar racetrack and the San Diego attractions. For tennis, guests just walk next door to the Hilton where TP guests can play. Guests also can hike a little in the adjacent Torrey Pines State Reserve–there’s a nice if short trail to a vista point overlooking the canyon and the ocean beyond, and one can continue on for a better view and workout. There also are bicycles on property for guests. This hotel is a class act from start to finish and especially heaven for golfers! I very highly recommend it.