Nestled among the grounds of the UC San Diego Campus (UCSD) is the 9.5 acre boutique hotel property, Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. The property is the former home of an 1880’s equestrian estate. When pulling into the drive, one feels like they have been welcomed to a luxury ranch.
In the 1960s, the land was owned by the Black Family and was transferred to UCSD with the family’s request that a hotel be built on the ranch property to benefit the campus and the surrounding community. In mid 2004, that wish became a reality.
The name Estancia means “estate” in Spanish. The coastal-styled ranch is influenced by Mexican Talavera and Spanish Colonial style architecture with Italian technique hand-troweled plastered walls.
Today, three brick buildings of the hotel are modeled after structures from the original horse farm, with white bricks used from the previous embodiment. The lobby was the stable. The terra cotta floor, exposed Douglas Fir beamed ceilings and fireplace mantle, and an antique iron pendant chandelier all echo the vibe.
Sitting in front of the restaurant Mustang & Burros, is a trough that was converted into a fountain. The structure itself was the tack room. The caretaker’s cottage is home to the business center. The adjacent Garden offers a safe social setting and has a games library as well.
Two-story buildings spread throughout the property house the ample-sized guest rooms. The buildings are set amongst a lush $2 million landscaping project featuring 600 trees, plus 165 palms, vines, espaliers, countless shrubs and colorful ground covering including Lady Palm, Mexican Fan Palm, Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, Pomegranate, Thyme, White Oleander and Heavenly Bamboo. The 210 Guest Rooms are furnished comfortably, with lush bedding, oak desks and beside tables and cherry dressers.
The large pool is heated saltwater and lined with lounge chair, day beds and private cabanas with a wood-burning fireplace anchored in the center of a dining area.
Estancia La Jolla offers easy access to local attractions with its complimentary shuttle service within in La Jolla’s Torrey Pines area, including hiking at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, golfing at the Torrey Pines Golf Club, the Arts, Birch Aquarium or simply enjoying the beaches– La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove or Black’s Beach.
