We spent the weekend here for my birthday and let me tell you we had the most amazing time. The hotel has managed to keep all its historic charm while still having modern conviences. Our view was amazing. The Hotel is centrally located in the La Jolla Village and walking distance to great resturants but you don't have to go far because the restruant in the hotel served an amazing meal. We will definitly be returning. read more

A great weekend getaway from the craziness of LA! After reviewing many options in La Jolla I selected The Grande Colonial for a birthday celebration weekend. It has the charm and ambiance one expects from a smaller inn... not the affected snootiness that one often finds at much higher priced so-called luxury hotels. The Grande Colonial has real history and character, and feels very comfortable and welcoming. The location is ideal... minutes/steps away from the beautiful ocean, great shopping and dining, and it's a short drive into San Diego or Del Mar if you're looking to expand your visit. The staff was very friendly and gracious, and even upgraded our room which was a very nice touch to kick off our celebration weekend. Caesar (front desk) toyed with us a bit, "breaking" the news that our room wouldn't be exactly what we had booked... it would be better! And the room was quite nice... no, it's not slick or contemporary... it has a comfortable elegance all its own with windows that open to let in that wonderful sea air. The views were quite nice, as well. They have in-room coffee makers, free wi-fi and very comfortable beds. The restaurant in the hotel -- Nine Ten -- was quite good. The chef is very creative, and delivers on the promise. We had dinner one evening, and would definitely go back. The bar is quite inviting... the kind of place I'd go after work if it were a lot closer. I felt their room rates were quite fair (even without the upgrade)... which is more than I can say for many of the pricier places in beachfront areas. We will definitely be back. read more

This is a classic hotel that reflects the La Jolla coastal lifestyle. Food, staff and service are excellent.

Great hotel, 100 years old but has a very comfortable feel wonderful staff, very helpful Had two rooms one ocean view other garden Both were large with many amenities Hotel steps from ocean and the village Would stay again, $300 a night for the area was about standard read more

Good hotel, great location, quiet... clean but tiny pool and no hottub. I think for a little more money its worth staying at a better hotel.

I booked the Little Hotel by the Sea (part of the Grande Colonial hotel in a separate building with 8 suites) for the weekend of my wedding. We stayed in the "honeymoon suite" and had family and friends staying in the other suites in the building. I loved every minute of my time there!! The suites were all a little different in layout but each one was both beautiful and comfortable. I worked with Lauren (sales manager) throughout the process of deciding to book the Little Hotel to making the decisions on which room each guest would stay in. She was extremely helpful and wonderful to work with. If you are having a La Jolla wedding (either at the Grande or somewhere nearby as we did) and are looking for a beautiful place to stay with family and friends then book the Little Hotel by the Sea! read more

Great location, clean and gorgeous views. Easy to walk to everything in La Jolla. We will definitely stay here again next time we visit.

Everything about the GCLJ is breathtaking. The views from the rooms, the room service, food at the Nine-Ten, the trails, room decor & event areas are just simply amazing. Worth every buck. read more

It was such a lovely experience staying at the grande colonial. I stayed two nights to celebrate my birthday & it was a such a pleasure. First off the location is perfect walking distance from anywhere i wanted to be, beach, restuarants, art galleries, & boutique shopping. I didnt need my car once. All of the young staff was very friendly and accomodating to all my needs, from early check in, grabbing things i left in my car, making an in house massage appointment, beach towels, bar recommendations,and extra bottle water after the excellent bar recommendation. They even threw in a special birthday surprise, a tray of the most yummy cookies ever! The first night i stayed i ate at the hotel restuarant, nine-ten, Excellent. And the next day i spent exploring coming in and out with ease. Thanks for the perfect little getaway. Id most definetly stay here again. read more

Staff were friendly. Easy check in and check out. Room was clean with nice view. Only concern is safety when you open the window. I don't think it's safe for kids. Nice location. Near beach restaurants and boutique read more

This place was awesome, I don't think I've slept so well. Went for 9 year anniversary with no reservations for a night in la jolla when we stumbled across this place. Got the junior suite which was just perfect. It had a view of the ocean, mini fridge, and was very cozy. Although I didn't have much interaction with the staff, they were very pleasant and professional. Will definitely be staying again. read more

I am a 28-year-old, African-American female attorney. I visited the Grande Colonial La Jolla in the first week of October, where a friend had two rooms reserved under her name. I asked my friend to contact the hotel to add my name and contact information to the room details, so that I could receive a room key for one of the rooms. A few minutes later, my friend called to tell me that everything was set up, and that I should have no problem getting into the room. When I arrived at the front desk, I presented my state-issued ID to the front desk manager, and gave her my friend's name, telling her that my friend had spoken with the hotel and was assured that my name was added for access to the room. The woman at the front desk glanced at my ID, tapped the keyboard about two times (didn't even give me enough respect to type my friend's name into the computer system), and said, "That person doesn't have a reservation here." I started looking around at the hotel signs -- I was sure that I was in the right place. I asked her, "That's odd, she told me that she contacted the hotel and that everything was set up. Maybe you could look under my name?" Again, she tapped the keyboard about two times (not an exaggeration), and quickly/rudely stated the same thing. Confused and frustrated because I clearly understand what's happening at this point, I called my friend and told her that they weren't giving me access to the room, and asked her if the Grande Colonial La Jolla was the correct spot. She assured me that it was. I asked the front desk representative if she could speak with my friend to straighten things out (although I'm almost positive that the same front desk agent spoke with my friend to add my name to the room). I had to give my cellphone to the woman at the front desk, so that the woman could talk to my friend on my cellphone to further verify that I was the correct person to give room access to. This is in spite of my name being added to the reservation, and me giving her my state-issued ID for verification. That should be all that is required when someone's name is added to a reservation. The woman was rude, cold, and literally pretended to punch letters into the keyboard when I gave her my ID. It was one of the most racially insensitive, prejudiced, coldest experiences I've received at a hotel, and I will never forget this location for being the host of this experience. This experience not only soured my view of this hotel, but my view of the La Jolla area as a whole. I usually let things go, but the egregiousness of this hotel's conduct warrants action. I urge all hotel owners to stress the importance of cultural competence, respect, and human decency to all people while at work. read more

This hotel gets 5 stars because of the people who work there...so friendly and they go out of their way to help and remember their customers. I was driving to La Jolla and arriving at the hotel around 7pm, I called and asked them if they could schedule a manicure for me...the concierge called the local salons and found a salon that agreed to stay open, even though they closed earlier than 7pm. Every morning they brought my car and always greeted me by name, and when I returned, again, remembered my name and inquired about my day. The rooms are very comfortable, the views fabulous, the food terrific...I would definitely recommend this and plan to stay here again when I return. read more

This is a great Hotel. I actually checked the prices on Hotels.com and surprisingly the listed prices were more expensive than the prices listed on grand colonial website. So, definitely look for deals on their website. We had a ocean view room and the service was great. Keep in mind that there is no parking. The only way you can park is valet which is $22 per night or you lap around the town multiple times to find a spot and it is very unlikely you will find one before 9 pm. Not worth it. The room has great views and have no complains. I thought it was an amazing deal for the price considering the fact that everything else is very expensive. Sunsets are awesome to watch from the room and make sure to get the ocean view room. read more

I've stayed there twice and I loved it both times. I've also stayed at La Valencia & Hotel Parisi--I like the Grande Colonial best. It has lovely design & detailing, very kind, approachable & attentive staff, & a great restaurant (hence a great room service). I love their croissants, they have the best ones in La Jolla! I love the retro styling--updated & cool but sweet details like narrow hallways, nice wall, ceiling & baseboard detailing, & lovely coloring & appearance. It's new but also old, if you know what I mean, in the best sense--the best of the old & the best of the new. I also love their common areas--very comfortable & inviting. I love this place! read more

I planned this hotel as part of a romantic proposal for my girlfriend. I booked the hotel deal directly through the website and got a great deal. This was, by far, the nicest hotel we've stayed in. The individual at the front desk was courteous, cordial, and polite. Check in was easy and we headed up to the 5th floor ocean view room. We got to the hotel at night so our view of the landscape/ocean was slighted. However, the room itself was beautiful an spacious. It has a classic feel to it, especially in the bathroom. We went out to dinner, came back, fell asleep. We woke up to our 3-window ocean view... and wow. It was breathtaking. We were able to see the ocean on every side. We made coffee, sat at the open window, and just talked. Despite the slight noise at the pool (under construction), it was perfectly intimate and relaxing. Staff made it easy to check in, check out. Overall, I was very pleased with the value, the attitude, and the class of the hotel. If I could get the same deal, I would go back for a night in a heartbeat. read more

Great location and great price, especially for La Jolla proper. They had great service and everyone was very friendly and accommodating. One of the negative aspects was that room service stopped at 10pm; however, in their defense all of La Jolla shuts down early. The food was amazing too. The rooms are comfortable and of good size. We got multiple discounts and savings by booking through Amex plus we were staying there for 3 weeks so we had plenty to negotiate. The walls are a little thin, especially if you are on the lowest floor. Overall, one of the best hotels in La Jolla. read more

What a great establishment! The restaurant 910 was legit as fuck! Keith and Andy were super outgoing and helpful for everything when checking in...can't say enough good stuff about this place! I recommend to anyone. read more

This is a great hotel. The staff is very polite, friendly, and attentive. They made us feel like they'l we're happy to see us and help us out. Even though it's a very old hotel and a lot of the original architecture is visible, it's very clean with a fairly new coat of paint making the hotel look new but old at the same time (if that makes any sense). There's a small swimming pool that for the most part was unused but very clean and available. There is a small sitting area that I was able to enjoy during a midday break. As I sat there with my coffee and a snack, I felt a cool breeze go through, making it very relaxing. The location is perfect. We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go. We were here for our anniversary and they offered to drive us to dinner in an Old English cab (Very cool!) Once we got there we didn't ask for our car until it was time to check out. I will most definitely stay here again next time I come out to La Jolla. Thanks Grande Colonial staff for a very enjoyable and memorable stay. read more

Our family was GREATLY disappointed with this hotel. First of all; the location is adequate at best. Certainly not an excellent location. We were given the impression that it was on the ocean when booking but it most certainly is not. Second we paid over $300 a night. Not cheap! Expected a lot more in return. The service is horrible! The people who work here just don't care. They don't smile, greet you or anything. Most certainly not friendly. Third; we found a cockroach in our bathroom! Not sanitary at all! Told the front desk when we checked out the following day and they didn't even say sorry.... I'm sorry that we chose this hotel and we most certainly don't recommend. Maybe if they spent less time responding negative reviews and more time on correcting their problems then they can be worthy of saying 4 stars which this hotel is not! read more

Very pleasant front desk staff and the most comfortable bathrobes on the planet. Room was nice and clean, everything as expected at the price. read more

We weren't impressed and aren't sure where the high ratings come from. We found a bug in our room and they told us it was from plants/wildlife. We brought the bug down to the front desk to show them. They didn't offer a different room. He assured us they would send up the cleaning staff. Which they did not do. The room had an odd setup. The tiny bathroom was around the corner from the vanity. There was barely any space to put a cosmetic bag in the bathroom. The shower head was so low, that at 5'3" it was basically at my face which made showering very difficult for my 6'3" husband. The bell hop/valet was very friendly and helpful. The building was old, but that adds to the charm. read more

My husband and I stayed here back in June when we were visiting (we now live a few blocks away from this hotel). We arrived around 3:30pm but our room was not ready. Then finally around 4:30 our room was ready (the comped us parking because it wasn't ready by check in). We stayed for three nights. So here is why I do not recommend this hotel: We would be out all day and when we come back to our roon around 4pm it wasn't cleaned. Every night! We had to call the maid service and they "said" they would be up. Then, when they finally came, they didn't replace the soap or give us new toiletries. Me and my husband had to use the same tiny sliver of soap for three days! Insane. We even mentioned it to the maid service and still nothing. I find that to appalling if you are staying at such an expensive hotel. Everything else was wonderful though. The front desk staff were very friendly, the valet service was great, the room was decent for the age of the hotel. But they need to fire their cleaning crew and their management. Ridiculous. So that is the impression I am left with. I even told the front desk staff and they basically said they couldn't do anything except for comp the parking. Wow...thanks for that. read more

My husband and I first came here about the same time last year (sometime late June), mid-week and booked one night in the hotel. We were upgraded to the top floor, ocean view room for free. The room and the bed were really comfortable. It was a real treat since I was going to be a traveling doctor away from my spouse and family for the next 6 months. Fast forward to just a few days ago, my husband and I wanted to get away from the heat of Palm Springs. We decided to book two nights in a normal garden view room and we got upgraded again for free to the same top floor, ocean view room. Our stay has been amazing and a much needed getaway for us. La Jolla has such as a relaxing atmosphere even though we've strolled around the nearby Cove and Shell beach countless times as UCSD students. We hope to return again soon. Thank you to all the staff who made our short visit relaxing and worry free. read more

We were staying at Estancia in La Jolla and wanted to extend our stay, but they were sold out and couldn't accommodate us for the following day. They did connect us with their concierge and he gave us a couple of options, one of them being The Grand Colonial. We went over to check out the hotel and liked what we saw. We were very impressed with Cesar at the Front Desk, who was very kind and accommodating. We reserved a 2 bedroom suite for two nights and ended up extending our stay for an additional night. Everyone at the hotel was extremely friendly especially Cesar and Hakim. The only disappointment was that they said our suite had an ocean view and it doesn't, its an ocean glimpse. There is a huge hotel in front of the Grand Colonial which blocked the majority of the view and what view was left was blocked by palm fronds. The room had complimentary bottled water, a few snacks and chocolate bars. This is a historic hotel that has been remodeled quite nicely. The A/C works really well. The hotel is located in downtown La Jolla near shops, restaurants and one block from the cove...a prime location. The restaurant Nine Ten has a wonderful breakfast menu and its very reasonable. I really enjoyed my stay and will be looking for online deals so I can visit again soon! read more

We were interested in checking out Grande Colonial Hotel as a possible wedding venue because of the overnight accommodations they have on site. I was a bit weary to check out hotel as I was worried they would be too commercial and too public to make it something for us. But once I checked out Grande Colonial's website it appeared as though it may have been workable to make private if it was the right size place with the right layout and security and be within a reasonable price point. Its a beautiful property that feels homey at the same time, so non-commercial, check! Too public? Yes unfortunately, the property is too big to make 100% private. It would cost well over 6 figures of dollars in renting all the venue areas and rooms to make it private. Then add on catering, decor, planning, entertainment and all of that and you could be easily blowing a quarter million on an event for under 100 people there. I'd say if you have 300 ish people at your wedding, this is a perfect size for you, if you can afford it. On the plus they were professional and extremely timely and detailed in responding to questioning which helped make a decision on the place much faster. So, if it suits you, the customer service is on par with the quality the hotel offers and is highly recommended. read more

I had my wedding reception here in November 2010, and I can't say enough about how wonderful EVERYTHING was! First of all, the food was delicious! It was catered by the on-site restaurant NINE-TEN, and everyone is still talking about it! Everyone from the valets, to the bell-boys, wait-staff, concierge, bartenders, really... EVERYONE... were so nice and accommodating. I wish I remembered one of the waitresses because she came to find me within the throngs of guests, to give me food because she knew I hadn't eaten yet, and would probably not be able to the rest of the evening! The event manager (Beth Pollack) was incredibly helpful, always available to answer any of my questions, and she made the Sun Room and Terrace even more beautiful than I imagined. We booked a Jr. Suite for the night of the wedding, and it was beautiful and so comfortable. Waking up with the beautiful view of the ocean was amazing. As one of my friends told me, it was such a great place for the wedding reception and to stay, because it had such great ambience. I agree! read more

My stay at The Grand Colonial was absolutely perfect. I was somewhat concerned with some of the reviews but upon arrival I was pleased with the hotel. The staff from front desk to housekeeping was professional. Great location within walking distance to great restaurants,shops and the beach. We stayed in the main hotel with a view of the ocean. The only downside is the lightning for applying makeup. Overall a really great hotel. I would definitely stay again. read more

This is a very nice hotel, to be sure, at least from what i saw of it. Staff was very attentive and the valet service was fantastic, friendly, and reliable. I have to give my experience 4 stars instead of 5 however, because we had originally booked a room in the main hotel. Upon arrival, we were told, (not asked), that we were "upgraded" to the "Little Hotel by the Sea" which is down the street. Kind of weird. Granted, it was a very nice suite, complete with kitchenette (but who needs that?). I kind of felt like they had a more important party come in who wanted the rooms, and so we were re-positioned to an apartment down the street. This was fine really, except for the fact that the whole reason i splurged on this hotel in the first place was to experience the grandeur and history of this boutique hotel. I didn't get to experience any of it, at the "little hotel by the sea"....instead, we had to walk a distance down the road to our solitary apartment. it felt more like we were staying in a stranger's aparment unit than a glamorous turn of the centry historic hotel. that kind of bummed me out, and they didn't really give us an option -- they just told us that's where we were going to go. I am a history fanatic and i wanted the authentic experience of staying in the glamorous main hotel, but oh well. Maybe the average person would have though this an upgrade, but i felt like it was a downgrade. Also, our "suite" was on street-level, so we had to keep windows covered 24 hours (and closed), so that people walking by couldn't peer in (or climb in overnight). Kind of a bummer. For this reason, i would not stay at this hotel again. read more

I am extremely disappointed at their lack of care of their departed guests. I stayed here for one night due to a business trip. It was a very expensive stay and I was quite surprised that the price did not match the quality of the service. After checking out, I realized I left something in the room. However, due to a flight, I could not return to the hotel. I called and asked them if they could return it to me. They told me they would check, took my credit card number (to charge for shipping after a $400+ night) and never called me back. I didn't receive my belonging. This is something a five star hotel (the Four Seasons Hotel would never do that) would not do but I guess out of town guests who checked out of the hotel are the least of their concerns. They are not a 5 star hotel in service (or ambience). read more

When we arrived, had to wait for our room. Then, was given a room on the first floor adjacent to the door to the pool-perhaps the worst room in the hotel. Could hear every time the door was opened. Bathroom was small. Went to shower-at 6 feet tall, shower rod was at eye level. Very awkward. Have stayed at Valencia which is much nicer. read more

I love this historic hotel! Every time I come to San Diego if I have the opportunity, I choose to stay here. For a structure that's been around since the occupants arrived in horse drawn buggy's this place is amazing! We were greeted by the valet staff who were very courteous and professional. They were quick to grab the door for my wife and mother-in-law (I am a bit old-fashioned). They worked well as a team to load up our luggage to take to our room. The front desk staff are, as always, on point and had our rooms ready. After making a long trip to the hotel having everything ready to go certainly starts vacation off on the right foot. Once registered all staff addressed my group by last name. I enjoy this level of service. We stayed in the buildings that are just off of the back of the main hotel and the rooms are very spacious! There is a roomy sitting area with two overstuffed chairs and an ottoman adjacent to two Tempur-pedic (memory foam at least ) queen size beds. The sleeping area is separated from a large grooming area. I say grooming area because it's not a bathroom. It is entered through an open doorway from the sleeping area. There you find a large countertop, bar size refrigerator and all the amenities one would need yet not bring from home. The lavatory/shower is through another doored entryway making it so one person can be bathing in privacy while another is grooming to head out about beautiful La Jolla. Most of the rooms have an amazing view of the Pacific ocean. It is a very short walk down to the shore where you can find sea lions sunning themselves on the beach. There are countless walking trails as well as delicious restaurants in the surrounding community. Every time I come to this hotel I never want to get into my car. I enjoy walking around La Jolla taking in all it has to offer. If I'm feeling particularly lazy 9/10, the restaurant on property serves some of the best food in town. I feel silly giving such a glowing review however I really enjoy this property. Please realize that this is a hystoric hotel. If you're looking for bright shiny brand-new go to a large chain. If you're looking for an amazing experience, this is the place for you. read more

Terrible experience. I was given the worst room in the entire hotel. If you are given room 106 or any of the room next to the side entrance, you will be hearing the room door shake loundly all night from people coming in and out the hotel. It felt like sleeping through an earthquake that happens every 2 mins for an entire night! You can also hear people talking outside passing the window and it felt like I am sleeping on the street! they did provide me a different room when I complained, but I better not see it charged through my card because I will be sending it straight to consumer reports. read more

Customer service was amazing and the hotel is beautiful. You are right down town and on the beach. We went for our honeymoon and the staff delivered a congratulations note accompanied with chocolate covered strawberries. We did not want to leave! We would highly recommend this hotel. read more

Five stars even for the small rooms. People...it's an OLD hotel. I'm originally from Chicago. Hotels this old...the Hiltons (Palmer House and the one on Michigan) and the Drake and every other one over a hundred years old have really small rooms. It's just the way they were built. Expect it. But also expect history, pride, culture, and love oozing from every corner of the establishment. WORTH IT! We are on night one of our three night stay here. We were having the worst day we've had as a family in along time. The front desk made sure everything was easy and smooth as we had trouble with credit cards and banks (issues with card limits after paying contractors) They will work with anything just to have you happy and relaxed. Our room was clean with the AC working perfectly (we travel a lot and find this to be an issue). The restaurant was able to suggest the perfect dessert for our kids and had my favorite champagne. My husband had to go out four times for things the kids left in the car and no one batter an eyelash. I will stay here on all of our house mishaps and staycations. I love the treatment we've gotten and appreciate every ounce of effort put out for our needs. THANK YOU! Chose the Grand and you'll not regret it. We (all five of us) absolutely have not. P/S The cribs come with a bumper and legit mattress wit ha crib sheet and even a baby blanket. GREAT STUFF...Our beloved Hotel Del doesn't even do that. read more

We had the best time at the Grande Colonial. The setting, of course, is perfection. I let them know before we arrived that we were celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary. They responded with such kindness and wanted to make sure we knew they would be taking great care of us. From the first interactions with Ally online, she was so kind and said she would make sure we got a great room. Then to the men that valet the car, so helpful and courteous, the useful men at the front desk and smiles and conversation to even workers walking by while we were standing would say hello and ask if we needed anything. The room was gorgeous with a perfect ocean view and so very clean. We couldn't get over how perfect the size of the hotel was, and near the La Jolla Cove, we walked quickly to everything. We loved how the hotel decor was reminiscent to the age of the hotel but new, clean and so much better. I'd like to call this our new spot and go to for long weekends, getaways and celebrations. Thank you for such a fantastic and memorable weekend! read more

We just got back from a great trip to California. The Grande Colonial hotel was a great part of our trip. The hotel and room were charming. The bed was extremely comfortable. The only downside was that the shower head was a bit low. I am 5'4" and it was fine for me, but my husband had a few issues. We would definitely stay here again! read more

Close to all the beaches and restaurants. We had a suite which was perfect for my wife and two pre teen kids. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. We would stay here again. read more

Stayed at Grande Colonial for the first time this past weekend. Our stay was exceptional! I had mentioned that our weekend getaway was an anniversary celebration and we were put in a gorgeous ocean view room. Within minutes of arriving in our room, we were surprised with a delivery of champagne and a nice card from the hotel. The hotel is a perfect walking distance to the cove and to the many shops and restaurants in the area. We will be back!!! read more

Loved this place! Beautiful comfortable rooms. Stayed on the fifth floor facing downtown. It could be noisy at night but this was our fault as we e joyed keeping windows open for fresh CA air. Best location- within walking distance to beach, cove, shops & restaurants. Great staff. Shout out to Benny one of the valet attendants. Also very nice tiny dark haired girl who works at the front desk as she knows her food & we were never disappointed in her restaurant recommendations. Would absolutely stay here again. No ghosts :) that we saw or heard but stories were interesting as was the history about the hotel. read more