Hey Tiff, how was….

The Experience:

This Spanish-inspired luxury hotel is your home away from home.

Tiff Tip – Nice romantic weekend retreat but I would not stay longer than 3 days.

The Location:
Far from ordinary (the hotel’s tagline) but close enough! The hotel is about 2 hours south of Los Angeles, and 30-minute north of San Diego. The closest airport is ~ 20 miles from the property.

The Parking:
Valet parking

The Check-in:
The hotel registration/check-in desk is interesting. The desk is in a room off to the right of the main entrance. Inside, the hotel guest reservation staff is behind this oversized desk with 2 chairs in front of each table. One perk, they have chilled champagne in the back of the room.

The Scene:
Rancho Valencia is an award-winning property from that has the perfect odd inspired vibe of Mediterranean and equestrian. A true diamond in the rough. From the moment you walk in, you inhale this fresh SoCal air. The main restaurant and lobby area is outdoor.

The Lobby/Bar:
Open-air lobby overlooking the lush grounds and property.

The Rooms:
Ranch-style rooms large suite. The property is an all-suite hotel with several villa areas. Ask for a room close to the main lobby or pool (splish, splash). If you’re not so fortunate, don’t worry the resort has golf carts to transport guests back and forth to their room. To my knowledge, most of the rooms have a back patio which is its own little sanctuary.

The bathroom is EVERYTHING, like seriously. It’s bigger than my old NYC apartment! The shower alone has to be at least 6 feet wide in the center of the bathroom. If you plan to visit for away, the bathroom has a walk-in closet equipped with a mirror, hat and belt racks, and endless other resources. Natura Bisse toilette products are available in the bathroom. If the shower is not your thing, you also have the option to enjoy a nice relaxing bubble bath in your jetted whirlpool tub.

The living room is a few steps down from the sleeping area. The space is very cozy, especially with the working fireplace.

The Pool:
Gated pool area that is secretly open 24-hrs…(sheesh it’s a secretϑ). There’s a pool bar, several lounge chairs, and a Jacuzzi tub.

The Service:
Excellent as expected from a 5-Star hotel. It’s the little things like calling room service in the morning and the operator telling me that freshly squeezed orange juice was already outside my door.

The Dam$ge:
I did mention this is a 5-star Forbes Travel, Conde Nest Travel…need I say more? $$$$

The Reason:
Weekend get-a-away

The D’Over?:
Without hesitation – now it’s going to be an annual trip!

The LeftOvers?:
A big smile and a bigger dent in your wallet #priceless.

Because you asked….