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Traveller rating
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All reviews ocean view junior suite historic hotel perfect location children's pool within walking distance valet parking shops and restaurants valet staff wonderful hotel an older hotel san diego street parking sea lions per day gc cove
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Reviewed 10 July 2018

Pros of the hotel: Price was reasonable for the area, location was good (could walk to many different restaurants and beaches), very friendly staff.
Cons: Rooms are dark and outdated. Bed was either too soft or worn out, bathroom was pretty small, vent for air conditioning was directly on the bed so you freeze when it comes on. TV was too low to watch from the bed, pool area way too small (there were not enough chairs for guest that wanted to sit by the pool), and one little elevator that was pretty slow.
This hotel is good if you venture out a lot but if you want to enjoy the room, splurge for an ocean view room with a balcony.

Date of stay: July 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Value
    • Location
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
1  Thank Paula P
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandeColonial, General Manager at Grande Colonial, responded to this reviewResponded 11 July 2018

Dear Paula: While I am delighted that you enjoyed the location of the property and the friendliness of our staff, I am sorry that you were less than satisfied by your accommodations. We are in the beginning stages of planning our next rooms renovation, which will include a complete redo of our 93 rooms and bathrooms. We expect to unveil the new product early 2019. I hope you will give us another opportunity to earn back your trust and loyalty. Sincerely, Terrence Underwood, General Manager

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Reviewed 8 July 2018

We stayed here for one night because it was perfectly situated to the cove, stores and reataurants. We were not disappointed and it was easy to walk to everything and no need for the car. The room was cozy and well decorated. The bathroom however was very odd L-Shape and no room for your things (no vanity to speak of, just a pedestal sink). None the less, it was fine for our one night. The staff were very nice and very helpful and very friendly. The restaurant was delicious but pricey for breakfast. Lots of upscale shops and pleanty of places to eat nearby. Would stay here again.

Room tip: Question the room and bathroom arrangement when checking in. Our bathroom was too small.
Date of stay: July 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank J5736BZcharlesh
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandeColonial, General Manager at Grande Colonial, responded to this reviewResponded 9 July 2018

Dear Charles: Thank you very much for sharing your comments about your recent visit. It is only through this kind of feedback that we can continue to improve. While I am delighted that you found our location to be ideal, I'm sorry that the bathroom was less than satisfactory. We are in the planning stage of our next renovation, which will include a complete remodel of all our bathrooms. That renovation will include adding additional storage and counter space. We hope to unveil the redo early 2019. I do hope you will give us another opportunity in the future. Best regards, Terrence Underwood, General Manager

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Reviewed 7 July 2018

I had a great stay at the Grande Colonial La Jolla last month except for one teeny, tiny thing: the Full Oceanview room is really a partial (see photo). And you pay alot more for the supposedly non-partial view! Oddly, my closet had the best sightline.

Both the staff and grounds are lovely, and they have a London cab and/or golf cart to take you places nearby, which saves a lot on Uber charges. And plenty of bottled water for post walk rehydration after climbing the stairs at the cove.

So would I recommend? Only if you promise not to make the costly mistake I did!

Room tip: the Full Oceanview room is only a partial
Date of stay: June 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled solo
    • Sleep Quality
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
1  Thank yodei10
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandeColonial, General Manager at Grande Colonial, responded to this reviewResponded 9 July 2018

Dear Sherri: Thank you very much for providing such positive feedback about your recent visit. I'm delighted to hear how much you enjoyed our hotel and, particularly, our staff and the service you received. I am sorry, however, that you were less than thrilled with the view from you room. I will take a look at how we describe our ocean-view rooms to ensure we are not leading guests to believe that they are unobstructed. I do appreciate your candid feedback and I hope your travels will bring you back again in the future. Sincerely, Terrence Underwood, General Manager

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Reviewed 6 July 2018

We decided on a staycation to La Jolla for the 4th of July, intending to see the famed La Jolla Cove Fireworks. But one of the wealthiest little sections of California could not raise the funds for the event. This is NOT the hotel's fault. The hotel itself is a 1913 vintage gem with two associated "hotels". They are a mixed bag, room 138 has a large number of A/C compressors above it hence no sleep for my wife and very little for me. After raising the issue with the desk we were moved to room 236 in a 1925 vintage annex. Room 236 is large, well kept and except for rather anemic air conditioning a lovely place to stay. Above it is a lounge and roof open to occupants with quite a lovely view. Their restaurant 910 is beyond reproach, excellent food, prepared with an eye toward appearance as well as taste. Yes, it is expensive but if you want cheap I am sure there is a McDonalds somewhere in La Jolla.

Mattresses are a bit too soft for my taste, but obviously that is a matter of opinion and others might object to what I find great.

Both rooms have cooking facilities, stove, fridge, sink, china and cutlery, and cooking utensils as they were both "apartment hotels" which were common in the 20's and 30's for people coming to spend an extended stay. So if you want to save many dimes Vons Supermarket is only about 6 blocks away and quite an easy walk.

Very close to the ocean, about 100 yards +/-, heated swimming pool, beautiful lobby, and on the whole quite a nice hotel. Yes, an older property with a few problems but worth the price to stay in a beautiful place.

Room tip: Avoid Room 138 at all costs if you plan to sleep, many rooms have very limited or no view of the ocean. room 236 is excellent on the whole.
Date of stay: July 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Location
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
1  Thank Ted C
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandeColonial, General Manager at Grande Colonial, responded to this reviewResponded 6 July 2018

Dear Ted: Thank you very much for writing such a comprehensive review about your recent "staycation" over the 4th of July holiday. I'll start off by saying how disappointed we too were that the annual fireworks show was cancelled. We will be working diligently over the next year to see how we can get them back! In terms of your review, you certainly covered everything and we appreciate very much all of the feedback. As you referenced, we are not your "cookie cutter" hotel. Being a historic property, each one of our guest rooms is a little different in shape, size and the view it provides. You can always get something different each time you stay with us. And as you also referenced, we do have 18 residential-style suites in two separate wings that come complete with full kitchens and some with fireplaces. They are ideal for those looking for a little more space or added amenities. All have that wonderful historic charm though that dates back to our opening in 1913. We hope you'll come back in the future. Terrence Underwood, General Manager

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Reviewed 29 June 2018

I recently stayed at Grande Colonial and dined at Nine-Ten, their restaurant and quality and service was outstanding. Thanks for a wonderful EXPERIENCE!!! I think the value and location of your hotel added even more to my stay!

Date of stay: June 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled on business
    • Value
    • Location
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Thank 277nr
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandeColonial, General Manager at Grande Colonial, responded to this reviewResponded 3 July 2018

On behalf of my entire team, thank you very much for the wonderful kudos you shared here on TripAdvisor. We couldn't be happier to hear how much you enjoyed the hotel, particularly the service you received. I'm also so pleased that you had the chance to dine at NINE-TEN while visiting, as it is truly an experience not to be missed. We hope the next time your travels bring you to La Jolla, you will once again choose a stay with us! Sincerely, Terrence Underwood, General Manager

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