Catamaran Resort Hotel and SpavsRancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Both hotels are highly recommended by expert reviewers. On balance, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa scores marginally higher than Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa has a TripExpert Score of 85 with recommendations from 11 publications such as BlackBook, Jetsetter and Mr & Mrs Smith.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Show All Reviews
3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
From $130/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Concierge
"Hokey or not, the activities and the relaxed and welcoming vibe keep the Catamaran on the short list for families."
Travel + Leisure
"The hotel takes full advantage of its waterfront location (relaxed sports rule these waves; rooms have coastal views) on kid-friendly Mission Bay, which has 19 miles of beaches." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"This Polynesian-themed hotel offers a long list of water activities. Within walking distance to many restaurants, Tiki torches light your way through lushly landscaped grounds."
Star Service
"It conveys a Honolulu aesthetic and operates on casual Polynesian principles, a fun-in-the-sun formula that includes exotic indoor gardens and an indoor waterfall." Full review
Gayot
"Located right on Mission Bay, the resort boasts exquisite grounds teeming with exotic plants and flowers, tropical birds, frogs and koi goldfish."
Oyster
Mid-Range
"This three-pearl resort in San Diego's Pacific Beach area is a great family-friendly choice with an array of features and direct beach access." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"A beachfront, tropical-themed hotel, on the shores of Mission Bay and just across the water from SeaWorld." Full review
Lonely Planet
"A plethora of activities make it a perfect place for families... or board the Bahia Belle from here." Full review
Fodor's
"The fitness center looks out on the bay; kayaks and pedal boats are available for rental." Full review
U.S. News & World Report
21.0
"On the northwest shore of Mission Bay, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa attracts visitors looking for a bit of R&R." Full review
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa Show All Reviews
5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
From $699/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"Casitas of various sizes—49 of them—are secreted within 40 acres of citrus groves and flowers in this quiet, relaxed, and luxe resort 25 miles north of downtown."
Fodor's
"Luxurious, two-level, Spanish-style casitas, appointed with corner fireplaces, luxurious carpeting, and shuttered French doors leading to private patios." Full review
Jetsetter
"45 acres of gardens, olive groves, and relaxation at the only Relais & Chateaux property in SoCal." Full review
i
More active types can choose between tennis, yoga, and biking, then select from among seven types of massage in the spa.
DK Eyewitness
"Bougainvillea cascades over the Spanish casitas in this stunning resort. Many rooms feature cathedral ceilings, private terraces, and fireplaces."
BlackBook
"This exclusive Rancho property boasts world-class tennis courts, not to mention an award-winning spa where you can sweat it out during a Pilates sesh or indulge with a his-and-hers treatment."
Forbes Travel Guide
5 Stars
"Located in the canyon of Rancho Santa Fe on 40 manicured acres of rolling hills, this relaxing retreat is just minutes from the charming boutiques and cafés of La Jolla." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The all-suite Rancho Valencia Resort opened in 1989 in a bougainvillea-and-hibiscus-filled canyon 25 miles north of San Diego and remains southern California’s only Relais & Château property." Full review
Gayot
"This romantic, Mediterranean-Mission-style resort is tucked away in Rancho Santa Fe."
i
Make sure to indulge in some pampering at The Spa, arguably one of the most beautiful in the country with its Spanish tile work, lush gardens and fountains.
Afar Magazine
"Spanish colonial fountains. Roaring outdoor fireplaces. Brightly colored bougainvillea vines and hibiscus flowers. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, Southern California’s only Relais &..." Full review
Mr & Mrs Smith
"Tucked up from the Pacific Ocean in San Diego horse country, Rancho Valencia hotel is as impressive as a prize-winning thoroughbred." Full review