Hard Rock Hotel San DiegovsRancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Both hotels are endorsed by professional travelers. On balance, Rancho Valencia ranks marginally better than Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Rancho Valencia scores 83 with approval from 9 publications including Condé Nast Traveler, concierge.com and DK Eyewitness.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
207 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
From $179/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
Fodor's
"Self-billed as a hip playground for rock stars and people who want to party like them, the Hard Rock is conveniently located near PETCO Park overlooking glimmering San Diego Bay." Full review
i
For the true rock-star experience, choose from 17 Rock Star suites, including one designed by the pop group the Black-Eyed Peas.
Oyster
Upscale
"The 420-room Hard Rock, located in the hip Gaslamp Quarter, hosts wild parties on weekends at its popular rooftop pool and bar." Full review
Star Service
"This formidable hotel captures the hearts of well-heeled survivors of Woodstock and Altamont—most bound for the convention center across the street." Full review
Gayot
"Not surprisingly, the scene at this hotel is full of young, beautiful people looking for a rocking good time ... needless to say, the Hard Rock delivers."
BlackBook
"Nobu? Check. Rooftop pool and skimpy waitress uniforms? Check. Vegas has arrived in the Gaslamp, replete with Intervention Sundays."
Zagat
4.3
"It's "always a party" at this "fun", "modern" hotel within "walking distance" of the Gaslamp District offering "flashy yet classy" rooms that are "great for entertaining"."
Jetsetter
"Upbeat crash pad with a raging rooftop club and flashy pool in the Gaslamp Quarter." Full review
U.S. News & World Report
14.0
"Overlooking the glittering San Diego Bay and rising high above the Gaslamp Quarter, the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is all about being cool." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The rock vibes begin with the lobby lounge and continue through a stunning rooftop pool bar and urban garden, state-of-the-art fitness center, and high-tech amenities, such as each room's integrated plug and play sound system"
Frommer's
"Gaslamp lodging option drenched in rock star glamour and attitude...rooms are ultra modern and come with perks such as music downloads at check-in and VIP access to the hotel's high-octane nightclubs" 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