The Dana on Mission BayvsRancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Both hotels are recommended by expert writers. On balance, Rancho Valencia is the choice of most professionals compared to The Dana on Mission Bay, BW Premier Collection. Rancho Valencia comes in at 83 with praise from 9 reviewers like oyster.com, Travel + Leisure and Fodor's.
The Dana on Mission Bay
1710 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
From $119/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
DK Eyewitness
"All the water activities of Mission Bay are close by, and the hotel operates free shuttles to SeaWorld."
Star Service
"Families will appreciate the Lanai rooms' convenient access to the pool, but the more attractively appointed Premium Bay View rooms are presently top picks." Full review
Oyster
Upper-middle-range
"The Dana's private marina and location on Mission Bay makes it ideal for boating and water sport enthusiasts, as well as families." Full review
Gayot
"The setting is a water lover's paradise, with more than ten tropically landscaped acres on a property in the midst of the San Diego's Mission Bay Aquatic Park."
Star Service
"Set in a gated lowrise compound of two- and three-story taupe buildings scattered about well-trimmed lawns and swaying palms, The Dana has a Dickensian vibe that brings to mind A Tale of Two Cities." Full review
National Geographic
"Nicely located on Mission Bay; 271-room hotel has newer, oversize quarters with broad balconies which cleverly juxtapose contemporary wood with accents of Chinese art." Full review
Fodor's
"Set around an Omega-shaped cove on Mission Bay, the Dana is the closest hotel to SeaWorld and offers a free shuttle to get you there." Full review
Frommer's
"You'll pay a little extra for bay and marina views; every one of the old rooms is the same size, with plain but well-maintained furnishings." 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