Hotel La Jolla Lobby — Photo courtesy of Hotel La Jolla

Locals agree that though the old Hotel La Jolla was a go-to place for drinks with a panoramic view, the hotel itself was tired and lacking in personality, though brimming with potential. Enter Kimpton, who, along with ownership (Westport Capital Partners, LLC and Cove Equity Group), transformed this La Jolla Shores institution, into the swank destination it always meant to be.

Open for business in August 2012, eco-friendly Hotel La Jolla offers all the amenities of a high-end, boutique hotel from complimentary transportation within a 5-mile radius, wellness programs, kids amenities, to a state-of-the-art fitness center. Diners at Cusp, the hotel's Mediterranean restaurant, will enjoy panoramic views along with a variety of house-made cheeses, flatbreads, pastas, and more. Let's also not forget about Kimpton's hosted wine hour, where guests enjoy complimentary wine from 5-6:00pm in Hotel La Jolla's Living Room Lobby.

View from Cusp — Photo courtesy of Amy Fellows

The relaxed-sophisticated decor was meant to welcome guests in flip flops as well as those headed to a business meeting (there's meeting space on the top floor of the hotel). For guests who need a little more living space, book one of the four 900-square foot apartment-style suites.  All rooms also have over-sized desks, WiFi, Frette linens, choice of pillows, Bigelow amenities, and the signature animal-print robes.

Hotel La Jolla Room — Photo courtesy of Hotel La Jolla

Hotel La Jolla is within walking distance of La Jolla's most family-friendly beach, La Jolla Shores. The area's main street, Avenida de la Playa, also has surf shops and convenience stores, should you have forgotten to pack a bathing suit or think a last-minute surfing lesson might be in order.