Yahoo Lifestyle 
Is this the most beautiful vintage hotel in the world?
Ninety has never looked so chic.
And while some may think a decade away from 100 is a little, er, on the mature side for a hotel, this hidden gem is bursting with so much elegant old world style, the aesthetic is like a real-life Instagram filter.
Introducing La Valencia, the coastal answer to Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont. The grand property is perched on a hill in San Diego’s lavish coastal suburb of La Jolla.
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Think panoramic views of the blue Pacific Ocean, lush gardens with bursts of potted colour, and cosy leather couches perfect for sinking into with a gorgeous glass of red vino.
Terracotta and mosaic tiles will make you think you’re on a sprawling landscaped estate in Monte Carlo.
Let’s go back to 1926 when La Valencia opened as a hotel marketed as an undiscovered “jewel”, offering the quintessential Californian getaway for Hollywood’s elite.
You can totally imagine ladies dressed in butterflied sleeves and skirts cut on the bias watching the sunset with Frank Sinatra songs wafting in the background.
Fast-forward to the 40s and Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire open the historic La Jolla Playhouse and spend their evenings drinking in La Valencia’s famous Whaling Bar. You can literally feel the history oozing from the Mediterranean-style airy lobby and appreciate why stars like the Kardashians and Steven Tyler keep coming back to the graceful terraced gardens and lively bars.
So what makes this “classically vintage” stay so outstanding instead of dated? The 114 rooms are of six-star standard (thanks to a 2014 renovation), plus the considerate staff, the lush tropical foliage and tranquil fountains may have something to do with it.
Be stayed in a Villa King Ocean view: a 425 square feet apartment looking over the palm tree dotted coastline. The veranda looks over a the flower-accented salt water pool and sea. It's truly a beautiful-sight-everywhere-you-look scenario.
The extensive amenities like Frette linens, down doonas, European toiletries and lofty ceilings with exposed wooden beams tell a tale of sophistication and indulgence.
Lap up the Mediterranean-style architecture and an unforgettable pink hues as the afternoon sun hits the vintage rooms. If you’re after something more modern La V (as the staff lovingly call her) offers the Icon Suite collection (including the Sky, Pacific and La Valencia signature suites).
La V’s signature great room, THE MED ocean view restaurant, will make you gasp with their sunset view on the terrace.
You can even bring your pup!
Or eat inside on custom carved chairs in front of the Spanish tiled fireplace. There are so many nooks to enjoy after your meal. Order the hotel’s signature drink The Pink Lady at the La Sala Lounge with its grand piano, live music and floor-to-ceiling windows of the sweeping Pacific.
People know the chic property as "The Pink Lady of La Jolla" but the cute nickname is not due to it's California sunset hue.
It's only had its trademarked pink shade since the 50's - the Pink Lady moniker actually comes from a Spanish tile mosaic in the garden.
The artwork of a beautiful Spanish woman in a pink frock has stood on the property since 1928 and has remained undamaged all this time - no doubt gazing over thousands of stunning sunsets.
Location is another calling card for La V - it's just steps away from high-end shopping, fine dining, and, of course, the beach.
Here's what to do when staying at La Valencia:
Children's Pool
A small turquoised-coloured bay was intended as a swimming hole for little kids but, in the winter, the sand is covered by seals seeking shelter to raise their pups - a divine outing.
Seven Sea Caves
One of La Jolla's famous landmarks. You can kayak, swim or snorkel there or head to Sunny Jim Cave - the only known ad access cave on the Cali coast.
Legends Gallery
Dr. Seuss was one of La Jolla's most famous locals and he wrote his children's books right here. Discover the Secret Art of Dr. Seuss at the gallery for free!
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
More than 60 tanks of colourful marine life on show. Reefs, and sharks and jellyfish, oh my!
