San Diego, California, has no shortage of boutique hotels. But for a glamorous getaway that hearkens back to a bygone era, head to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Rich with storied history, the Inn has hosted Hollywood legends such as Bing Crosby, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford, and is celebrating its 100th anniversary and a multi-million property-wide refresh.
From the moment you arrive at The Inn, you feel a sense of luxurious tranquility—perhaps it’s the towering eucalyptus trees, the sound of soft laughter from Bing’s Bar, or the enticing heated, art deco-style saltwater pool that’s just waiting for you to lounge beside it, a cocktail in your hand. As you wander the property’s eleven verdant acres, you feel the history of the resort, which is tucked into beautiful, rolling hills in the heart of horse country and features a social fire pit, croquet lawn, and access to world-class golf and tennis facilities, not to mention hot air balloon rides.
After walking past the lobby, you enter the hotel’s centerpiece courtyard, where plants and a fountain invoke a sense of calm. Inspired by the history and timeless glamour of its Silver Screen heritage, The Inn has undergone a full reimagination from award-winning designer Steve Hermann and interior designer Nina Chiappa.
The 85 reimagined suites, bungalows, and residences—featuring a deep green and white color scheme accented with natural wood—feel like your own movie-star home. Accommodations welcome with unparalleled vintage luxury devoted to lavish comfort, curated with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces from around the world. The open floor plans, plush premium bedding, custom Calcutta marble sinks, Le Labo toiletries, and private outdoor spaces are sophisticated, some featuring soaking tubs, fireplaces, wet bars, and kitchens.
Top Takeaways
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, California
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Ultra luxe glam reminiscent of a bygone era
Food + Drink: Bing’s Bar’s timeless and classic aesthetic feels like a speakeasy with a wood-burning fireplace, exposed beams, and herringbone oak floors. Lilian’s, named for the property architect, Lilian Rice, is a culinary destination where Chef Moira Hill uses only the freshest, most sustainable ingredients purveyed by area farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. The menu pays homage to coastal California, with dishes such as the Crispy Skin Monterey Bay King Salmon served with artichoke heart puree, lentil salad, shaved fennel, and a local citrus slaw. Lilian’s walls are covered with emerald-hued treillage, a form of latticework that epitomizes vintage Hollywood glamour, and complemented by custom-crafted stained-glass windows that infuse the space with light. Separate from the restaurant, the hotel also has a pool bar.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: Mila Moursi, esthetician to the stars, opened her first-ever hotel partnership with the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The Mila Mousi Spa offers a serene respite with the newest and highest-end treatments for the face and body.
What’s nearby? The rolling hills of North County San Diego are a playground for outdoor adventure, such as hiking, biking, or horseback riding through the area’s lush green spaces under towering eucalyptus trees. The charming Village of Rancho Santa Fe offers restaurants, boutiques, arts, and culture, and the area provides access to the San Diego area’s stunning beaches.
Amenities: Heated saltwater pool, tennis, golf, social fire pit, resort bicycles, croquet, pickleball, spa treatments guided by Mila Moursi, wellness classes on the property, coffee bar, destination restaurant, fitness center, cocktail bar.
Pricing: $785 is the starting nightly rate
Room count: 85 suites, bungalows, and residences
Closest Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
