Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa

Reviews by definition are biased. However, comparing Rancho Valencia and the Grand Fairmont the 2 top luxury resorts in San Diego, keeps things a little clearer. Facility: both are equal, but different,-Rancho is spread out villa style and Grand more traditional large hotel; Service- both excellent, but Rancho is more personal, where everyone knows your name; Amenities- Grand a clear winner, with children area's and adult only areas ; Food- this is a no contest, Rancho is more diversified, better prepared and less costly; Spa- Grand has a much nicer facility and more complete separate women and men area's. The quality of messages and treatments however, are equal; Golf - Grand has an onsite course, Rancho offer 2 excellent private courses, however, scheduling is through a 3rd party, so convenience and practice makes Grand the better choice. Overall- Rancho, and by a nose. Grand should be the winner, but the huge difference in food and a slight difference in service, cannot overcome the bigger better , more luxurious Grand Fairmont.

We visited Rancho Valencia to celebrate our friends’ 26th wedding anniversary and arranged with the reception team, specifically Calvin, to cover the meal as a surprise. Unfortunately, the restaurant team was not informed, and a bill was presented to our friends, who ended up paying for their own dinner. I had to leave the table to resolve the issue, which took 15 minutes and disrupted the evening. Despite assurances that the charge would be reversed and a goodwill offer to remove the champagne cost, neither was handled properly. I had to follow up multiple times, only to receive conflicting information and inconsistent billing. For a luxury property, this lack of communication and accountability was disappointing. What should have been a memorable evening became a frustrating ordeal. Sadly, I cannot recommend Rancho Valencia based on this experience.

My husband and I stayed in The Valencia Suite and it did not disappoint! We appreciated every thoughtful detail including the handwritten note and celebratory champagne and strawberries congratulating us on our wedding anniversary. The room had every comfort we could imagine and we really enjoyed the indoor and outdoor fireplaces and private spa. It was the romantic get-away we were hoping for and more! Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa has the most attentive staff and best amenities, including The Pony Room restaurant (I recommend eggs benedict w/ lobster for breakfast!). Highly recommend!!

Rancho Valencia is an elite Southern California resort and spa for a reason; the grounds are beautiful, the rooms luxurious, and the spa and tennis are 1st class, but it’s the genuine, lovely, and friendly people who work at RV that set it far above and beyond other “5-Star” resorts in California.

It is one of the nicest place we have stayed . We have stayed Greenbrier, The Cloister , Montage, , this is at par

From the moment we arrived at Rancho Valencia, we were enveloped in unmatched luxury and comfort. The rooms were a cozy haven with plush bedding and warm fireplaces, and housekeeping delighted us with thoughtful touches like neatly wrapped laptop cords and restocking the complimentary in room snacks with our favorites. Our mornings were magical, walking through the beautifully manicured grounds and exploring the culinary garden where they grow ingredients used in the dining room. Eating berries straight off the vine and visiting the ranch chickens were such treats! Dining was a joy with attentive servers who made sure I had plenty of gluten-free options and added a special touch to our meals knowing we were celebrating our honeymoon. The spa pool was another highlight, with its perfectly heated water and ultra-comfortable lounge chairs, complemented by friendly staff. The spa experience itself was sublime—the hydro circuit was phenomenal, and lounging by the fireplace with tea before our treatments set a tranquil mood. My massage, complete with aromatherapy, was one of the best I've ever had, and the luxurious touch of a heated robe waiting post-treatment was perfect. We even attended a sound healing class in the beautifully designed yoga room that enhanced our relaxing post wedding weekend. We can’t wait to come back for another spa day or an anniversary and to relive this exquisite experience!