Rancho Bernardo Inn
"How did it strike you on arrival?Located in a quiet suburb 30 miles north of downtown San Diego, the Rancho Bernardo Inn is ideal—if you don't mind staying put. (There's not much going on in the area.) It's a sprawling resort with Spanish Colonial-style buildings and gardens throughout. Though it looks a little dated, the Inn is proper enough that you could bring your parents, while feeling casual and lived-in, like you could let the kids run around. What’s the crowd like?The Inn is popular with couples, families with young kids, groups of friends, and golf buddies. On to the big stuff: Tell us about the rooms.Rooms are large and most of them feature either a balcony or patio. The furniture is more traditional than trendy—think beige walls, wood accents, and leather reading chairs. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?If you’re looking for a stocked mini-bar, you’ll have to look elsewhere: Only an empty fridge awaits you. But if it’s caffeine you’re craving, the in-room Keurig awaits. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are decidedly simple, but we dig the L'Occitane bath products. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Hopefully you weren't expecting free Wi-Fi. There's a daily $29 fee that includes amenities like Wi-Fi, in-room bottled water, a daily newspaper, and a bottle of house wine. Prepare to pay for parking as well—$30 for overnight self-parking or $35 for the valet option. Room service: What are we looking at here?Room service can be ordered through the Rancho Bernardo smartphone app, where you text a virtual butler for "Inn" room dining. (Get it?) The menu, from the Inn’s Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, is simple (buttermilk pancakes, fish tacos, burgers) but tasty. How did you find the staff?Overall the staff is friendly and helpful in accommodating specific needs. Any other cool features we didn't ask about yet?Make time for the excellent spa, which has special outdoor treatment rooms in a garden setting, plus a private pool. If getting pampered isn’t your thing, the 18-hole Championship golf course is popular and has hosted PGA and LPGA events. What was most memorable about your stay?You'll feel completely secluded from the outside world, transported to a place where airplane noise and traffic are swapped with stillness and fresh air. The best part is spending your day roaming the well-manicured grounds. It's as if you're staying in a botanical garden. Bottom line: What are we coming here for?The Rancho Bernardo Inn falls somewhere between five-star luxury and hotel chain convenience, making it accessible for most travelers." - Archana Ram
