The luxury Rancho Valencia resort in Rancho Santa Fe placed seventh in the nation and first in California, on the annual U.S. News & World Report ranking of the nation’s best hotels.
The listing of the top 154 U.S. hospitality properties, released Jan. 31, also includes The Grand Del Mar in Carmel Valley at No. 13 and The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla at No. 141.
According to the U.S. News website, rankings were based on input from industry experts, in-house consultants and hotel guest reviews. Hotels were evaluated on criteria including amenities, service and décor.
The 49-suite Rancho Valencia, opened in 1989 and currently managed by Mill Valley-based Auberge Resorts, is now undergoing a $20 million renovation of villas and service areas, set for completion by summer.
— Lou Hirsh