"How did it strike you on arrival?Modeled after the famed Gamble and Blacker houses of Pasadena, this cliffside Craftsman-style resort looms large. The decor is dark and heavy, with brick, stone, and wood beams. Even though it clocks in at six and a half acres, The Lodge still manages to feel cozy. What’s the crowd like?It's a hit with golfers, families, and couples, especially those celebrating a special occasion. Design geeks will love it, too—the resort nods to architects Charles and Henry Greene, furniture maker Gustav Stickley, and textile designer William Morris. On to the big stuff: Tell us about your room.Suites are as large as 2,000 square feet—and have special features like walk-on access to the 18th green of the Torrey Pines Golf Course—but even regular guest rooms start from 520 square feet and have walk-in closets. Decor feels very California cabin—think heavy woods, Tiffany-style lamps, and plush leather chairs paired with white linens and breezy balconies. You'll either have a view of the greens or the well-manicured courtyard. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed is comfortable, with Egyptian cotton linens. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Considering how good room service and the on-site restaurants are, we don't mind that the mini-bar options (chips, pretzels, standard alcohol) feel less than inspired. But we dig the complimentary shoe shine service. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are spacious, with separate soaking tubs and showers. Bath products come in The Lodge's signature sage lemongrass scent. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?Wi-Fi is free, free, free. Room service: What can we get here?Room service leans fancy, with things like a pesto quinoa with salsa verde and poached eggs ($17) sourced from a local farm. For lunch or dinner, don't miss the Drugstore Hamburger ($18 with fries or a salad), a gourmet riff on the old-school staple with just lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayo, and a soft steamed bun. How did you find the staff?Service is outstanding from top to bottom. Any other cool features we haven't asked about?It's worth talking about the resort's location on the 18th green of the South Course of the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course (even former president Barack Obama has played here). If you're here in January, you may spot the Farmers Insurance Open, and if you’re here in 2021, the U.S. Open. While the course is open to the public guests get preferred tee times and access to special packages. It's also just a few minutes' walk from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a 2,000-acre coastal park with many hiking trails. The Lodge hosts guided hikes there twice a day. After you've worked up an appetite, book a table at the resort's excellent A.R. Valentien restaurant, a small, wood-heavy, chandelier-strewn space serving high-end French-inspired dishes like chicken liver pâté, veal cheeks, and a 28-day dry-aged rib-eye. Bottom line: What are we staying here for?Rooms are spacious, the grounds are immaculate, and the vibe is serene. It's pricey, but they have the chops to back it up." - Archana Ram
