Review of Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort and Spa in San Diego

This legendary Southern California golf resort (first opened in the 1960s) has--much like the sport of its namesake--undergone quite a few changes since the golden years of its inception. Located in a North County residential area (between Escondido and Downtown San Diego), the property underwent a renovation in 2007. It continues to enjoy its status as a top-tier luxury getaway and attractive business travel destination with LA residents and Southern Californians in general.

The fastest route to the Rancho Bernardo (about two hours and 20 minutes) is unfortunately via the California Interstate 5 freeway. Much of the drive is visually lackluster--even veering into drab and commercial terrain. It does, however, contribute to a crescendo effect as you arrive at the lovely resort which shines in comparison.

At the culmination of your trip, you will wind through a residential area that recalls LA’s Beverly Glen neighborhood. Finally the street ends at the Inn--a sequestered weekend getaway just give or take 20 minutes by car from the sights and sounds of San Diego. That’s a pro or a con, depending on what you hope to get out of your trip.

Though San Diego has nightlife, a famous zoo, and beaches, my vote is for staying at the Rancho Bernardo and enjoying its slow-paced luxurious beauty. One of my favorite parts of the Inn is the Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, which, as the name implies, offers tasty, simple eats on a balcony. Nothing says Medi-Cal like enjoying white truffle polenta and a pomegranate sangria near a fire pit.

Veranda was part of the 2007 remodel, as was the resort’s spa. The latter gained a pretty new garden accentuated by lavender plants, a patio, a saline pool, and outdoor cabana treatment rooms. Trust me, if you’ve ever taken a dip in a salt water pool, you will never go back to traditional chlorinated pools. The feeling during and after, is divine.

The 287 hotel rooms and 15 suites similarly underwent a redo in ’07. Rooms are comfortable and elegant in a style befitting California’s relaxed sensibility, without being over-the-top or fussy. Some rooms have very nice views of the green, so it’s a pleasure to sit out on your balcony in the morning with a cup of coffee in-hand enjoying the scenery.

The Rancho Bernardo attracts people from different arenas--some visiting on business, others there for a relaxed unplugged vacation getaway. When I was there, I didn’t see any kids--which doesn’t mean it’s not family-friendly. But the resort seemed to draw more of a ‘rekindling-the-sparks’ couples crowd. And the activities--truth be told--lend themselves more to adults (although Sea World is close by).

I really like the Italian villa decor of the Rancho Bernardo which seems most prevalent in its formal dining spot El Bizcocho and the lobby and reception areas. There are some stylistically classic West Coast preppie touches as well--like the bell-hops’ retro uniforms, which I really got a kick out of.

The Rancho Bernardo plays reverently with the balance between rustic Italian style and California casual ambiance to great effect. While I’ve seen some Southern California establishments falsely and garishly imitate European aesthetics, this resort retains authenticity with details like tiles and credenzas. At the same time it uses the undeniably pretty Southern California setting to complement those touches.

Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort and Spa

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128

858-675-8500