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Possessed of an old-world European flair that's more London or Georgetown than seaside La Jolla, the Grande Colonial earned accolades for the complete restoration in 2001 of its polished mahogany paneling, brass fittings, and genteel library and lounge. During the original heyday of the La Jolla Playhouse, it was the temporary home for everyone from Groucho Marx to Jane Wyatt. Today, a large spray of fresh flowers is the focal point in the lounge, where guests gather in front of the fireplace for drinks -- often before enjoying dinner at the hotel's Nine-Ten restaurant. Guest rooms are quiet and elegantly appointed, with beautiful draperies and traditional furnishings. The hotel is 1 block from the ocean, but many rooms have sea views. The guest rooms have thoughtful amenities; terry robes are available on request. Relics from the early days include oversize closets and meticulously tiled bathrooms. Numerous historic photos on the walls illustrate the hotel's fascinating story, which started as a full-service apartment hotel in 1913. Among La Jolla's mini-horde of deluxe properties, the Grande Colonial is often overlooked. In fact, the centrally located hotel is a sleeper that provides comparatively good value.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.