La Valencia Hotel–A Return to Sanity
Today is Saturday, and if the world’s events are just too much to deal with, or if you’d just rather deal with them whilst enjoying a respite in friendly and civilized locale… Why not spend a day or two at La Valencia Hotel in beautiful La Jolla?
Now there is certainly a lot wrong with things in the People’s Republic of California. However, the cool air coming off of the Pacific ocean as you enjoy a meal, drink or an afternoon coffee from the seaview terrace isn’t one of them.
Don’t know about your tastes in architecture, but steel and glass hotels just don’t move me. Have spent many nights on business trips in those upscale, ultra-modern icons to post-modern sensibilities. Most have that contrived business conference environment, just a bit on the clinical side.
La Valenicia, on the other hand, with its classic Spanish architecture, including generous wrought iron railing, Mexican pavers on balconies and floors and an old world flavor in lamps and other decor, is a literally a step back in time, to the 1920s or even before, in both look and feel.
It’s just as easy to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the patio listening to the relaxing vibe of a singer reimagining soft hits of the 70s and 80s as it is to take in a latte or two whilst catching up on that novel you’ve been meaning to read.
A cocktail or two in the bar is not out of order, nor is a dinner in the Mediterranean restaurant. The menu is sufficient because what it offers is prepared to perfection. No particular recommendation is needed because you know your tastes. Whether you choose to indulge in the spontaneity of trying something new or revel in the comfort of a steak done just the way you like it, the Mediterranean delivers.
Of course, a stroll around the town is a mandate at some point, with plenty of places to pick up that must-have article of clothing, and eat and drink to satisfy all tastes. What’s more, the town itself is eminently walkable.
Lastly, but not least, there is always the sea. A two-minute (or less) jaunt from the hotel and you’re down the stairs, enjoying the sand, the skindiving and the barking, and highly entertaining sea lions, which are a fixture on La Jolla beaches.
Having recently spent a well-deserved and much-needed night and day away from the world, every moment at La Valencia was a pleasantly calm and regenerative, enhanced by the aisance de l’ame that only seems to manifest itself when one is away from the daily trials, trivialities and trespasses of daily life.
Do your best in life, but also do your level best to take time away from it all, if only for a day or two, and La Valencia is the perfect place to do just that.
