Voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has been named one of the Top 25 Hotels in Southern California in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, according to Condé Nast Traveler. The honor places The Inn among the best hotels in San Diego and the region, chosen not by a panel but by travelers themselves.

We are grateful. Every vote came from someone who walked the brick paths, stayed in a bungalow or shared a table at Lilian’s. This one belongs to them.

What Are the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards?

The Readers’ Choice Awards are Condé Nast Traveler’s annual ranking of the world’s best hotels, resorts, cities and destinations, voted on by its readers. It is one of the longest-running and most closely watched honors in travel.

What sets it apart is who decides. The rankings reflect the experiences of real travelers, not paid placement or an editorial short list. When a hotel makes the list, it means guests went home and remembered it.

Why The Inn Made the List

Guests do not vote for a hotel because of a single amenity. They vote for how a place made them feel. At The Inn, that comes down to a few things.

A setting that feels like a private estate. Ivy-covered bungalows line brick paths. Citrus groves and rolling hills surround the grounds. Many bungalows open onto a private terrace, and outdoor fireplaces warm the evenings. It feels less like a hotel and more like a home of your own.

History you can feel. The Inn has welcomed guests to Rancho Santa Fe for generations, including Bing Crosby, whose name lives on at Bing’s Bar. That heritage shows up in the details, not in a museum case.

Days that fill themselves. Pool time beneath green-and-white striped umbrellas. Tennis, Pickleball & Pilates and B Santé Fitness classes outdoors. Live music at Bing’s. Mahjong Mondays. Horseback rides and visits to Coastal Roots Farm. Many experiences are complimentary.

Mila Moursi Spa. Steam, sauna and cold plunge, followed by treatments that make the whole trip feel restorative.

A table worth the trip. Seasonal dinners on the brick patio at Lilian’s, a slow lunch at The Café and a nightcap at Bing’s Bar. Dining here is part of the stay, not a break from it.

Coast access without the crowds. The Inn sits about ten minutes from the beach in Del Mar, close enough for a beach day through the Inn Beach Club and far enough to feel removed from it all.

One of the Best Hotels in San Diego, Just Inland From the Coast

San Diego has no shortage of beautiful hotels. Most of them sit on a busy stretch of coast in La Jolla, Del Mar or downtown. The Inn offers something different: a luxury resort in North County San Diego with the space and quiet of the countryside and the beach still minutes away.

That combination is what travelers searching for the best hotels in San Diego often want and rarely find. Sunny afternoons a few degrees warmer than the beach. Evenings by the fire. A spa, a restaurant and a full calendar of experiences without ever needing the car.

For couples, it is a romantic escape. For families, it is room to spread out. For anyone who has stayed in a crowded beach hotel, it is a welcome change of pace.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What award did The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe win?

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe was named one of the Top 25 Hotels in Southern California in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. The ranking is based on votes from Condé Nast Traveler readers.

What are the best hotels in San Diego?

The best hotels in San Diego range from beachfront resorts in La Jolla and Del Mar to boutique hotels downtown. For travelers who want space, quiet and easy beach access, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in North County is a top choice. It was named one of the Top 25 Hotels in Southern California by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2026.

What is the best luxury resort in North County San Diego?

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is one of North County San Diego’s most iconic luxury resorts. Guests stay in ivy-covered bungalows surrounded by citrus groves, with Mila Moursi Spa, Lilian’s restaurant and a full calendar of experiences on property.

How far is The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe from the beach?

The Inn is about ten minutes from the beach in Del Mar. Guests can book the Inn Beach Club for an easy day on the sand, then return to the quiet of Rancho Santa Fe.

Is The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe good for a romantic getaway?

Yes. Private bungalows with terraces, outdoor fireplaces, couples’ treatments at Mila Moursi Spa and dinner at Lilian’s make The Inn one of the most romantic hotels in San Diego.

Is The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe family friendly?

Yes. The Inn offers spacious accommodations, a pool, tennis and outdoor activities, plus easy access to beaches and attractions across San Diego County.

What makes The Inn different from hotels in La Jolla or Del Mar?

The Inn trades the busy coastline for a private, estate-like setting just inland. Guests get warmer afternoons, quieter evenings and more space, while still being minutes from the beaches of Del Mar and a short drive from La Jolla.

Where can I read the full Condé Nast Traveler list?

The full 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards list for Southern California hotels is published on Condé Nast Traveler.

Thank You for Recognizing The Inn

This honor came from the people who know The Inn best. Thank you for noticing the little details: the ivy on the bungalows, the fire on a cool night, the table that always feels like it was saved for you.

Come see what readers are talking about. Plan your stay.