Over the past four decades, I've stayed at La Valencia many times. When you wanted to be "in" La Jolla, there was no better central spot. It was always the "go to spot", but it has been a bit, since my last stay, but time, and the ocean salt air have not been kind to the property. It has deteriorated quite a bit.
I was a bit taken aback at how much and with some effort, how it could have been prevented or fixed. And I get it. Since Covid, good employees and available people, putting out their best every day, are tough to come by. Inflation has impacted every budget, but if it were me, I take a "team of ten", made up of plasterers, painters, plumbers, tile and stone craftsmen, groundskeepers and the maids and everyday address "an area". The place needs it. Outside our Villa, the grounds were a mess. Our patio was dirty. There was cracked and failing plaster in half a dozen spots. Additionally, our mattress was the worst we've ever slept on. The shower flow was pitiful and the shower had moldy grout. And the elevators, are seemingly hanging on by threads. They take forever and if you are in a villa, you need them or plan on some bionic hikes up sketchy steps. Now, the staff, was great. The food and drink were good. The views are fantastic.
La Valenica is a special place, so hopefully ownership will give management the tools to make it great again...
