La Jollas Coastal Jewel Hilton Torrey Pines

La Jollas Coastal Jewel, Hilton Torrey
Pines


La Jollas Coastal Jewel, Hilton Torrey Pines

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La Jolla Torrey Pines Hilton Hotel in Southern California is the ultimate place to
experience perfection. It is San Diego's premier destination for hospitality, dining,
recreation, meetings and banquet facilities. I know, because my weekend stay at this
magnificent property was absolutely, positively perfect.

The hotel is perched atop Southern California's spectacular coastline, overlooking the
legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course. As we turned off the freeway and entered the only
pine-covered hillock for miles along the coast, my husband and I were filled with an
anticipatory excitement. We would be vacationing at the same playground that will host
the U.S. Open in 2008 and recently hosted the Buick Open last February 14, 2004.

The valet quickly helped us with our bags and golf clubs. I gazed at the large portico
entrance that was decorated by a multitude of flowering Impatience plants. The hanging
baskets cascaded abundantly with the bright colors of fucia and red. It was an auspicious
beginning. The afternoon sun warmed the tiny flowers, and a welcoming fragrance
greeted our arrival. I had a feeling we were about to experience the perfection in
hospitality that is savored by the crme de la crme.

As we walked into the large and elegant lobby we stopped and gazed through a massive
picture window that revealed below us a beautiful hotel pool with the Pacific Ocean as
its backdrop. It was perfectly placed. The sun was just beginning to set and a golden
misted light poured invitingly through the lobby window. My husband grabbed my hand
and squeezed it with excitement. We paused and took in the pleasure of this magnificent
sight before us. Charged with excitement and anticipation, we quickly registered for our
room. We couldn't wait to explore the landscape and the legacy of this Four Diamond
Hilton Resort. What other pleasurable displays of perfection awaited us?

It didn't take us long to find our next discovery of perfection. It was our elegant suite
overlooking the 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. A beautiful basket of wine, fruit
and cheeses awaited us. We poured ourselves a glass of red wine and relaxed on one of
the two suite patios. We raised our glasses and toasted the golden moments of the
spectacular sunset that glistened before us. It was picture perfect!

This moment perfected the true meaning of ultimate hospitality. Our room was
beautifully appointed with shuttered doors that separated the bedroom from the living
area. We had two 27-inch TVs with on-demand movies, video games, and
complimentary CNN, ESPN and HBO. We had access to high speed Internet, two dual-
line speaker phones with voice mail, data ports and conference capabilities. There was
a large work desk that I was very grateful I didn't need to use. But I was thankful that I
could luxuriate in the plush bathrobes that made me feel perfectly cozy and relaxed.

The amenities in our room were more than perfect. But it was the bed that won the
awards for making our sleep a perfect heaven, with state-of-the-art Suite Dream
Mattress and box springs with the super-topper mattress pad, central weigh down
comforter, touch-of-down pillows, and a comfortable bolster pillow. We had two
perfect nights of sleep because of Hilton's new concept in travel, assisting all their
guests with the assurance and desire for a healthy lifestyle. A perfect night's sleep is
perfectly priceless, especially when the next few days of our vacation were spent
golfing, hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve, or exploring the resort community of La
Jolla.

Did I mention that La Jolla has some of the best shopping, restaurants and museums?
Energized with our great night's sleep, we enjoyed the glorious majestic coastline of
sandstone cliffs, searching for sea shells on the beach, and even hiking trails rewarding
us with perfect scenery and exercise.

But it was our dining experience at the Hilton's Torreyana Grille and Lounge that rivaled
the meaning of the word perfection.

We started out with the Dungeness Crab Cakes served over Baby Mach with Tamarind
Chili Sauce and Mango Puree. This savory delight was followed by their Local Baby
Spinach and Arugula Salad with California Blue Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Sundried
Strawberries, Red Onions and Toasted Pine Nuts. But it was our entres that were
prepared to perfection. I enjoyed the succulent Pan Seared Veal Loin Medallions with
Dijon mustard and Vermouth Sauce. My husband, Steve, feasted upon the Colorado Rack
of Lamb, Pan Roasted Double Chops, crusted with honey mustard and fresh herbs with
Merlot au jus.

Our meal was made more perfect because the "Chef de Cuisine", Joe Saldana, came to
our table and extended his generous hospitality to us. He exuded great love for his
profession, his restaurant, and his guests. The very art of providing fine cuisine and
making something delicious is one of the greatest civilized acts of love. Chef Joe
Saldana has mastered this art to perfection.

Besides offering a the most perfect gourmet dining experience, the Torreyana Grille
hosted a "Mixed Media" exhibition, curated by StudioGallery. The exhibition offered the
Hilton's guests, art collectors, and art lovers a wide variety of works that featured local,
national, and international, young, and emerging, as well as established artists. One of
my favorites was Amy Lindquist who featured her art as mixed media on canvas.

Amy is quoted as saying, "Life is happening at a rapid pace, yet calmness and belonging
is always found. I will never stop believing in the goodness of life, the truth. There is
always hope and a knowing of grace and things to come. To look beyond and see, to look
beyond and feel, to look beyond and know we are never alone. It is the simplicity of
quiet that brings introspection and integrity of mind. I see things differently because of
what I remember in moments, in shadows, in colors or maybe gestures. I see beyond the
surface and into the depth. Painting captures my spirit in the doing, in that I find freedom,
in the sharing I find acceptance." Amy Lindquist's paintings were yet another
demonstration of the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines perfecting the art of hospitality.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the grand and spacious new banquet facility that the
general manager, Stephen Gold, oversaw to completion in 2003. The architecture blends
its perfect harmony with the undulating curves and pristine views of the Torrey Pines
property. The banquet rooms take your breath away with their beautiful dcor and
inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and golf course.

The hotel also provides 26,000 sq. ft. of function space in 21 rooms to accommodate up
to 1,500 people and over 17,000 square feet of flexible outdoor function space. But it is
without a doubt that Mr. Gold's 6,203-square-foot Fairway Pavilion Ballroom
overlooking the 18th fairway of Torrey Pines Golf Course is unsurpassed in banquet and
meeting facilities.

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Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Editor Read Jetsetters Magazine at
www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at
www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at
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About the author
Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in
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