Estancia Commences $4.8M in Renovations

Less than a year after Irvine-based Pacific Hospitality Group purchased the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa at for an undisclosed price, major renovations have begun. On Monday, construction workers started the $4.8 million renovation, which is expected to take two months.

Renovations include guestroom upgrades and a complete enhancement of the spa. Rooms will have a rancho-coastal design with a “sophisticated California” color palette of sunset golds, navy and pops of harvest orange. Guestrooms will have new carpets, drapes, linens, pillows, robes, custom headboards, custom lounge chairs, artwork, and other furnishings.

Estancia’s spa will close Dec. 23 through Jan. 16. However, it will continue to offer spa treatment options. Guests can book treatments through the resort at nearby spas and have a town car shuttle them off to pampering appointments.

Renovations at the spa include the creation of a couple’s bungalow for treatments with a soaking tub and fireplace. New interior features include new drapery, new linens, new lighting fixtures and Moroccan accents that bring the outside in to the spa space.

“The biggest change since the new owner is the $4.8 million renovation,” said Terry Buchholz, general manager at Estancia. “Our culture and service has not changed.”

Buchholz, whose been with Estancia since 2005, is outwardly excited about the renovations. His team helped plan or select with nearly every planned upgrade.

Built in 2004, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa has made Conde Nast Travelers “Hot List” and well as awarded AAA's prestigious Four-Diamond Award.

Buchholz explained that construction will be phased and all interior. Construction will not interfere with a guest’s experience.

Estancia’s architect and interior designer is A.C. Atherton of Laguna Beach and its general contractor is San Diego-based Lombardi Contracting Corp.

Estancia La Jolla has 210 guest rooms, three restaurants and lounges, an 8,000-square-foot spa, and 26,000 square feet of meeting space. The property features Spanish hacienda-style architecture with native gardens, courtyards and outdoor space across the 10-acre property. It will host 86 weddings in 2012 and averages a 77 percent occupancy rate. Many of its guests are visiting UC San Diego and many of the research institutes on Torrey Pines.