Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla is one of the most convenient and spacious hotels in the University Town Center area of San Diego. This all-suite hotel works for leisure and business travelers, especially for anyone visiting the University of California, San Diego, as it’s only about one mile from campus.
Plus, with its proximity to the seaside towns of La Jolla, guests are in an excellent location to explore the best of San Diego—from sunny beaches to hiking trails at Torrey Pines. So, is Embassy Suites truly the best hotel for your visit, and what can you expect if you stay here?
As a longtime resident and travel expert, I’ll help you learn everything you need to know before you book your stay and why guests might choose Embassy Suites La Jolla over comparable hotels in the area.
Note from Katie: We independently choose all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned are popular with our readers or ones we think offer the best value. If you book through select links, we may earn a commission and appreciate you supporting our business. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
I don’t have a preferred way to book this hotel so here are some choices. You can use the Hilton Honors discount and book directly or use your favorite online travel site. Sometimes, it’s available as part of a vacation package bundled with local theme parks.
4550 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
WHAT I LOVE
- Location across the street from what is now arguably San Diego’s best mall and entertainment area — Westfield UTC
- An all-suite hotel that won’t break the bank
- Convenient to UCSD Medical Center and nearby businesses
- Close to several beaches, attractions, and things to do in La Jolla
- Complimentary evening reception with drinks and made-to-order breakfast
- Outdoor fire pits for lounging on colder nights
- Eligible for earning and redeeming Hilton Honors Points
GOOD TO KNOW
- I would request a quiet room on a higher floor as the street in front is busy.
- Pets are allowed for a fee (up to two pets, dogs and cats only).
- Approximately 20 minutes away from San Diego International Airport (no shuttle service available).
- Self-parking in a private garage for a fee; no valet service is available.
- Bedrooms have two double beds (six-person occupancy) or a king bed (four-person occupancy), and a sofa sleeper in the living area.
- Avis has a car rental desk in the hotel lobby.
- It’s not a very scenic area and near the I-805 freeway intersection
It’s Not Really Located in La Jolla (But Close)
One really major thing to understand, which is partially explained by the “San Diego La Jolla” in the hotel’s official name, is that the hotel is not technically located in La Jolla. It’s in a San Diego zip code. We residents call it the UTC area since it is close to Westfield UTC shopping mall. UTC stands for University Towne Center, and the main street is called La Jolla Village Drive, which makes people assume it’s a La Jolla neighborhood when it’s not.
However, the drive to the La Jolla Shores takes about 15 minutes and it’s a bit further to reach the Village of La Jolla, our downtown area. You also have easy access from here to two major freeways, the I-5 and I-805, which makes sightseeing around the rest of San Diego a breeze.
Guest Rooms and Suites
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla is a moderately sized hotel with twelve floors and 340 suites, which were last fully renovated in 2008. Each suite has two rooms (except for the La Jolla Suite which has two full bedrooms and a separate living area) and can comfortably sleep four to six guests with either a king bed or two doubles plus a sofa bed.
All suites come with two 50-inch TVs (one per room), complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini refrigerator, a microwave, wooden furniture, and granite countertops and vanities. Guests can also expect the standard Hilton amenities, including air conditioning, an iron/ironing board, a hair dryer, a coffee maker, and bath products.
Likewise, all stays come with complimentary made-to-order breakfast (usually an omelet bar and buffet) and evening receptions and drinks. It’s worth noting that none of the rooms have a balcony, though some of the premium and executive suites on the higher floors have better views. To see more scenery in La Jolla, it’s probably better to look at hotels with a balcony or terrace.
Accessible rooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla include the following:
- King suite with bathtub or roll-in shower: mobility accessible
- King suite: hearing accessible
- Two double bed suites with roll-in shower: mobility accessible
Two-Room Suites
The standard suite at this hotel is 507 square feet and sleeps up to four guests with a king bed in the bedroom and a sofa sleeper in the living area. Embassy Suites offers a double bed option that accommodates up to six guests, which is slightly larger at 537 square feet.
The hotel’s website also advertises premium king and double suite versions. They’re essentially the same as the standard suites, but the premium ones are on the higher floors and come with complimentary snacks and beverages (replenished daily).
Moreover, Embassy Suites La Jolla offers a corner premium suite with a king bed, which is 617 square feet and has a larger living room. All two-room suites have one bathroom.
Executive Suites
The executive suite is more spacious, with 688 square feet, and has one king bed, accommodating up to four guests. This extra space comes with a larger L-shaped couch, dining table for six, wood flooring, a personal workspace, and more amenities, including a wet bar and premium coffee machine.
Similar to the standard two-room suites, guests can opt for an executive suite on a premium floor to get a better view and complimentary snacks and beverages.
La Jolla Suite
The La Jolla Suite (also called the Presidential Suite) is the hotel’s largest accommodation at 1,175 square feet. It features two separate bedrooms (each with a king and its own bathroom) and a living and dining area. The larger sofa bed and two king-sized bedrooms can comfortably sleep six guests.
Like the executive suite, the La Jolla Suite has independent living and dining areas with similar amenities, furniture, flooring, and space in general. However, the La Jolla Suite is situated on the highest floor, allowing guests to soak in the best views the hotel has to offer with more room to spare.
Dining at Embassy Suites La Jolla
As previously mentioned, all guests can enjoy complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening receptions for the duration of their stay. Room service is also available for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Sunday or until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Embassy Suites La Jolla has an on-site eatery, Indulge Restaurant and Lounge. It is also within walking distance of P.F. Chang’s and the many restaurants at Westfield UTC mall across the street.
Indulge Restaurant and Lounge
Indulge Restaurant and Lounge is a casual eatery that serves American/continental cuisine. Located on the first floor across from the lobby, this restaurant has indoor seating, a full bar, several TVs, and an outdoor patio with firepits. Guests can visit the lounge in the evening for the complimentary reception and drinks, and the breakfast buffet next door in the morning.
Nearby Restaurants
Guests staying at Embassy Suites La Jolla are within walking distance of quite a few restaurants, namely P.F. Chang’s, which is right next door. Likewise, the mall is on the other side of La Jolla Village Dr. (just across the street) and has a little bit of everything, including Seasons 52, Starbucks, Shake Shack, Din Tai Fung, Haidilao, and more.
Hotel Amenities
Embassy Suites La Jolla has the typical Hilton hotel amenities, including a 24/7 fitness center, concierge, laundry service, streaming TV, and EV charging. In addition, this hotel has an indoor pool and an Avis Car Rental agency located on the property.
Indoor Pool
As mentioned in my list of best San Diego hotel pools, this is one of the only indoor pools in San Diego. This is important for those who rely on swimming for exercise. Guests can use the swimming pool at Embassy Suites La Jolla year-round since it’s indoors and heated. It’s large enough for lap swimming, though this might be difficult with too many guests or children using it simultaneously. The hotel also has a whirlpool with a protected terrace and lounge chairs outside, which is accessible through the pool area.
Fitness Center
The fitness center is located next to the indoor pool.. It’s relatively small but still has everything guests need to exercise, including personal weights, a few treadmills, an elliptical, and Precor Cardio Theater machines, among other equipment.
Special Events
Embassy Suites La Jolla has approximately 4,300 square feet of event space and eleven meeting rooms, the largest being the Indulge outdoor patio (1,872 square feet) and Embassy Ballroom (1,600 square feet). It also has a business center with free Wi-Fi access.
The hotel can accommodate up to 200 guests for practically any event, including conferences, banquets, weddings, and more. Staff at Embassy Suites can also assist with planning, catering, and audio/visual needs.
Avis Car Rental
Embassy Suites La Jolla doesn’t offer shuttle services, but guests can rent or drop off a car at the Avis desk in the hotel lobby.
Surrounding Area and Attractions
Aside from the Westfield UTC shopping mall across the street, there are few attractions or landmarks within walking distance of Embassy Suites. Still, guests who rent or have access to a car have several options to explore the surrounding area, most of which are only ten to fifteen minutes away.
La Jolla Beaches
La Jolla is known for its beautiful beaches, with La Jolla Shores Beach being one of my personal favorites and the closest beach to the hotel. It’s about fifteen minutes away and has a kayak launch point, picnic spots, tons of local shops, and eateries, not to mention surfing lessons and cave tours. It’s the perfect spot for kids and adults alike to spend a day in the sun. I recommend reading my complete La Jolla beach guide to see which is best for your trip.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 1,500 acres of coastal land overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the best spots for hiking and spotting wildlife. With six main trails and free ranger tours, Torrey Pines is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in La Jolla if you love nature and ocean views. Drive time is also about
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Located in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood, Birch Aquarium is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in marine life. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography runs it and has several hands-on exhibits to connect with the surrounding environment, including opportunities to interact with the researchers.
University of California, San Diego
Whether you’re a parent of a prospective student or planning a trip to visit them, Embassy Suites La Jolla is a great place to stay because of its proximity to the school’s campus. UCSD is one mile from the hotel, so it’s less than a five-minute drive and a relatively short walk.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego, with eighteen museums, lush gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. While it’s a bit further from the hotel (about 11 miles), the drive time is only 16 minutes. You’ll hop on the I-805 freeway right next to the hotel.
I-805 Freeway Tips
The area right near the hotel can be trafficky at rush hour in the late afternoon. You may want to hop on the I-5 freeway instead which is a few blocks in the other direction. Use an app like Waze to advise you.
Staying at Embassy Suites La Jolla with Kids
Families staying at Embassy Suites La Jolla have plenty to explore around the area, but the hotel doesn’t have much for children besides feeding the koi fish in the lobby. The two-room suites make it easier for everyone to spread out and find some privacy, but I recommend spending more time exploring La Jolla than in the hotel if you’re bringing kids. In addition to the previously mentioned attractions, La Jolla Cove is another excellent spot for kids as it’s home to our sea lions and our resident harbour seals are just down the way. You can also refer to my list of activities in San Diego for kids.
Unique Features and Design
Embassy Suites by Hilton La Jolla San Diego has a few notable features and design elements that distinguish it from other hotels in the area, such as:
- Koi Pond: Upon entering the hotel lobby, guests are greeted with a large atrium, beautiful plants and greenery, and a koi fish pond with a waterfall. Guests can normally ask the front desk for treats to give the fish.
- Two-Room Suites: It’s a nice touch that all stays come with two rooms per suite, allowing everyone to spread out and have some space to themselves.
- Complimentary Breakfast and Evening Reception: It’s hard to beat a free, made-to-order breakfast and two drinks for adults in the lounge.
- Central Location: Embassy Suites La Jolla is in the heart of the University Town Center neighborhood, providing guests with close access to several attractions, restaurants, and things to do in the area.
Events and Activities
Embassy Suites by Hilton La Jolla San Diego doesn’t host any recurring events or major special activities, though it benefits from several others in the area. For instance, the annual Farmers Insurance Open is held in January at Torrey Pines Golf Course, just a few minutes away, which was also the venue for the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open Championship. Additionally, UCSD periodically holds several events on campus every semester, including sports matches, visual art shows, and theater and dance performances. These events can cause the hotel to sell out or price high.
Who Chooses Embassy Suites San Diego La Jolla?
The people who choose this hotel usually do so because:
- They are Hilton Honors members and want a reasonably priced all suite hotel.
- It’s near the world-class UCSD Medical Center so easy to visit patients or stay there if receiving treatment.
- You have access to a lot of restaurants, convenience and fun across the street at Westfield UTC.
- They are business travelers with meetings at nearby companies.
- You want to be near students or events at UC San Diego’s main campus.
- There’s no need to stay in the heart of a tourist area (if you want to stay in La Jolla proper, see my list of favorite hotels)
- You really need an indoor pool for exercise.
