Voice calls are practically extinct—but if you want to stay at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s new Residences & Villas Collection, you’ll have to pick up the phone and talk to a real person. And that’s not all. Prior to checking in, you’ll also have to schedule a comprehensive pre-arrival call.
Is the property—which is celebrating its centennial in 2024—trying to pay homage to the past by shunning modern technology? Not at all. The goal is to tailor the guest experience, Vikram Sood, the hotel’s managing director, tells Robb Report exclusively. He hope the old-school approach makes every guest feel as special as Bing Crosby, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and all the other Hollywood heavy-hitters hosted by the historic inn located just 25 miles north of San Diego.
“From the interactive booking process to personalized in-room amenities and high-touch service, this collection of accommodations has been designed to exceed the expectations,” says Sood.
Hibiscus comes with three beds and two baths (plus plenty of style).
William James Rust
The new collection, which debuts today, is part of the resort’s $42 million renovation that started in 2022. It comprises three villas (from $1,500 per night) and two residences (from $3,000 per night). The villas are either one or two-bedroom homes with full kitchens for the family who wants to prep their own meals and private yards for their pups. Note: The Nespresso pods are complimentary; the $250 pet fee is non-refundable.
Bougainvillea is an apt name for this leafy residence.
William James Rust
Guests who want a two-car garage and private driveway can book one of the residences. Both the two-bed, two-bath Bougainvillea and the three-bed, three-bath Hibiscus feature up to 2,500 square feet of living space. Like the villas, the residences’ have aged oak chevron floors and tongue-and-groove paneled walls. Meanwhile, their marble bathrooms boast Neorest Toto Bidets, the Mercedes-Benz of toilets that sells for up to $22,000. They’re also outfitted with Dyson hair dryers and plush robes from Frette, a 164-year-old Italian brand whose linens are found everywhere from superyachts to the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Activities-wise, Sood says it’s bespoke or bust: “Guests have the unique opportunity to live like a local in one of Southern California’s most affluent communities, from private pickleball lessons to horseback riding through the town’s rolling hills.”
Retro glory? It’s got it in spades.
William James Rust
Of course, they can also just relax at the Inn’s new Mila Moursi Spa. Part of the property’s years-long renovation, it’s the first time that the celebrity esthetician—whose A-list clientele includes Jennifer Aniston, Jane Fonda, and Rashida Jones—has partnered with a hotel. Treatments on the spa’s French-inspired menu, starting from $250, include LED light therapy and intensive face lifting.
The Inn’s new signature restaurant, Lilian’s, will serve up Southern California-cuisine, and is named for the resort’s original architect, Lillian Rice. The new bar, Bing’s Bar, is inspired by Bing Crosby. Its menu is evenly split between classic libations and specialty cocktails. Of course, guests can always order room service if they don’t want to leave their residences. They may just have to pick up the phone to do so.
