Driving up to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe feels like stepping into another era. Nestled among mature trees and gardens, this historic Spanish Colonial Revival retreat began its story in 1924 as La Morada, a guest house designed to welcome prospective homebuyers to the newly planned community of Rancho Santa Fe.
The property was the vision of pioneering architect Lilian Rice, whose master plan and signature architectural style helped define Rancho Santa Fe’s luxury living and timeless character. Widely regarded as one of California’s most influential early female architects, Rice blended graceful courtyards, white stucco walls, red-tile roofs, and intimate garden spaces into a design that remains elegant today.
Over the past century, The Inn has undergone thoughtful renovations that have modernized its accommodations while preserving the architectural details that make it a local landmark. In 1941, La Morada was renamed The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, evolving from a welcoming guest house into one of Southern California’s most beloved boutique luxury hotels.
Visitors will discover its located in the epicenter of one of California’s most prestigious enclaves, long favored by American tennis player Taylor Fritz, celebrities, business leaders, and discerning travelers seeking privacy, charm, and understated luxury.
Iconic Architect
Lilian J Rice was a pioneering woman studying at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a degree in architecture in 1919. As one of the only women Master Architects of RSF, she worked with prominent California architects before she opened her own practice in San Diego County.
Born June 12, 1889, she died just before Christmas on December 22, 1938 at the age of 48. Her creative design influence remains visible throughout the community. Many of Rancho Santa Fe’s most admired estates, streetscapes, and public spaces still reflect her principles of elegance, simplicity, and harmony with nature.
Rice is honored at a small park across the street from The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. A bronze statue of Rice is gazing towards the front of the property as she holds a sketch drawing of her vision. There is a plaque that states, “With The Thought Early Implanted In My Mind That True Beauty Lies In Simplicity Rather Than Ornateness, I Found Real Joy At Rancho Santa Fe.”
On October 23, 2021, Jenny D Edmonton Freeborn donated this statue to the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society in gratitude for the joy her vision continues to bring to the community.
Exploring Rancho Santa Fe
Nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque vistas, the area is a quiet and peaceful getaway where guests can explore the lush landscapes and tranquil trails of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely morning bike ride through the tree-lined Village of Rancho Santa Fe before coming back to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to relax at the pool in one of the shaded cabanas.
Celebrity Getaway
Over the decades, famous guests have stayed at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Since it is located within the film industry’s ‘Two-hour drive rule,’ There are stories of Bing Crosby, Charlie Chaplin, and Mary Pickford staying here for a quiet retreat away from Hollywood.
Accommodations
Guests staying overnight have options that include standard guest rooms, spacious suites, cozy bungalows with fireplaces, and multi-bedroom residences with kitchens and private outdoor spaces. The resort is dog-friendly and offers trails throughout the property to explore with your furry buddy.
Staying in one of the Residences and villas is the epitome of luxury living in Southern California. Ideal for family reunions, wedding parties, and girls’ getaways. Residence guests receive complimentary daily breakfast for two and a welcome in-room cocktail.
Seasonal Culinary Experiences
The Inn’s signature restaurant, Lilian’s, pays tribute to architect Lilian Rice. It’s a beloved local favorite for sunset cocktails and coastal California cuisine. Hotel guests enjoy the multi-sensory dining venue led by acclaimed Executive Chef Patrick Ponsaty, Maître Cuisinier de France and one of only two master French chefs in San Diego.
Meals at Lilian’s are meant to be experienced leisurely outside on the terrace or inside the historic dining room. Chef Ponsaty prepares a harvest-fresh amuse-bouche to wake up one’s palate.
The end of the week is celebrated with a Sushi Sunday celebration. It’s a local favorite. This additional menu to the regular menu includes bite-sized favorites such as the Scallop & Shrimp Ceviche served with a fresh avocado citrus marinade puree, charred pineapple relish on crispy tostadas.
Signature menu items include Hamachi Crudo, thinly sliced yellowtail with bright citrus, fresh herbs, and seasonal accompaniments. The chef makes roasted tomato soup and serves it with a three cheese grilled baguette sandwich that is pure comfort food. The tomato and burrata salad is served artistically with perfectly cut tomato wedges arranged in a circle with a generous scoop of burrata on top. This exquisite dish is enhanced with a pesto vinaigrette and fresh herbs. Other salads include a Caesar and steakhouse-style Wedge with savory lardons and a chunky blue cheese dressing.
A creative share item is the Big-Eye Tuna Pizza made with thin and crispy wonton flatbread topped with sushi-grade tuna, avocado, and spicy aioli for a fusion of flavors.
Entrees include Peking Duck, a refined take on the classic dish, served with crepes and a hoisin sauce. There is also a perfectly cooked Ginger Lacquered Halibut entree served with arugula pesto, cannellini beans, artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes with a dazzling beurre blanc sauce.
For a celebratory meal such as a wedding proposal, the Osetra caviar presentation with a bottle of bubbly is one of the restaurant’s luxury offerings.
Handsome Lobby Bar
Just off the lobby, Bing’s Bar honors another iconic figure in the community’s history, legendary entertainer Bing Crosby. As one of the most celebrated singers and actors of the 20th century, Crosby was also a longtime Rancho Santa Fe resident.
At his nearby estate, he frequently hosted friends from Hollywood, the sports world, and business circles. When he introduced his friends to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, they discovered a discreet retreat where they could relax away from Los Angeles. This legacy of understated elegance and privacy continues to define the property today.
SPA Time
Guests looking to relax, refresh and unwind can make an appointment for a massage with Michael (he gives the best full body massage) or enjoy a facial at the award-winning Mila Moursi Spa. This intimate sanctuary is by Mila Moursi, renowned in the beauty and wellness industry. She is a pioneer for dry contouring, a natural skin-lifting technique widely used by professional estheticians. With her first-ever hotel partnership, guests and locals have access to a selection of exclusive spa, beauty, and wellness treatments.
Those looking for a celebration at the spa with friends or their bridal party can book through the resort’s newly launched Sparty for a Spa Party day. Reserve private cabanas and receive full-day resort pool access. The terrace at the spa offers a Contrast Therapy session where guests can alternate between cold plunge and warm sauna visits, along with wellness shots.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is an ideal summer getaway for couples, families and those seeking a stunning wedding destination venue. There are a selection of special offers available for guests based on their travel desires and needs.
