The Lodge At Torrey Pines

Rooms face either the courses or the quieter inner courtyard and the look leans warm and classic rather than ultra-modern. Expect solid luxury-hotel comforts, with individually styled furniture, quality linens and rich wood tones that feel inviting after a long day on the links. The bathrooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable and everything is set up to make you feel looked after rather than processed through a corporate hotel formula.

When you're not playing, The Spa at Torrey Pines is a real draw, taking inspiration from La Jolla's coastal setting with a menu of restorative treatments designed for post-round recovery. There's also a swimming pool, plus croquet and tennis on site, handy if you've got non-golfers in the group or you're mixing up the itinerary. If you fancy a beach afternoon, Pacific Beach is close by and you'll find plenty of options for a laid-back few hours by the water.

Food and drink are a highlight. A.R. Valentien is the smarter option, serving seasonal California cuisine with a focus on local produce and a setting that suits a proper sit-down dinner after a big round. The Bar & Grill is ideal for something more relaxed, with course views and a menu that suits golfers' appetites. Breakfast is strong, with estate-sourced ingredients and a terrace that overlooks the fairways, and the bar itself is a comfortable spot to settle in after 18 holes.

Tee times at Torrey Pines can be competitive, so it's worth planning ahead if this is the centrepiece of your trip. Staying on the doorstep also makes dawn patrol rounds far more civilised. No long transfers, no early alarms and you can be back for breakfast in no time.

Overall, it's a proper luxury base next to a U.S. Open venue, which is exactly what most Torrey Pines trips are crying out for. The lodge combines modern facilities with genuine hospitality and gives you a California golf holiday experience without having to drive all over the county to find quality golf, food and accommodation in one place.