We spent 4 nights in this marvelous place with 3 and 1/2 years old boy. To our pleasant surprise this resort absolutely exceeded all our expectations. Strategically located just 9 miles from San Diego coastline it offers privacy of your own house, yet there are so many things to do close by. You can visit Sea World, La Jolla and Del Mar. You can swim in 82 degrees swimming pool or relax in hot Jacuzzi under the sky with shining stars. Later, order extraordinary breakfast in your room and have a glass of orange juice squeezed a moment ago with fresh newspaper in the morning. We did not want to go back to Bay Area... This resort is a rear find and by far exceeds 5 star rating. What are you waiting for? Go on and discover this jewel for yourself. Viva Rancho Valencia!

My son and I were planning on staying at the Gaslamp Hostel. I rarely stay at Hotels any more since I've discovered the wonderful world of hostels, but I normally only stay at hostels when I'm traveling alone. My husband suggested Morgan Run Resort through Hotels.com. The 48 hour turn over price was the same price I would have paid at the hostel. I don't stay at hostels just for the economy though. I like interacting with people from different countries and the whole atmosphere at a hostel is more communal and less commercial. And some of the hostels I stay at are in gorgeous surroundings - Pigeon Point Lighthouse above Santa Cruz or Montara Lighthouse just above Half Moon Bay. My point is this.. I was able to stay at a clean, comfortable resort room for the same price as a hostel and the bonus for me ... the location was absolutely beautiful. It is close enough to Solano Beach where my son and i saw Beats Antique at the Belly -Up Club and the next day we took a lovely drive up to Escondido to see Queen Califia's Magical Circle - a mosaic sculpture garden built by the late Niki de Saint Phalle. Morgan Run's check out time of noon allowed us to leisurely prepare for the day. Oh and there's an espresso machine instead of a coffee maker... honestly I think I would have rather had the coffee. But it was fun to use. Most importantly Morgan Run accommodated us with a ground level room even though I didn't ask for one due to my son's disability. We had a patio outside with a 4' or so strip of lawn... It would have been ideal for our dogs - the resort IS DOG FRIENDLY! Had a good time there! Thanks!