A confirmation declared I would be placed in an oceanfront room for $325 per night and conveniently included very clear and specific directions to the hotel from the airport, greatly appreciated as I made my way there after a late night arrival.

All apprehensions surrounding the value of my hotel splurge were soon dissipated as I made my way into the lobby of the glamorous (in the old Hollywood/Titanic style of glam) establishment. Past a bougainvillea-draped, palm tree-shaded courtyard down a Spanish tiled hall bedecked with glorious blossoms and objet d’art, I arrived at the registration desk and remembered then to close my gaping jaw. After a cleansing sigh, the good kind, I was informed I had been upgraded to an oceanfront suite and my butler would meet me at the doorway to introduce me to the workings of the room.

The original old pink-stucco Hotel La Valencia begins at Prospect and Girard, but extends via a series of individual lodges, additions and newer villas down the hill. So it was a pleasant surprise following a long trip down many staircases past the glittering pool and gardens that I found my villa with a private entrance unto the street across from the park that borders the famed La Jolla Cove. I dismissed my butler and ambled into the park feeling as if I were a Holly Go Lightly with an apartment in the World’s Best Village.

The Villa interior supported the fantasy. So spacious, so cool, so luxurious with every detail noted; a walk-in closet and extra down pillows, mini-kitchen stocked with coffees, teas and toaster. Shutters offered a window to the world outside but complete privacy to me. Just outside my door was a very private courtyard filled with tropical blossoms.

The bathroom was celebrity status. Big enough to pamper, small enough to be comfortable, this Goldilocks, er, Holly, pronounced it "just right." The utterly fabulous steam shower featured multiple jets, water pressure to put a masseuse out of business and an overhead "rain forest" option should an entirely new fantasy light mid-stream. The whirlpool bath was perfect with built-in padded headrest and a small TV where I watched the E Channel countdown of the century’s funniest movies and laughed until my fingertips shriveled.

It was a tad chilly during my visit so I didn’t use the beautiful pool for swimming but I did use the lounge chairs to sit languorously and watch the gorgeous sunset and people parade down by the shore. Then, I adjusted my boa, blew air kisses to the hotel staff and valet parking kid and toddled off to dinner at the Star.

I was lucky enough to be upgraded to what's called an ocean villa, which was actually poolside but just fine with me! The suite of rooms included a tastefully decorated bedroom with an adjoining living area, complete with fireplace, wet bar and hidden television, as well as an oversized bathroom with almost more features than the room itself! The shower alone had so many options, it was hard to decide just how to indulge first: body-massage setting, or rain-forest drizzle effect, or the steam and shower combo?

The piece-de-resistance for me, though, was the patio off the back of the room, featuring terracotta tiles, a comfy lounge chair and glass tables, and partially-secluded view of the pool and ocean. Absolute heaven, and a great place to sit and enjoy a drink as recent memories of wintry New York City melted away.

The hotel is not exactly on the beach, but a narrow access path gets you down there in mere seconds, and you can walk or run along the ocean in either direction. I didn't eat any meals at the hotel (Sunday brunch was along the lines of $40!) but from what other guests told me, the food is phenomenal and worth a splurge. I did, however, indulge at the bar, called The Whaling Room, and the friendly bartender Jason kept me company over a martini. I also don't want to forget Gaye, the lovely concierge, who went out of her way to secure me a brunch reservation at the casual but jam-packed Brockton Villa restaurant at its busiest time on Sunday morning.

La Valencia is very pricey, but really lived up to its reputation and my expectations. I highly recommend a stay at the hotel, and my two nights there was definitely not enough!

For more information about La Valencia, or to make a reservation go to the La Valencia web site.