A historic 1923 Spanish Colonial Revival estate designed by Lilian Rice, offering bungalow stays, a Mila Moursi spa, and master chef dining among the eucalyptus groves.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe began its life in 1923 as La Morada, a guesthouse built by the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company to house prospective homebuyers. Designed by Lilian J. Rice, one of the first licensed female architects in the United States, the property was envisioned as the Spanish Colonial Revival heart of the newly planned community. Renamed The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in 1941, the 11-acre estate became a discreet sanctuary for Hollywood royalty, drawing stars like Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Bing Crosby. In late 2023, the property debuted a comprehensive fifty-million-dollar restoration led by designer Steve Hermann and interior designer Nina Chiappa, meticulously preserving Rice's original wood-beamed ceilings and historic footprint while modernizing the entire estate.
The resort features 85 sophisticated accommodations, including individual guestrooms, suites, bungalows, and private residences. Standard rooms and spacious bungalows, ranging from 500 to 1,200 square feet, are styled with custom hardwood floors, marble-clad bathrooms featuring Calcutta marble sinks, and private outdoor courtyards or terraces. Many of the historic cottages feature wood-burning fireplaces, custom-designed headboards reminiscent of equestrian fences, and clawfoot soaking tubs. Modern amenities like Frette robes, Le Labo bath products, and Dyson hair dryers are standard across all rooms. The property also features the Mila Moursi Spa, marking the legendary French esthetician's first-ever hotel partnership, where guests can book her signature dry contouring skin treatments.
Culinary operations are directed by French master chef Patrick Ponsaty, a Maître Cuisinier de France who oversees the property's distinct dining venues. Lilian’s, the signature restaurant named in honor of architect Lilian Rice, serves regionally inspired California cuisine showcasing sustainable seafood and organic local produce in a dining room detailed with dark green velvet banquettes and decorative treillage. Adjacent to the restaurant, Bing’s Bar serves as the property's social hub, offering classic martinis and craft cocktails in a wood-paneled, speakeasy-style lounge featuring a brick fireplace and a collection of vintage black-and-white celebrity portraits by photographer Jim Frank. For lighter fare, the European-style Café serves Italian espresso alongside a curated selection of wellness-focused snacks from Erewhon.
Order a cold martini at Bing's Bar to admire the rare, never-before-displayed collection of 1970s Hollywood celebrity portraits by photographer Jim Frank.
Where to Stay — Curated accommodations hand-picked by Basecamp West. Glamping, boutique hotels, historic lodges, and unique stays across the American West.