Hotel rating: 4, MOBIL 4STAR, TOP 100 HOTELS IN AMERICA BY ZAGAT, MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MAGAZINE GOLD KEY AWARD.
Chain: Preferred Hotels; and Resorts Worldwide
Number of floors: 0
Number of rooms: 287
Year opened: 1963
Year renovated: 1998

Weather-perfect San Diego is home to the Rancho Bernardo Inn, selected in 2008 to host auditions for the hit show "American Idol." The elegant hotel offers deluxe accommodations, state-of-the-art meeting spaces, golf, a full-service spa and fitness center, and superb dining. This magnificent venue has received awards such as the Gold Key Award, the Executive Choice Award, Mobil Four-Star Award, and for 32 consecutive years, the AAA Four-Diamond Award. In 2007, the Inn completed $25 million in expansions and enhancements including a 27,000 sq ft conference center and ballroom, an expansive Spa with adjacent Spa Garden and 2,500 sq ft Spa pool, and all 287 rooms have been transformed into mini oases.