Hotel Lafayette
Historic 1904 hotel blending vintage glamour with modern elegance, featuring stylish rooms, multiple bars, dining, and entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Hotel Lafayette
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1904 hotel blending vintage glamour with modern elegance, featuring stylish rooms, multiple bars, dining, and entertainment.
"Step into San Diego’s most beautiful hotel: the historic Lafayette."
Explore the Bars 🍸
The hotel boasts several unique bars, including a pool bar and a chic lobby bar. Perfect for evening cocktails!
Book Rooms with Natural Light 🌟
Some rooms can be dark. If natural light is important, inquire about rooms with better window placement [^Reviews].
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Charm & Architecture
Throughout the hotel
Step back in time with the hotel's 1904 building, featuring vintage Hollywood glamour and mid-century design.
Multiple Dining & Bar Options
Various locations within the hotel
From a chic lobby bar to a 24-hour diner and a stunning Mexican restaurant, there's a culinary experience for every mood.
Retro Pool & Entertainment
Pool area, bowling alley
Enjoy a gorgeous retro-inspired pool, a late-night bowling alley, and classic games for a fun-filled stay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Peak Times
Manage Expectations on Room Condition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore the Bars 🍸
The hotel boasts several unique bars, including a pool bar and a chic lobby bar. Perfect for evening cocktails! 
Book Rooms with Natural Light 🌟
Some rooms can be dark. If natural light is important, inquire about rooms with better window placement [^Reviews].
Check for Events 🎉
The Lafayette is a popular wedding and event venue. Check their schedule for potential celebrations during your stay.
Consider Day Passes 👍
You don't have to stay overnight to enjoy the amenities; day passes might be available for pool access.
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore the Bars 🍸
The hotel boasts several unique bars, including a pool bar and a chic lobby bar. Perfect for evening cocktails!
Book Rooms with Natural Light 🌟
Some rooms can be dark. If natural light is important, inquire about rooms with better window placement [^Reviews].
Check for Events 🎉
The Lafayette is a popular wedding and event venue. Check their schedule for potential celebrations during your stay.
Consider Day Passes 👍
You don't have to stay overnight to enjoy the amenities; day passes might be available for pool access.
Parking Fees Apply 🚗
On-site parking is often paid. Factor this into your budget or explore nearby street parking options [^Reviews].
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Hotel Lafayette offers a unique stay with its rich history and recent stylish renovation, praised for its vibrant atmosphere, multiple dining options, and fun entertainment like bowling. However, some guests have encountered issues with room conditions, including smells and lighting, and occasional service inconsistencies.
"Please DO NOT BOOK YOUR STAY HERE. The room smelled musty, smoky, and drenched in air freshener. Keep in mind, we paid extra for a non-smoking room. The smell made my sister and I nauseous breathing it in. We asked the front desk for assistance to see if we could change rooms or have one where we could at least open the windows to air out the room. The answer was no, they didn’t have rooms available and all they gave us was some fabric spray to try to mask the scent. We couldn’t stand the smell so we checked out of the hotel and had to cut our losses. The hotel also looks rundown and has a weird smell throughout the hallways. It’s very pungent and was hurting our stomachs. We booked this place under Chase's hotel deals/rewards. We will be reaching out to Chase’s travel portal to please take this hotel off of their list as it is an injustice to recommend this place to its customers. I wish the hotel would have the decency to refund us. We were only there for less than an hour and it was unbearable. Please learn from our mistake and misplaced trust on previous reviews for this hotel."
Ashley Beteta
"Great location. Historical hotel with great details. Room was amazing with a sitting area, really comfortable bed and nice shower. Will be back. Front desk reception person was super friendly."
Molly Allen
"Not a great stay. All the photos on booking sights show bright, relatively spacious rooms but the one I ended up in was dark and cramped that was too small for that little seat you see in the promo photos. The room was on the second floor and only had a single dirty window behind the bed that faced out into the interior of the roof and directly into another room. Because of the placement there was hardly any natural light. One of the lights on the nightstand was a completely different bulb and gave off a fraction of light as the other, plus the ceiling light flickered repeatedly.
The toilet has it's own door but, again, the dirty window faces the same walled area across from another room and a plastic bag full of cans someone dumped. There is a single ceiling light above the toilet but it barely gives off any light.
The bathroom is strange. Instead of a wall between the shower and bedroom it's a pane of glass, so basically a window from the bed into the shower & bath. There is a curtain you can pull down, but it's not fully opaque so you can still see the person bathing. I have no idea what the utility of this is would be except watching someone in the shower.
No mini fridge so you can't bring leftovers back from going out which is a shame because there are some good breweries and tap rooms nearby.
The bed was loud. I don't think I've ever slept on a hotel bed that creaked so badly when someone turned over. Same for the floors, just ugly laminate that didn't feel installed correctly with how much give they have.
The temperature controls seemed to work but it felt like there was no circulation even though I had the fan on. It was stuffy despite being cool enough.
The whole time I was there it it just felt uncomfortable. It wasn't dark in a classic, vintage kind of way with warm colors it was dark and dim in a way that felt small and almost creepy.
Maybe if you get a better room with actual light and space this place is great but I feel ripped off for what I paid."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hotel Lafayette is located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA.
Yes, parking is available, but it is typically a paid service in a lot down the street from the hotel [^Reviews]. It's advisable to confirm current rates and availability upon arrival.
From SAN, you can take a taxi or rideshare service, which is the most direct route and takes approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport options are also available but will take longer.
Yes, the hotel is located on El Cajon Boulevard, a major thoroughfare with several bus lines running frequently, making it accessible via public transport from various parts of San Diego.
The hotel is situated in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, known for its vibrant atmosphere, dining, and entertainment options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While booking a room grants full access, you can often visit the bars, restaurants, and sometimes even the pool area without being a guest. Day passes might be available for certain amenities.
Standard check-in times are typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3 PM or 4 PM), and check-out is usually around 11 AM. It's always best to confirm these directly with the hotel.
The hotel often participates in various booking platforms and may offer packages. Travelers have mentioned using hotel deals/rewards programs for bookings [^Reviews].
Yes, many of the hotel's dining and bar establishments are open to the public. This is a great way to experience the hotel's ambiance.
There is no general entrance fee to walk through the public areas of the hotel, such as the lobby, bars, and restaurants. Fees would only apply for specific amenities like pool access if not staying as a guest.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning vintage architecture, the retro pool area, the chic bars, the 24-hour diner, and the unique bowling alley.
Yes, the hotel features a gorgeous retro-inspired pool area that's a popular spot for guests and visitors.
Absolutely! The Lafayette boasts a late-night bowling alley, ski ball, and other games, adding a fun, retro vibe to your stay.
The hotel offers a blend of old Hollywood glamour and modern elegance, with a nostalgic yet chic ambiance characterized by vintage design elements.
Information regarding pet policies can vary. It's recommended to contact the hotel directly to inquire about their specific pet-friendly accommodations and any associated fees.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel offers multiple dining experiences, including a 24-hour diner, a chic lobby bar, a pool bar, and a stunning Mexican restaurant.
Yes, the Hotel Lafayette features a 24-hour diner, perfect for late-night cravings or early morning meals.
Yes, the hotel description mentions free breakfast, and the 24-hour diner would also be an option for breakfast at any time [^Description].
The North Park neighborhood surrounding the hotel is known for its excellent breweries and tap rooms, offering plenty of dining variety nearby [^Reviews].
Yes, the hotel has several bars, including a stylish lobby bar and a fun pool bar, offering craft cocktails and a vintage Hollywood atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The hotel's lobby, the retro pool area, the stylish bars, and the unique architectural details offer numerous photogenic opportunities.
Yes, the hotel's design is very visually appealing, making it easy to capture great shots. However, be mindful of other guests and hotel policies regarding professional photography.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots, while the interior ambiance is captivating at any time, especially with the vintage lighting.
While general photography for personal use is usually fine, professional shoots or commercial use might require special permission or fees. Always check with hotel management.
Both smartphones with good low-light capabilities and dedicated cameras can capture the hotel's charm. The vintage aesthetic lends itself well to both modern and slightly retro editing styles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The hotel's bowling alley and other games offer entertainment beyond the typical hotel offerings, making it a more dynamic experience for younger guests.+1 The 24-hour diner is also convenient for family meal times, catering to various schedules and picky eaters.🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 or opt for a romantic dinner at the stunning Mexican restaurant. The hotel's historic architecture and unique design elements create a memorable backdrop for a romantic escape.📸 Content Creators & Photographers
+2 From the lobby to the pool and bars, every corner provides a unique aesthetic. Be sure to capture the hotel's transformation and its blend of historical charm with modern updates.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Renovation
This renovation aimed to blend old Hollywood glamour with modern elegance, evident in its mid-century design, checkerboard floors, and velvet seating. The hotel has been recognized for its revival, with Esquire naming it the 2024 New Hotel of the Year.This extensive refurbishment has revitalized the hotel's atmosphere, creating a nostalgic yet chic ambiance. The design incorporates pops of color and funky patterns alongside its vintage and gothic elements.
Travelers often remark on the hotel's unique character, noting the thoughtful details that contribute to its distinctive feel. It's a place where history meets contemporary comfort, offering a unique lodging experience in San Diego.Exploring the Culinary and Entertainment Scene
For a more casual experience, there's an adorable pool bar and a popular 24-hour diner that serves as a local favorite.+1 A standout dining experience is the stunning, cathedral-like Mexican restaurant, offering a visually and gastronomically impressive meal.Beyond dining, the hotel offers unique entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy a late-night bowling alley, complete with ski ball and other classic games, adding a playful element to the stay.
+1 The retro-inspired pool is another major draw, providing a perfect spot to relax and soak up the San Diego sun. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated evening out or a fun-filled day, the Lafayette provides ample opportunities for enjoyment.Room Experiences and Traveler Feedback
Despite some negative feedback regarding room conditions and occasional service issues [^Reviews], the hotel's historic charm and vibrant atmosphere continue to attract visitors. The staff are generally described as pleasant, though some specific interactions have been less positive [^Reviews]. It's advisable for potential guests to research specific room types or communicate any preferences or concerns directly with the hotel to ensure a satisfactory stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit