2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California, United States | (888) 962-8097
Historic boutique hotel with vibrant nightlife
Huge outdoor pool and sun deck
Poolside rooms and private bungalows
On-site dining at Red Fox Steakhouse and Hope 46
Regular live music events and "dive-in" movies
Event space with ballrooms and outdoor patio
On-site comedy club
Small business center
Fitness room
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Day passes allow non-guests into the hotel pool -- complaints of crowding and noise
Some rooms need decor and maintenance updates
Older building looks worn in some areas
Fees for mini-fridge and parking
The chic Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows once played host to Hollywood heavyweights including Bob Hope and Ava Gardner. A 2011 renovation salvaged much of its original allure, and these days, it's a mid-range haunt for hip locals who come for the Olympic-sized swimming pool, rockabilly shows, and regular pool parties. The private bungalows are stylish and fun, but not all the rooms are fit for a superstar. There are some housekeeping issues and the late-night parties may not appeal to all. The pool can get crowded, as it's open both to overnight guests and to locals with a membership or day pass. Travelers who don't mind the weekend party atmosphere tend to enjoy both the affordable rates and historic legacy. It's in a great location for club hopping and taking in San Diego's counterculture, while being fairly central to many of the city's tourist attractions.
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Scene
Restored 1940s Hollywood getaway
The main building's bland colonial-style red brick and white-columned exterior belies the property's old Hollywood glamour interiors. The elegant lobby is filled with detailed moulding, rich drapery, and ceilings decorated with parasols and chandeliers. There's also a baby grand piano in front of a mural of black-and-white Tinseltown memories. And while the lobby is spacious and welcoming, guests tend to congregate at the hotel's long centerpiece pool, which was designed by Olympic swimmer -- and original silver screen Tarzan -- Johnny Weissmuller. The scene definitely caters to parties and couples, families and business travelers should look elsewhere.
Location
In a lively area of San Diego's North Park
The hotel is on a busy street on the north end of San Diego's North Park, within walking distance to shops, cafes, and the neighborhood's vibrant bars and clubs. An older part of town filled with craftsman cottages and restored bungalows, North Park has become a popular area for the hip crowd and has a healthy party scene. Downtown San Diego, as well as some of the area’s major tourist attractions -- including Balboa Park, La Jolla, and Mission Bay -- are just a short drive away. The San Diego International Airport is a 15-20-minute drive toward the bay. Secured parking is available at the hotel for a fee.
Rooms
Bungalows and poolside rooms with patios
There are four room types, the most glamorous option are the private, two-story bungalows stylishly decorated with bold wallpaper, reclaimed wood floors, original moldings, and colorful full kitchens. Manor rooms in the main building are equally striking, with a darker palate and art deco decor. The more budget-friendly poolside rooms and Suze Suites (which come with a bunk bed for kids as well as a regular room) are more conventionally decorated with bright and contemporary furnishings. Many rooms have French doors that open to a patio around the central pool area, a nice perk that trades a bit of privacy for convenient pool access. The bathrooms retain their original tile floors and fixtures for cool historic flavor, but stained grout is not an uncommon sight. All rooms have iPod docks and coffeemakers, and mini-fridges are available for a fee.
Features
Historic swimming pool, comedy club, and two restaurants
The outdoor terrace pool is the center of activity at the Lafayette, serving as a place for guests and day-pass holders to swim, sunbathe, and party. Critics note the pool is technically two-inches shy of Olympic regulation size due to an error back when the pool was first built, but this is not a concern for most guests. Regular events include live music and DJ parties, including a popular rockabilly night, and summertime "dive-in" movie nights. The hotel's restored event space includes versatile meeting rooms and a huge ballroom where weddings are frequently held. A room off the lobby has a giant chessboard for life-sized gaming. There's also a small business center with a printer and a fitness room for those who can't get enough laps in the pool. The comedy club -- Finest City Improv -- provides on-site laughs and a full bar. Hope 46 (named after Bob Hope) does classic American cuisine in a hip atmosphere, while the Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar, which is decked out in medieval decor imported from England, serves steak and seafood well into the evening and features live music every night. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
