Lafayette Hotel
Hotel · San Diego
2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Highlights
Maximalist design, 7 themed bars, retro diner, and Olympic-size pool
Maximalist design, 7 themed bars, retro diner, and Olympic-size pool
"Tasked with designing seven distinct restaurants and bars under a single roof, the project used cinematic and cultural references to give each venue its own identity while maintaining a cohesive hotelwide sensibility. The team leaned into storytelling and period detail—reviving iconic elements, commissioning historical research, and collaborating closely with the owner—to ensure each outlet felt like a captivating, deliberate escape. Across the venues the mood ranges from swanky supper-club glamour to nostalgic, historically grounded dining, all arranged so guests can linger and discover different experiences within one unified property." - ByKate Kassin
"An all-day food menu is available for those perched at the Lafayette Hotel’s pool bar or on the deck overlooking the handsomely restored pool area. Ranging from classics like deviled eggs topped with smoked salmon roe and a club sandwich to a banh mi, the dishes can even be ordered straight to one of the poolside lounge chairs, though visitors who want to take a dip in the pool will need to purchase a Swim Pass through OpenTable." - Helen I. Hwang
"Christmas has officially landed at the hotel, infusing the maximalist setting with holiday cheer, decorations, and festive drinks like a Hot Toddy with whiskey, chai, yerba santa, allspice, apple, ginger, and cardamom and Old Fashioned with bourbon, cognac, fig, creme de cacao, and dry vermouth that will be served all month long at the lobby bar along with a special holiday tea service. Christmas carolers will regale guests and Santa will be in the house on Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Candice Woo
"With several dining options at this North Park hotel, fanciful holiday decorations festoon every corner. Open 24 hours, the Beginner’s Diner will serve a Holiday Platter with braised turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. The lobby lounge will host a Holiday Tea Service with desserts like eggnog panna cotta, and the cocktail bar will serve seasonal drinks like hot toddies." - Helen I. Hwang
"A boldly designed, recently renovated hotel that channels mid‑20th-century Hollywood glamour with maximalist décor—canopy beds, animal prints, mural wallpaper—and whimsical amenities including an Amalfi Coast–inspired pool deck and a vintage bowling alley. Reopened after a $31 million refresh and named to a prominent travel It List, it’s a must-stay for design-forward travelers despite currently lacking room service or a full spa (plans for a spa are in the works)." - Emily Hochberg Emily Hochberg Emily Hochberg is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience specializing in travel, lifestyle, home, parenting, and reviews. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her work appears in Business Insider, The Points Guy, Yahoo, Buzzfeed, Best Products, Apartment Therapy, PEOPLE, Parents, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
