I love a hotel that gives you an excuse to plan an entire trip around it, and the Lafayette is exactly that. The decor is insane, the food is incredible, and you can go from cocktails to dinner to bowling without leaving the property. Then, when you’re ready to call it a night, your room is right upstairs. What could be better than that?!
We booked a Classic King for a one-night getaway from LA. The room was just as funky and beautiful as the rest of the hotel, with a full cocktail setup, pretty robes, and a bed I was extremely happy to fall into after our night out.
Our stay was between Christmas and New Year’s, so we got to experience the hotel fully decked out for the holidays, which was definitely an added bonus. But I’d absolutely come back outside the holidays too.
Here’s my Lafayette Hotel San Diego review, with all the deets on our stay and what I’d know before booking!
Lafayette Hotel Overview
- Location: North Park, San Diego, California
- Price: We paid $275 for one night in a Classic King; rates vary by date and room type
- Vibe: Funky, ornate, lively, and full of personality
- Perfect For: Couples and friend groups who want great food, cocktails, and a good time
- Our Room: Classic King
- Book It: Check room rates here →
Location
The Lafayette is in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, at 2223 El Cajon Boulevard. We spent most of our stay at the hotel, then headed out to explore San Diego the next day.
The neighborhood felt fine to us, but we didn’t do a ton of exploring outside of the property itself. I’d come here with plans to enjoy the hotel and fit the rest of San Diego around that. There was enough to keep us very happy without going anywhere else for the night.
Getting There
If you’re coming from LA, this makes for a fun little drivable getaway. Just make sure to get on the road early to beat any afternoon traffic!
Flying in? San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the airport to use, and you can take a taxi or rideshare from there. If your plans are to stay put at the hotel, you won’t need a car to get between dinner, drinks, and your room. But for long weekend in the city, I’d definitely recommend renting a car to explore the city freely.
Overnight valet is $38 per night with in-and-out privileges, or you can look for street parking. If you’re just visiting for the evening, valet is $15, but you’ll need to grab your car by 1 a.m.
Lafayette Hotel San Diego Review
Ambiance & Vibe
There is a lot going on at the Lafayette, and I mean that in the best way. Every little corner has its own look, and I kept stopping to take photos when we were supposed to be heading somewhere. It’s funky, ornate, a little over the top, and so beautifully done.
It’s also a fun place to actually hang out. The music was good, people were a little dressed up, and there were couples, groups of girls, and birthday celebrations. We loved it for a couples getaway, but I’d just as happily come back with girlfriends.
If you’re thinking about a holiday visit like we did, the Christmas decorations are stunning. I put all those deets in my Christmas at the Lafayette Hotel guide, including how to visit without booking a room.
The Room: Our Classic King
Our Classic King was just as fun as the rest of the hotel. Everything was ornate and beautifully done, and even the little things felt thought through. I loved that the room gave us just as much to look at as all the spaces downstairs. Nothing is skimped on here!
The Bed and Bathroom
The bed was SO comfortable. Between that and the robes, I was very happy we’d made this an overnight trip.
Even the bathroom was just as quirky and beautifully done, and I loved the shower. The bath and body products were Diptyque too, which was such a nice surprise. I would’ve happily spent more time getting ready and hanging out in the room if we hadn’t had so much else we wanted to do.
The Cocktail Bar and Little Extras
We had a full cocktail setup with a shaker, stirrer, limes, and bitters, plus liquor and premixed drinks available to buy. You could very easily make a drink and hang out in the room before dinner. The alcohol is an extra charge, but I loved having the whole setup there – it’s not something you see quite often to this extent!
There was also a Smeg kettle for tea, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, and plush white robes with the prettiest pink embroidered edging. Even the makeup towels were cute. And, they had a whole spread of little branded takeaways – like pens, notepads, matches, postcards, etc.
I know these are small things, but they’re exactly the kind of details I get excited about at a hotel. It really makes the trip feel special.
Amenities
Between the heated pool, bowling, and arcade games, you’ll want to leave some time to just hang out at the hotel.
The Heated Pool
We spent a little time hanging out by the pool, and I’d love to come back when it’s warmer and make more of an afternoon of it. We didn’t swim because it was a cooler day, but the water felt great when we checked it. It’s heated, and other people were swimming during our late-December stay, so definitely pack a swimsuit if you’re tempted.
Pool access is included for hotel guests, with guest hours currently running from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also grab a drink at the Pool Bar, just outside the Lobby Bar, without getting in the water.
If you’d rather visit for the day, the hotel does also sell day passes for non-hotel guests. You don’t need one just to have a drink at the Pool Bar, though, so that’s always an option if you don’t care for a swim!
Bowling, Arcade Games, and Pool Tables at The Gutter
After dinner, we went to The Gutter for bowling and another round. There are two bowling lanes, pool tables, and little arcade games throughout, and later in the evening it turns into a full-on bar. We honestly were surprised at how much fun we had down here!
We booked our lane ahead of time. It’s currently $50 for one hour for up to six people, with shoes included. One slightly confusing detail: the page says “per person,” but one person means one lane, so select one when booking for your group. Reservations are prepaid and nonrefundable.
You can also come just for drinks and the games – I’d happily do that next time even without booking a lane.
Book a bowling lane at The Gutter →
Credit: The Gutter
Restaurants & Bars
We spent our evening having drinks at the Lobby Bar, dinner at Quixote, and then bowling and another round at The Gutter. I loved being able to move between them without figuring out rides or where we were going next. And each place had it’s own vibe.
The Lobby Bar
The circular Lobby Bar sits beneath a glass roof and is the perfect place to start with a cocktail, meet friends, or hang out before dinner. The drinks are your pretty classic bar types—think martinis and old-fashions—and there’s an outdoor seating area too. It’s first come, first serve, so no need to worry about reservations.
We kept coming back here throughout our stay. Honestly, it’s so pretty, you just want to hang out here! The next morning, we also grabbed coffee in the lobby and sat near the bar. With all the Christmas decorations around us, it still felt so magical, even with a coffee instead of a cocktail.
Quixote
Quixote is the hotel’s Oaxacan-inspired restaurant, and the space alone is worth getting excited about. Picture candlelight, ornate dark wood, red velvet, and an altar behind the bar. It has this almost spooky, gothic feel, but it’s still so chic.
Thankfully, the food was just as good as the space. We ordered the pulpo, guacamole, and Oaxacan fondue, all of which were amazing. Dinner ended up being one of my favorite parts of our stay. I’d would actually come back to the Lafayette just to eat here again.
We walked in for dinner, which worked out well for the two of us. But, if you want to sit at a table, especially with a group, I’d definitely make a reservation rather than count on getting lucky.
Lou Lou’s Supper Club and Live Music
If you love the idea of dinner and live jazz, Lou Lou’s is another option for dinner. It’s the hotel’s supper club and live music venue, with a stage, dance floor, and acts that includes jazz, soul, salsa, and more.
Lou’s Lou’s is only open on a few nights of the month, so sadly, we didn’t get to go during our stay, but it’s on the top of my list for next time!
On select Thursdays, they hosts a supper club evening with a four-course dinner and a jazz show, which is $85 per person. I’d make this the main plan for your evening if the dates line up: start with a drink at the Lobby Bar, then head to Lou Lou’s for dinner and live jazz. Truly such a fun option for a holiday date night or a celebration with friends!
There are also live music nights more frequently, though not every night. These are separate from the supper club dinner so for one of those evenings, I’d have dinner at Quixote first and come here afterward.
Live shows are 21+, with a mix of paid tickets and free entry. On the free nights, seating is first come, first served, so I’d arrive early if you want a good seat!
Book Lou Lou’s Supper Club or Get Tickets for a Live Music Night →
Beginner’s Diner
Beginner’s Diner is open 24 hours, which is a pretty amazing thing to have downstairs after a night of cocktails. It has a very classic diner feel, with red booths, counter seating, and plenty of retro details.
The menu is all about diner comfort food, so you can order anything from eggs and breakfast plates to burgers, sandwiches, and even pie. You can come for breakfast, grab a casual lunch, or stop in for something to eat late at night. It’s walk-in only, so this is an easy spot to add in whenever you’re feeling snacky.
We went for lunch before heading home. My BLT was just okay, but the hot chocolate might have been the best I’ve EVER had. Definitely get it if you stop in. I’d go back for that alone.
The Gutter
The Gutter is the hotel’s late-night cocktail bar and game room, with dark wood, bowling lanes, pool tables, and little arcade games throughout. It gets more lively as the evening goes on and is where I’d go when you want to keep the night going after dinner. It’s open every day from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
You don’t need to book a bowling lane to come for a drink. We had so much fun bowling here, but I’d happily come back just to hang out at the bar. I’ve included the lane prices and booking details in the Amenities section above!
Credit: The Gutter
The Pool Bar: Poolside Lunch and Cocktails
Just outside the Lobby Bar, the Pool Bar is best area for an afternoon drink in the sun. The menu leans into spritzes, amaros, and other cocktails, and there is also food available too, so you can have a bite without heading inside for a sit-down meal.
You don’t have to swim to enjoy it, and you don’t need a pool pass just to visit the bar. If you plan to mostly lounge, having lunch, and order another drink, this is a great spot to spend part of the day.
Staff & Service
All of the staff we interacted with were absolutely lovely. Check-in was the only part that took a bit—we arrived at prime time, right around 3 p.m., and the lobby was busy with all the arriving guests and people coming to see the Christmas decorations.
It was definitely a little bit hectic, but we were visiting during a busy holiday week. Official check-in is 4 p.m., so we were also there early. I’d give yourself some time to get settled before your first reservation.
Pricing
We paid $275 for one night in a Classic King, and I thought it was worth it. I loved the room, we had such a fun evening, and there was still more I would’ve liked to do before heading home.
Pricing can range depending on your dates and room type. And, dinner, drinks, bowling, parking, and anything you buy from the in-room bar are extra. I’d leave room in your budget for the things you want to do while you’re there—Quixote and The Gutter were a big part of why we had such a good time.
What’s Nearby?
We headed out to explore San Diego the next day. If you want to add a few stops before or after your stay, here are a few options nearby:
- North Park: Coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and craft beer spots if you want to explore the neighborhood around the hotel.
- Balboa Park: Gardens, museums, and plenty of places to wander if you want to spend a few hours exploring.
- San Diego Zoo: Located in Balboa Park, this is an option if you want a bigger outing before or after your stay.
For one night, I’d keep your arrival day mostly free for the hotel and explore after checkout. You’ll want some time to enjoy that room before heading downstairs for a drink.
Things to Know Before You Book
- Ask about room location if you’re a light sleeper. We were above the ground floor and away from the pool. We stayed up late and didn’t hear music from our room, but I can’t say what an early night would’ve been like. We heard a few guests leaving in the morning, and there were earplugs in the room.
- Book Quixote if you want a table. We walked in and got seats at the bar, but I’d make a reservation if you have your heart set on dinner there.
- Reserve bowling if it’s on your list. There are only two lanes, and we booked ours ahead of time.
- Pack a swimsuit, even in winter. The pool is heated, and people were swimming during our December stay.
- Check-in is 4 p.m.; checkout is 11 a.m. Leave yourself time to enjoy the hotel around those hours.
- You can visit without staying. The bars and restaurants welcome visitors, and separate pool passes are available if you want to swim without booking a room.
Is It Worth It, and Would I Stay Again?
Absolutely. For $275, I was happy with what we got: a beautiful room, a ridiculously comfortable bed, and a whole evening of things to do right downstairs. I’d book again for another little getaway, especially if we could spend more time by the pool and finally get to Lou Lou’s.
I think it’s such a fun option for couples, but I’d love to come back with friends too. Plan to give yourself time to hang out, have a great dinner, and stay for another drink!
Even if I didn’t stay overnight next time, I’d still come back for Quixote, cocktails, or another night at The Gutter. But being able to end the evening upstairs in a comfy bed and one of those robes? Definitely a perk!
LOOKING TO BOOK IT FOR YOURSELF? BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE LAFAYETTE HOTEL HERE →
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