Come for a Sazerac in the Lobby Bar, Stay for the Poolside Suze Suites at this Landmark Property
A haven for young Hollywood when it opened in 1946, University Heightsā historic Lafayette Hotel hosted stars like Ava Gardner, Lana Turner and Frank Sinatra while gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer and actor Johnny Weissmuller designed the centerpiece pool. After several ownership changes over the decades, it feels only fitting that San Diegoās inimitable hospitality group, CH Projects, would purchase and reimagine the beloved grand Colonial-style hotel and deliver its most conversation-worthy immersive experience to date. From maximalist guest rooms and suites to the see-and-be-seen Lobby Bar and a 24-hour diner inspired by David Lynch, plus a toe-tappingly good soundtrack curated by music producer Swizz Beatz, prepare to go down the āmore is moreā rabbit hole with a whimsical escape at The Lafayette Hotel and Club.
Whatās the Buzz?Ā
Famous for creating award-winning bars and restaurants (Morning Glory, Youngblood, Born and Raised and more), for their first foray into the hotel space, CH Projects tapped Brooklyn-based Post Company to spearhead design on The LaFayetteās $31 million transformation, and their ācity within a cityā concept knocks it out of the park. Spanning 2.5 acres on El Cajon Blvd, they have added an impressive eight food and beverage outlets and a game room with a two-lane bowling alley, shuffleboard and pool tables.
The now even-more photogenic signature pool remains a focal point and its restaurants an obvious draw card, but CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli shares that The Lafayette is the culmination of every project the collective has undertaken since its inception over 17 years ago. āWe are obsessive about creating experiences for the community that celebrate our weird, wonderful pockets of subculture and provide elements of escapism. A hotel is the pinnacle of hospitalityāthe most complex canvas for people to socialize and connect, and we hope this new incarnation of The Lafayette reflects our mission to honor tradition while making something new and surreal to discover.ā
Checking In
Crystal chandeliers, leopard-print chairs and potted palms set the scene in the lavish reception lounge and lobby areaādonāt mind the DJ booth on the left because youāll check in at the Lobby CafĆ©, which doubles as a front desk. You can also pop down here for pastries and a Heartwork Coffee in the morning. Traditional Victorian, Tudor and Gothic details feature across maximalist guest rooms, poolside suites and Spanish Mission-style townhousesāeach decked out with fabric-draped canopy beds, custom wallpaper, ornate lighting and a mirrored bar cart featuring a comprehensive spirit and cocktail set-up by Tiki expert Paul McGee.
Smeg electric kettles and Marshall speakers are nice modern touches, but the bathrooms are Old World affairs with decorative tile, deep basin sinks and aged brass fixtures. You wonāt be able to bring them home, but full-size bath amenities by Diptyque in the brandās delicate signature Lait Frais fragrance (fresh citrusy petitgrain with notes of orange blossom) are a lovely elevated touch.
Picture Yourself Poolside
Italian Riviera vibes come to life at The Lafayetteās poolāthink 1980s Amalfi Coast with a dash of Old Hollywood. If leopard-print chaise lounges shaded by striped sun umbrellas are your jam, chances are you will fall helplessly in love with the pool and no doubt take a dozen photos beside it. Open from 10 a.m. until dusk, hotel guests receive complimentary access to the coveted swimming sanctuary. Non-guests shouldnāt fret, however, as Lounge Chair and Swim Passes can be purchased and cost $46 and $88, respectively. Food isnāt available poolside (more in a moment on those dining options), but you can order a petite selection of refreshing drinks and cocktails from The Pool Bar: amaros and spritzes, plus a tiki-inspired Painkiller.
What About the Food?
Noted for redefining San Diegoās food scene with its lineup of multiple award-winning cocktail-driven bars and eateries, CH Projects has expanded its dining empire exponentially at The Lafayette. Since first impressions always count, letās start with The Lobby Bar. Itās where youāll want to come for a New Orleans-style throwback cocktail (perhaps a Sazerac or Vieux Carre) post-arrival, before dinner or to meet friends in the neighborhood. Surrounded by banquettes, the circular bar sits beneath a lofty glass atriumālook up and admire the hand-painted ceiling by Brazilian-based artist JoÄo Incerti.
Next, we have the 24-hour Beginnerās Dinerāyes, you can come here for De-luxe sandwiches between 6 a.m. and midnight, but please order the Disco Fries too; theyāre crinkle-cut, covered with veal gravy and delicious. You can also enjoy boozy milkshakes and Jewish deli classics in this ode to traditional diners from the 1940s. Show-stopping Oaxacan restaurant Quixote was built with a decommissioned Catholic church from Mexicoācomplete with a pulpit-inspired bar, stained-glass windows and baroque pews. Cocktails spotlight mezcal and Mexican distillates, while the menu includes a moreish crab corn doughnut and tetelas filled with duck carnitas. The above-mentioned Pool Bar also has a sun-drenched patio that lends itself equally well to a morning coffee as it does an evening cocktail. Finally, game room The Gutter (inspired by the Frick Bowling Alley in New York), is open until 2 a.m. and serves classic cocktails.
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Thereās a Phase II (and Itās Coming in Fall 2023)
The Officerās Club bar scene in Top Gunāwhere Maverick and his crew serenade Charlieāwas filmed in The Lafayetteās Mississippi Room. Now, this iconic space is being reimagined as a jazz supper club and live music venue. Alongside it, the new Luluās Jungle Room will bring a rum-centric bar with bold dĆ©corāthink leopard prints, feathers, and fronds. Also opening in October, Le Horse will introduce European fine dining, honoring French chef Auguste Escoffier. For wellness lovers, the spa will offer Russian, Roman, and Turkish baths for a luxurious retreat. Meanwhile, the Maison Lafayette boutique will be the spot for branded hotel keepsakes.
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Room rates start at $299. However if you canāt make it for an overnight just yet, recreate The Lafayette vibes at home. Listen to the hotelās Spotify playlists curated by CH Projects Chief Experience Officer Brian Eastman.
The Lafayette Hotel
2223 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, 92104
619.296.2101
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Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodorās Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
