The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
EST. 1946
2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA, United States

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
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Catch the New Orleans spirit in sunny Southern California. 
A newly redesigned boutique hotel from the 1940s, this one-time haven for celebrities has become an iconic San Diego getaway for all kinds of folk—tycoons, free spirits, families, and couples. Eat, drink, and laugh at this colorful and jazzy home away from home.
The Lowdown
Type
Hotel / Resort / Spa
Views
StreetWater FeaturePool
Style
Eclectic
Glamorous
Romantic
Vintage
Whimsical
Best type of Celebrations
Adventure Travel
Anniversary
Engagement Party
Corporate Event
Family Reunion
Group Getaway
Holiday Party
Networking Events
Social Event
Honeymoon

Venue Setting

Located in San Diego and with San Diego Zoo reachable within 2.1 miles, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Balboa Park is 3.2 miles from the hotel and San Diego – Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station is 4.3 miles away. The hotel has an outdoor pool. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is 4.4 miles from The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, while Maritime Museum of San Diego is 4.6 miles away. San Diego International Airport is 5 miles from the property.

Capacity

Seated
300
Buffet
300
Standing
525
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Estimated price per head

from $35 to $85

Additional charges

There is a 22% Service Charge as well as 7.75% Taxes that apply

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Connect
Call Venue
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
1946
Curfew
12 AM
Venue spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Corkage/Bottle Fee – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol For A Fee
Beer/Wine/Champagne Only
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Accommodations
133 rooms including Traditional 1 King bed or 2 Queen bed rooms; Penthouse Suites; 2 and 3 bedroom bungalows; Poolside rooms that open out directly to the pool; and our 2 bedroom Suze suites designed for the traveling family. 
Eco/Green Events
Yes
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Amenities
  • A/V Equipment
  • Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
  • Street Parking
  • Wifi
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Dining Chairs
Venue Features
The scene:
The Lafayette Hotel Swim Club & Bungalows is a colonial style property located off of Historic Route 80 (El Cajon Boulevard). Built in 1946 our property has played host to some legendary parties with a celebrity guest list that includes Ava Gardner and Bob Hope. Our pool was even designed by Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller in 1946. Known for our Yesterday|Today theme our guests find themselves in a balanced mix of historical references and modern amenities that really set us apart from the average hotel.
Design:
Encompassing an entire city block the Lafayette is a historic building featuring plantation style architecture. Experience a touch of romance in our Conservatory with hanging parasols that cast soft, colorful lighting in the evening. Enjoy the oversized chess and checker boards in our outdoor West Courtyard. Party in our Grand Mississippi Ballroom with a built in dance floor and lighted shell stage where they filmed Top Gun scene 'You've lost that loving feeling'.
Standout venue features:
All guests of the Lafayette hotel are provided with complimentary wi-fi, access to the famed Weismuller pool, as well as life-size chess and checkerboards in the West Courtyard.
Extra perks:
Rental fees include tables, chairs, choice of color linens & napkins, votive candles, and up to 2 standing outdoor heaters when applicable.
Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges
This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
HOPE46 Restaurant- A classic, unpretentious North Park Restaurant.
Grab a signature cocktail or seasonal craft beer and drink in views overlooking the historic Weissmuller Pool. Savor Executive Chef Ryan Gilbert's creative dishes like Farfalle Pasta with asparagus, roasted garlic, baby tomato, crimini, parmesan, sweet pea pesto and seasonal herbs. Or order the Lamb Lollipops with garlic & rosemary marinade, petite arugula, roasted red & gold beets, Asian pear, shaved red onion, golden raisins, and red wine vinaigrette. Dine deliciously wrapped in the old school vibes of America's jazz era, in an ambiance where reclaimed wood, antique glass and vintage lighting pairs perfectly with classic American cuisine. Poolside and in-room dining is also available.
​HOPE46 Restaurant- A classic, unpretentious North Park Restaurant.
Grab a signature cocktail or seasonal craft beer and drink in views overlooking the historic Weissmuller Pool. Savor Executive Chef Ryan Gilbert's creative dishes like Farfalle Pasta with asparagus, roasted garlic, baby tomato, crimini, parmesan, sweet pea pesto and seasonal herbs. Or order the Lamb Lollipops with garlic & rosemary marinade, petite arugula, roasted red & gold beets, Asian pear, shaved red onion, golden raisins, and red wine vinaigrette. Dine deliciously wrapped in the old school vibes of America's jazz era, in an ambiance where reclaimed wood, antique glass and vintage lighting pairs perfectly with classic American cuisine. Poolside and in-room dining is also available.
Celebration Locations
This section outlines the various spaces available within the venue for different types of events.
Conservatory
The Conservatory is a truly unique space conveniently located adjacent to our fabulous pool. With high ceilings, natural lighting and a whimsical, garden-like ambiance there is no way anyone could call you boring. The playful, flexible décor and seating adds a healthy dose of fun to your special event.
View: A wall of french doors open out onto the Veranda overlooking the pool
Max capacity: 200
Price range: $1,200 - $2,500
West Courtyard
The West Courtyard is our only outdoor space that offers the privacy of being indoors. With its classic Tiffany Blue walls, it provides the perfect backdrop for your special event.
View: This outdoor courtyard is nestled within the hotel's manor with a wall of french doors that open in to the Conservatory
Max capacity: 150
Price range: $1,500 - $4,000
Bayou Boardroom
This 180 sq ft boardroom features black leather high backed office chairs and a large cherry finished conference table and 72" plasma TV for presentations.
Max capacity: 6
Price range: $150 - $200

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The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
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