The Lafayette Hotel Swim Club & Bungalows Est. 1946

2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA, United States

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$149 avg. room rate
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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
Boutique Hotel
Historic Building
Hotel / Resort / Spa
Views
Street
Water Feature
Style
Eclectic
Glamorous
Romantic
Vintage
Whimsical
BEST type of CELEBRATIONS
Anniversary / Engagement Party
Birthday Party
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Dinner Party
Holiday Party
LGBT Weddings
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception
Workshops: Creative, Photo, Etc.

Venue Setting

The Historic Lafayette Hotel in San Diego

Stylish where it matters and affordable where it counts, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows is more than just a place to stay and see Southern California attractions. It’s a wingman you can count on, an adaptation of an earlier era, and an experience you look forward to.

The world has no shortage of traditional hotels. Sure, we’ve been around since 1946, but our idea of what a hotel should be hasn’t. We believe modern travel should be about flexibility, simplicity and exploration. If we were formal enough to write a mission statement, it would read like this: A centrally located San Diego hotel with a great atmosphere, great food, great people and great beds.

This approach influences everything we do. And most things we don’t. We want the Lafayette Hotel to be a place where you can be yourself, or reinvent yourself. That’s why it comes as no surprise when the Lafayette attracts thousands of travelers every year. Free spirits, the suits, global nomads, couples, families, and parties of one, they stay because we share common ground. The huge pool probably doesn’t hurt either.

We also know San Diego culture. Imbedded within the vibrant North Park San Diego community renowned known for its exciting nightlife, shopping, dining, and exploding arts and music scene, The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club redefines what it means to be a community minded hotel.

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

Capacity

Seated
300
Buffet
300
Standing
525
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
131 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
  • Dining Tables
  • Onsite Restrooms
  • Other
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.
Awards & Notables National Geographic Travel - Best Trips 2016

Soaking Up San Diego's North Park and More

Old Hollywood Glamour Is Reborn At San Diego’s Lafayette Hotel
In Hungry Concierge, we travel the world to spot hotels that operate with their guests’ food and drink needs squarely in mind — hotels, both big and small, that are located in neighborhoods rich with bar and restaurant options. Because there’s nothing worse than having your trip derailed by crummy room service.


Navigating the madness surrounding Comic-Con
The L.A. Times recommended us as the place to stay during Comic-Con: "a hipster favorite that was a haven for Hollywood celebs back in the day, has been restored to its former glory."

Sacha's Supper Club set for Lafayette Hotel
"Award-winning San Diego jazz singer Sacha Boutros will launch a new monthly music series at the historic North Park Hotel that once hosted Bing Crosby & Ava Gardner."

2014 Design Excellence Award
Anjum Razvi, from the American Society of Interior Designers, gets recognized for the amazing style she has given to The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. 

Delta Sky Magazine November 2014
Delta's newest edition highlights The Lafayette's proximity to North Park's hottest craft beer destinations. 

Ventana Monthly May-June 2014 "San Diego Now" 
American Eagle Latitudes Magazine
May - June 2014

Sustainable San Diego - When Old Buildings Go High-Tech
February 2014
Advanced energy strategy pays off for the Historic Lafayette Hotel.

"The Lafayette Hotel is on its way to .....SWOON" 
ATOD Magazine's Dawn Garcia visits during MOVEMBER weekend. "The Lafayette is a beautiful historical hotel and it continues to be remade and reinvented under the direction of GM, Josh Lujan." 

"Retro Chic in San Diego" 
Janice Marie Wilson of Jetsetters Magazine review of her stay with us

"STAY: The Lafayette"
Weekend Del Sol blog post by Garrick Ramirez
August 2013
Features outings + getaways to engaging places in California. We love anything that immerses you in beautiful, stimulating surroundings. And because of our affinity for food + drink, expect plenty of restaurants and cocktails along the way

LA Times Article on The Lafayette Hotel! 
January 2013
"It's edgy, it's cool — and it's official: San Diego's North Park made Forbes' list of America's Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods in September, joining such spots as L.A.'s Silver Lake and San Francisco's Mission District."

Celebration Locations
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: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
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: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Bayou Boardroom:
This 180 sq ft boardroom features black leather high backed office chairs and a large cherry finished conference table
- Max Capacity: 6
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Bourbon Boardroom:
This 280 sq ft boardroom can be custom configured to suit your needs.
- Max Capacity: 25
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Burgundy Boardroom:
This 384 sq ft boardroom can be custom configured to suit your needs.
- Max Capacity: 35
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Baton Rouge:
This newly renovated rectangular conference room can be customized to suit your needs.
- Max Capacity: 60
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Louisiana Ballroom:
The Louisiana Ballroom with adjoining East Courtyard is the ideal location for private events. Guests enter through the chic East Courtyard and are met with a wall of French doors that open up to the Louisiana Ballroom.
- View: East Courtyard
- Max Capacity: 150
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Mississippi Ballroom:
The Mississippi Ballroom is our grand ballroom. The ballroom has played host to some of the most legendary San Diego parties. It is also where a certain maverick Top Gun pilot sang "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" to a lovely young lady. Seriously, Top Gun was filmed here. And yes, that IS a giant one of a kind clam shell behind the stage. A great backdrop for bands, toasts, or speakers, this unique event space adds a touch of glam to your wedding day! It can accommodate up to 300 seated guests with recept
- View: The Mississippi Ballroom has a private patio that opens out to Mississippi Ave.
- Max Capacity: 525
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Eats & Drinks
Food, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Lounges
Food, Restaurants, Cafes:
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.
Bars & Lounges:
​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.
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