The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

Layfayette is a great place to stay if you're thinking about staying near North Park for most your trip. When I went, Red Fox bar and restaurant had moved to the other side of the street, and they were not open for business yet. I did go to Gilley's which is sort of a neighborhood bar (no food). And then there is Live Wire which I did not go into. There are lots of nice, little areas, a mile or so away, such as University Heights and Normal Heights . The hotel itself is okay. I got a standard room which did not have a mini-fridge, and the cleaning maid was a little noisy in the morning in the hallway. The front desk let me check in a little bit early and check out a little bit later which I was happy about. There is a bar and restaurant in the hotel, but they are a bit pricey. I wanted to go in the pool, but I came during the weekend, and it was pretty crowded. I'm guessing the rooms next to the pool are the best.

It's a uniquely crafted, classic concept, of a place you can stay and play! It's a swirl of both Old Timey and New day appeal. Worth checking out and getting lost in its wonder, if you're up for a stay-cation or out of town adventure!

Wow! I can't begin to tell you how amazing this hotel stay turned out to be. I read the reviews but was not convinced and a little leary since it was an intown hotel. Not downtown but kind of tucked away off of El Cahon Blvd. How much could there be to do inside the hotel I thought. Well lots!! There were so many thngs to enjoy. There were 4 restaurants inside the hotel! There was the live band club with dancing, note the place gets a long line so get there early. It opens at 6 and the band comes on at 8pm. There was the incredible game room. NOT TO BE MISSED. And then there was the pool. Just sitting on the balcony, watching the activities around the pool and listening to the music was enought for me. You really have to stay for several days or go back several times to really do everything. Our room was a 2nd floor balcony room overlooking the pool. From the time we checked in to the moment we left the service was impeccable. I told the hotel I was coming to celebrate my birthday and there was a bottle of Proseco in my room with a beautiful note and all of the notepads and letter writing paper and envelopes in the room had my name on it. All the little details made a difference. Von checked us in and was so nice and warm. Our room was so clean and I am a stickler about those things. I am always looking for dust and what might have been missed. The room was large and spacious, the beds were soft and comfortable and the bathroom had a window! There was a bar in the room fully stocked. Not like the little bars in a cabinet but a real live bar full of high end alcohol. It was packed when we checked in on Saturday but Sunday was nice and calm and the music reflects that. There is weekend brunch which was out of this world. Let me say I have traveled extensively worldwide and I was still very impressed with this hotel. We had Sunday brunch outside and the food tasted amazing. (Thank you Luna for great service and patience)! The dinner we had was supreme. We went to Quioxte. Great food and great service (Thanks Roxxane you were the best)! Roxanne had a full dessert and fruit platter sent out because it was my birthday! Upon checking out we were helped by Drew. Lot of love to you Drew for being so good at what you do! Even as we were greeted by both the Valets Benedict and Griffin when leaving the conversation was outstanding. This is an exceptional experience with outstanding staff!

Our stay at The Lafayette was exceptional! First the staff! Were greeted by a super friendly and accommodating Valet Gent(I didn’t catch his name but he had a close trimmed beard). He also helped us as we departed a few days later. Very kind and polite. Drew checked us in and was super welcoming and professional. We grabbed lunch on the patio while our room was being prepared. When our room was ready, Linnea finished our check-in. So wonderful! She had Valet Eric went out of their way to help us to our room since we had so much stuff. Inge was tops at kindness, coffees and info and Jesse was super helpful as well. Our server in Quixote was Daniel and he was amazing. Beginners Diner was delicious on 2 occasions. Front Desk coffee was outstanding on our 3 occasions. Quixote was exceptional. The Gutter is dark & divey yet pristinely clean and well operated. The Lobby Bar is amazing, and Lou Lou’s looked so cool. The Pool Bar made delicious drinks happen. The pool itself was heated perfectly and everything was so wonderfully maintained. Our room (King Patio Suite) was beyond our expectations. Our entire stay was amazingly perfect and enjoyable. The space is out of this world only to be eclipsed by the wonderful staff who were so accommodating and welcoming from start to finish. KUDOS!

I do agree with Brenda B’s review somewhat! The 2x queen bedroom is tight for three, no fridge, no kettle, terrible coffee (however they have better coffee & chilled water in the lobby) , the curtains need a change, I did have to kill a small roach in the room, lighting in the room is dark, the towels are tired, the hardware in the bathroom needed descaling and general upkeep. BUT in return you do get a retro and boutique experience and not just your standard hotel chain. (We stayed in a Marriott in LaJolla and in hindsight we wished there was a Lafayette equivalent there.) The pool was heated, the decor was interesting, the restaurant had delicious hearty meals & the neighbourhood was walkable to some good eating, drinking and groceries.

Pros: Incredible decor Gorgeous pool Multiple dining options Really comfortable beds Amazing pillows Remarkably good lobby coffee bar Above average towels Personalized stationary A prolific mini-bar Top notch bartenders Fantastic water pressure Soaps & Shampoos are very high end Exceptional waitstaff in the diner Cons: No full length mirror No bell-hop No kleenex No alarm clock No chargers by the bed No luggage rack No room service Make-up lighting less than ideal in the bathroom No fan in the bathroom - bring your poo pourri! Limited hotel security - anyone can go up the elevator & stairs Housekeeping every three days Loud Music plays until midnight NOT child friendly

We stayed just for the night and had a great time. Both of the restaurants in the hotel were very good but I think the diner was my favorite of the two. The room itself was very nice and all of the staff were very friendly. I plan on staying there again the next time I need a hotel in the area.

Just stayed here for the second time and the place/experience was just as wonderful as the first time. The attention to detail is unlike anything I have ever seen. Every room is its own mini escape. The hotel staff are personable and informative. To end our stay, we decided to have brunch on the terrace and our waitress, Alicia, was so darling and helpful. The magic is still very much alive at The LaFayette. Can’t wait to go back!

From check in to check out and every point in between this hotel is perfectly on point. Fresh fruit on the bar in my room. My name on the stationary. And the lobby you want to vibe in for days. This is a luxurious experience for all the senses. See you again soon!