The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows San Diego, San Diego ~ Discover room options, reviews & pricing

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About the Hotel

2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California, United States of America, 92104

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, a 3-star historic property in North Park, features a pool designed by five-time Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller in 1946, along with splashes of 1940s and 1950s photography throughout the property, and five distinct indoor and outdoor venues including the iconic Mississippi Ballroom.

Modern Vintage Accommodations

Rooms at The Lafayette Hotel combine modern amenities with 1940s and 1950s aesthetics, featuring high-speed WiFi and flat-panel TVs. Suites offer one queen bed and one full bed, full-size refrigerator, living room, and dining nook.

Classic American Dining

HOPE 46 serves classic American cuisine with contemporary flair in an unpretentious setting. The Red Fox House recreates an authentic English pub atmosphere with original decor.

Pool and Meeting Venues

The Weissmuller Pool complex offers a high covered terrace overlooking the swimming area. A 180-square-foot meeting room provides A/V technology, while the 2,025-square-foot venue accommodates social events and business receptions.

Central San Diego Location

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows sits 6 miles from San Diego International Airport and 4 miles from Coaster Santa Fe Station. Within 2 miles radius: San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum, and J.A. Cooley's Automotive Museum.

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Check out the full range of transport modes

City Center

San Diego 1.7 mi

Airports

San Diego International (SAN) 5.2 mi

El Cajon (CJN) 12.9 mi

Train

Coaster Santa Fe Station 3.1 mi

Santa Fe Depot 3.2 mi

Bus

Bus stop400 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Relaxing Pool Vibes

“The Weissmuller Pool was a true highlight. It offered a perfect temperature for a refreshing dip, making it an amazing spot to unwind.” view full review

Charming Room Decor

“I was captivated by the unique decor in the room, themed after classic movie stars, which added a lovely touch of nostalgia to my stay.” view full review

Delicious Dining Options

“Dining at the hotel was a delight, especially enjoying the shrimp chili tacos at the on-site Mexican restaurant—definitely a must-try!” view full review

Cozy Living Space

“The room was spacious and inviting, creating a perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy our time together; it felt just like home.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Baggage storage
ATM/Cash machine
Coffee shop
Vending machines

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Wind surfing
Snorkeling

Services

Valet parking
Housekeeping
Laundry
Stores/Commercial services

Dining

Restaurant
Poolside snack bar

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Solarium

Room features

Ironing facilities

Location

2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California, United States of America, 92104

Map view

2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California, United States of America, 92104

City landmarks

Zoo

San Diego Zoo

1.5 mi

Parks

Old Trolley Barn Park

3800 ft

Hillcrest

3000 ft

Museums

San Diego Museum of Man

1.8 mi

Store

Sprouts Farmers Market

2300 ft

Museums

San Diego Natural History Museum

1.6 mi

Parking area

North Park

1.3 mi

Museums

USS Midway Museum

3.5 mi

3013 University Avenue

Simply Local

4200 ft

2946 Adams Avenue

Maven

4300 ft

Church

Grace Church San Diego

3000 ft

Museums

San Diego Air & Space Museum

2.1 mi

4575 30th St

AxeVentures Axe Throwing

3900 ft

1770 Village Pl Balboa Park

Spanish Village Art Center

1.5 mi

Parks

Morley Field Sports Complex

1.2 mi

Museums

Marston House Museum

1.4 mi

1640 Camino Del Rio N

AMC Mission Valley 20

5200 ft

Gallery

Protea Gallery

4400 ft

Shopping Area

Mission Valley Center

1.2 mi

Museums

Fleet Science Center

1.7 mi

Store

Barons Market North Park

1.1 mi

Garden

Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden

1.4 mi

1350 El Prado At the San Diego Museum of Man

California Tower

1.7 mi

Store

Whole Foods Market

1.1 mi

Parks

Bird Park

1.1 mi

1003 University Ave

Ace Hardware

5100 ft

Museums

Museum of Photographic Arts

1.7 mi

Botanical Garden

Botanical Building

1.7 mi

Museums

The San Diego Museum of Art

1.7 mi

Nearby

Museums

J.A. Cooley's Automotive Musuem

1900 ft

Restaurants

Pizzeria Luigi

500 ft

2121 El Cajon Blvd

Mama's Bakery & Deli

700 ft

4237 Alabama St

Denny's

900 ft

2445 El Cajon Blvd

Mystic Mocha

2000 ft

2105 Mission Avenue

Pop Pie Co

2500 ft

4404 Park Blvd

Roberto's

2200 ft

2744 El Cajon Blvd Between Idaho Street & Oregon Street

Olympic Cafe

2800 ft

2310 University Avenue

Colima's Mexican Food

2700 ft

2302 University Ave

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

92%

were satisfied with the hotel and would gladly return

9.2/10

Perfect

Rooms

9.2

Location

9.0

Service

10.0

Dining

8.8

Gary

United States of America, February 2025

9.6/10

Staying at the Lafayette was truly a memorable experience! The ambiance was beautifully refreshing and provided a homely feel, making it easy to relax. The rooms were impressive in their attention to detail, and the cleanliness was remarkable. The staff, especially Joseph at the front desk, made us feel like VIPs. While the prices for cocktails might seem high, the drinks and dining options were worth it for the quality. Overall, this hotel is perfect for couples or a fun getaway with friends, though I wouldn't recommend it for families with kids.

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were not only clean but also spacious with thoughtful amenities, making it a retreat on its own.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding; the staff was genuinely friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming and familial atmosphere.

Location

Dining

9.0

Dining options were fantastic, from cocktails to delicious meals, all served in an inviting environment. The prices were fair for the quality.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were engaging, with unique spaces to explore like the jazz club and outdoor areas that added a lot of character.

Lawrence

United States of America, January 2025

8.6/10

I loved my recent stay at the Lafayette Hotel! The ambiance was charming and made me feel genuinely welcomed. Joseph and the rest of the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, and the cleanliness of the hotel was impressive. However, I did find the dining options could use a bit more variety and flair.

Rooms

9.0

The room I stayed in was cozy with a really comfortable bed, making it easy to unwind after a long day.

Service

10.0

Joseph was always there to greet us with warmth, and the rest of the team felt like family—truly exceptional service!

Location

9.0

The hotel is situated in a nice area with easy access to local attractions, making it convenient for exploring San Diego.

Dining

7.0

While the meals were decent, I wished for a bit more diversity in the menu options.

Facilities

8.0

The pool area was lively and perfect for relaxing, creating a wonderful social environment.

Tom

United States of America, November 2024

8.8/10

I had an incredible experience at The Lafayette Hotel and Club! The vintage vibes and beautifully unique decor made my stay feel special. Crystal and Jonathan really went above and beyond to make everyone feel safe and pampered during these times. The pool area was lively and fun, but the small room size might feel a bit cozy for some. Definitely a must-visit for those who appreciate grand, maximalist style!

Rooms

7.0

The rooms had a charming retro vibe, though they felt a bit small for my taste. The big furnishings made it feel cozier, but I really wished for a larger mirror.

Service

10.0

The service was amazing! Joseph stood out with his friendly demeanor and thoughtfulness. The staff treated us like family, which added a personal touch to our stay.

Location

9.0

The hotel is in a great neighborhood with lots of fun restaurants and cafes nearby. I enjoyed being close to everything I wanted to explore.

Dining

9.0

The dining options were fantastic with plenty to choose from, and I loved the atmosphere at Lou Lou’s with live music!

Facilities

9.0

The pool area was vibrant and well-kept, providing a fantastic spot to relax and socialize. I appreciated how it maintained a fun energy throughout my stay.

Richard

United States of America, October 2024

9.6/10

My stay at the Lafayette Hotel was truly unforgettable! The unique, historical decor and the engaging vibe added a special touch. I was particularly impressed with the immaculate cleanliness of the property and the comfort of the beds. Dining options were fantastic, especially after enjoying the activities like bowling and shuffleboard. However, I did encounter a minor hiccup with the weather which hindered my chance to enjoy the pool. Overall, it was a great experience worth revisiting!

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were well-appointed, felt luxurious, and the bed was incredibly comfortable.

Service

10.0

The staff provided attentive and genuine service, making our anniversary feel special.

Location

Dining

9.0

Dining options were top-notch, especially the 24-hour diner which served delicious late-night food.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel offers a fun bowling alley and an inviting pool area, perfect for socializing.

William

United States of America, September 2024

10.0/10

The Lafayette Hotel is a stunning blend of nostalgic charm and modern amenities, providing an exceptional experience that feels both unique and luxurious. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every detail is attended to, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s various dining options and vibrant facilities make it a perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment. However, some may find the texting-only concierge and ice availability a bit inconvenient, which can detract slightly from the overall experience.

Rooms

10.0

Our room was beautifully decorated and furnished with a bed that felt like sleeping on a cloud. It even had a luxurious shower that made our stay even more enjoyable.

Service

10.0

Check-in was seamless and the staff treated us like family, remembering our names and preferences, which made us feel incredibly welcomed.

Location

Dining

10.0

The food was absolutely incredible! Every meal we had exceeded our expectations, especially at the upscale restaurant Quixote.

Facilities

10.0

The hotel boasts a vibrant array of facilities including a lively pool, a jazz club, and unique games like bowling and foosball that provide endless entertainment.