Empress Hotel of La Jolla, La Jolla

3 visits. Modern lodging seeking both business and leisure clientele, upscale restaurant/nightclub in building, valet parking (cars go underneath if space permits, otherwise streets blocks away.) Pros: For what you get, good value. If you have the bucks, go 1/2 block north to here instead of Best Western. Spacious single rooms, well-tended and laid out. Previous years had free valet parking (but later not). Unlike many of its competitors this is a QUIET hotel with rooms away from the noise of the Village which occurs at all hours. Adequate, unhurried serve-yourself free breakfast, optionally outside in the quasi-ocean air. Walk to great shore/beach/seal pond, overpriced restaurants, chi-chi boutiques, etc. and act like a millionaire for the stay. Underwent dental surgeries nearby and staff was most understanding. Cons: once had to request different room when HVAC was being repaired noisily throughout. Not a water view lodging, maybe a few suites for the extravagant have good views (1 allegedly has piano!). Will stay again if needing LaJolla lodging.

We were in La Jolla for a seminar and stayed here. We found it quite lovely! The room was large and very clean. The beds were very comfy and the shower was probably one of the best I've experienced in a hotel. We enjoyed the jazz trio in the bar for a night cap. Breakfast was not great..but we could walk to any number of great eats. We'll definitely be back!

Our room was comfortable and you can't beat the convenient location. Staff was friendly and helpful. Continental breakfast wasn't fancy, but it was convenient. Bathroom was on the small side, but clean and functional. Internet access was free in the rooms, and the business center downstairs let us print for free. Our only qualm was having to pay for parking, but I don't think you can avoid that in La Jolla.

The Empress ruined our family vacay with substandard conditions and service. The promised crib was not in our room, and it had a queen sized sheet/blanket on it- when we finally got it. The bathtub plug was broken, and the toilet clogged. We were told on Sat. nite that there would be no maint. person until Monday, so nothing was fixed until then. We had to plug the drain with a wash cloth, just to give our 2 yr. old a bath. The manager was out of town, and there was no one in charge. We were told that there were no rooms available to switch to, due to spring break. Our internet service didn't work at all for the 3 days we were there, which was extremely inconvenient. The in house restaurant is overpriced, snooty, and the wait staff were arguing with each other. The comp. continental reakfast is mediocre. The Empress is run down, and badly in need of a face lift. Even the elevator permit has been expired since 6/22/07, on 3/18/08. I didn't get to speak to the manager until check out. She did give us a discount, along with many lame excuses. We will never go back, and I would suggest staying anywhere else!

We placed a reservation for this hotel through the Empress's web site approximatly one month prior to our stay. We recieved an email confirmation and assumed everything was set. On arrival we were informed that our reservation had been cancelled due to some problem with the web based reservation system. The woman at the desk said that her supervisor had attempted to contact us although we never received any phone message or email. They did not have any available rooms but found us a room at the Best Western down the street (not nearly as nice a hotel). Needless to say we were extremely displeased. They did agree to send us a coupon for one night free within the next year but we are unlikely to be in the San Diego area during that time and would prefer not to give this hotel our business.

Service was surly at best..poor value for the money. Stayed there when I visited family nearby and thats the only reason. Would not recommend this place to anybody.

The checking in/out were very quick. The room I stayed in was very comfortable and beautiful, with clean sheets and comforter, however, the comforter was too thick and heavy for California August weather. The restroom counter could be a little cleaner and the restroom door needs a better lock. The complimentary breakfast is just perfect and they give Starbucks coffee. Overall, I would stay here again.