We disliked that all the poolbeds where taken by people who we're not staying in the hotel. I disliked that we could not drink our own drinks, because of the fact that they had a deal with the locals.
I loved the pool, the music and the people who work there and also the locals.

The hotel should do more for the guests.

I never figured out what it was, but this hotel has one large smell problem - especially if you enter from the lower garage.

It is old and based on the 'stars' (Jimmy Stewart, Judy Garland, Henry Fonda, etc...) it is proud to note as its honored guests, obviously living on it's fame of over 60 years ago - far too long ago. It is also ...

Like many reviewers I selected a room here based on photographs. I thought it looked charming and unique. After waiting in the car in a line with little direction for 20 minutes, we were taken up a tiny staircase to our room. It was tiny and very dingy! It has a tv and old microwave sitting on a dresser at the end of the bed. It felt dirty, but ...

The picture on the site that we visited in order to book made it look grand. Do not be fooled, the place is very old and tired. Carpets were about 5 years past needing to be replaced; thank God I brought slippers. Also, the room had a strange smell. If they would break down and redo the rooms it would be a nice place; pool and gardens were lovely.

This hotel/residence is more like a motel with room entrances from the outside. Once in, the "suite" (a small room) smelled like mold and the bathroom and furnishings were very dirty. We left immediately.

I want to be as honest as I can. Let's start with a few minor negatives:

This is not the best part of San Diego. If you walk west, it is not bad. East is a bit "dicey" and not that great (not terrible, either). I wouldn't want to walk it at night.

Water was not functioning twice for short periods of time.

Positives: ...

The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego is a gem that harkens back to another era. The hotel which was built in the 50's and used as an escape for movie stars and the rich and famous still maintains its charm. Although the rooms are very spacious, the furnishings and carpet is old and worn. The grounds and pool area are lovely and a wonderful place ...

Booked a room online, then called the hotel directly to add a night so we could come one day earlier. The first night (added only a week ahead of our scheduled stay) we stayed in a small room, bathroom had no ventilation (except slats in the door into the bedroom). No light in the closet. Next day we were moved into the room we'd booked ...

we went here for this past christmas. it was truely a memorable time. we had so much fun it was a great clean environment great location excellent service. the pool area was truely delightful as was the pool side lounge which had agreat service reasonable prices and excellent food. the rooms were spectacular. a perfect location to easily travel all ...