“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
— William Faulkner
Updated February 2026 with additional details, tour comparisons, and tips.
Because entering your 30’s is a celebration of the past, present, and future.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might have noticed that I tend to stay at a hotel during my birthday…and that is still very much the same case today. This time it’s none other than the renovated Lafayette Hotel in San Diego, California.
The Lafayette Hotel and Club is a well-know historic boutique hotel and currently a social hotspot in San Diego’s vibrant North Park neighborhood. Originally opened in 1946, the property has been restored and revitalized with a major renovation in 2023 by CH Projects and Post Company.
While the new change in aesthetic direction is controversial, it still continues to honor its legacy while pushing it forward. Especially during the holidays.
THE STAY: THE LAFAYETTE HOTEL
The hotel features 139 rooms and suites, each with distinctive maximalist design, flourishes, and even amenities. There is also a variety of on-site restaurants, bars, and lounges including a classic diner and a gothic speakeasy-like restaurant, plus a social jazz and pool scene with poolside bar service that draws both guests and locals alike.
As a local myself, I’ve visited The Lafayette many times — but until recently, I had never experienced it as a hotel guest. For this stay, I had a room overlooking the hotel pool, which offered a surprisingly serene escape above the holiday buzz while still being a part of it all at the same time.
WHERE TO EAT & DINE
Designed around a richly detailed, cathedral-inspired interior relocated from a Catholic church in Mexico, the Quixote is a gothic’s dream come true — from the dim lighting, ornate woodwork, stained glass, and flickering candles, it creates a mood that feels cinematic and intimate at the same time.
The menu centers on Oaxacan-inspired Mexican cuisine, featuring small plates and shareable dishes designed to complement their mezcal cocktails and exported beers. But don’t forget to try the dessert, especially the flan.
The bar space channels retro California glamour with a modern edge – it’s the perfect spot for daytime lounging or a late night drink before 9pm.
My recs: The Lafayette Painkiller, Sea Breeze
Styled after a classic mid-century American diner, it blends nostalgic chrome and neon details with a modern comfort-food menu that runs from breakfast classics to hearty lunch and dinner options. Also, it’s open 24/7, 7 days a week.
My recs: latte, disco fries
The Lafayette’s revived live music venue and supper club is tucked downstairs. Each week, they host rotating local and touring musicians, making it one of San Diego’s most engaging evening destinations for music lovers and night-time socializers.
MY REVIEW
Hotel: The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club
Location: North Park, San Diego, California
Design: Historic 1940s architecture reimagined with bold Victorian, Tudor, and Gothic details
Rooms: 139 rooms & suites
Key Highlights: Pool, multiple restaurants & bars, live music & nightlife venues
Dining: Quixote, Beginner’s Diner
Best For: Birthday weekends, staycations, girls’ nights, social getaways
Vibe: Cinematic, high-energy, maximalist
Despite the hectic-ness of the holiday season, staying at the Lafayette was a reminder that even in the busiest moments, there’s still space to pause and reflect. Even above the lively crowds and glowing Christmas lights, I found moments of calm from time to time from the balcony of my room. It truly felt like a staycation that was both celebratory and quietly restorative.
The Lafayette will always hold a special place in my heart, but this was an experience to remember for the rest of my life.
Contact Information
Address: 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Website: Visit here
Telephone: (619) 296-2101
OUTFITS I WORE
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