GETAWAYS • San Diego
No San Diego road trip is complete without a detour into the North Park neighborhood and a night or two at the reborn Lafayette Hotel & Club, a revival of 1940s Hollywood glamor. In a city where original hotel experiences are lacking, the Lafayette has plenty to offer: a lively pool, well-done comfort food, ample booze, and exceptional play time.
Following a $31 million renovation, the Lafayette has transformed into a social hub equal parts Wes Anderson and California cool. The best rooms are poolside; with a sizable deck, I prefer those on the second floor, where you can eyeball the action without being in the middle of it.
The Pool: Anchored by its original 1946 Weissmuller-inspired pool, the courtyard is a sunny stage for daytime lounging, cocktails, and people-watching. The club angle is straightforward: for $25, non-hotel guests can get a day pass for the pool, which explains why it’s packed daily. But in the mornings, there’s space for a rather peaceful workout swim.
The Scene: The setting offers ample surprises: eight bars, a 24-hour retro diner, a jazz lounge, a two-lane vintage bowling alley, a screening room, and a hidden cocktail den, tucked behind velvet curtains.
The Vibe: The designers stole a little from everywhere, but San Diego, SoCal chill is the dominant force. Artists, travelers, locals, and late-night adventurers mix under chandeliers and string lights, drawn by the eclectic energy and kind (yet intentionally unpolished) hospitality. The rooms, a nod to midcentury kitsch and clubby opulence, sport Soho House touches like record players, vinyl libraries, and Marshall Bluetooth speakers.
Why It’s FOUND: Whether you’re stopping in for a poolside paloma, grabbing late-night tacos from the Mexican cantina, or catching a live set after dark, the Lafayette is more than just a hotel. It's an all-hours playground. You’ll come back. –Brad Inman
→ Lafayette Hotel & Club (San Diego, CA) • 2223 El Cajon Blvd • Rates from $288/wknd night.