The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

We didn’t stay overnight, but had a great time hopping between the hotel’s many bars. The different rooms and themes are impressive, with something for everyone. The visuals are very Instagrammable, and the design is beautifully done. It’s a favorite with the ladies for the look and the dark, sexy vibe. Make time to see all the bars, they each feel different and are impressive.

The Lafayette is beautiful, lively, and full of personality. Its design and atmosphere really deliver if you’re there for the aesthetic and the scene. But I personally found it a little overpriced for the amenities, and the hype and pricing seem influenced by social media. I might stay again, knowing to expect a design-forward, high-energy boutique hotel rather than traditional luxury with white-glove service. If you want the vibe, you’ll love it. If you’re after quiet, seamless luxury, there may be a disconnect. I was excited to try it after friends raved about the hotel and I saw its newer, prestigious Michelin Key rating. Social media had influenced me too. I tend to travel in a luxury style and expect an effortless experience from arrival. The design is stunning and glamorous, with a lively party feel, but the arrival and departure didn’t match the luxury positioning. There was no luggage cart, and our fourth-floor room required carrying bags up a flight because the elevator only goes to the third floor. Valet staffing also seemed limited when several cars arrived at once. The staff were kind, but the process felt awkward and disjointed, including asking for help with bags. The concierge who checked us in was gracious and lovely, though the overall check-in flow lacked polish. Our room above the bar came with earplugs in advance, a thoughtful acknowledgment of possible noise. It wasn’t disruptive for us, but it’s a lively hotel. The room was beautifully styled and the mini bar selection was excellent, but the luxury cherries had been opened and partly used, with the jar apparently taped back up. The knife also looked used. Those details are fixable, but they matter at this level. The bathtub was quite small, not the romantic two-person soak you might picture for a couples’ getaway.

We had a wonderful stay at the Lafayette Hotel for our 10th Anniversary. The staff welcomed us warmly and were incredibly friendly. We loved our room’s view of the pool, and the pool area was excellent. Thanks for a great stay! 🎉

This is about the public areas, not the guest rooms. We visited in the evening, when the lighting was especially striking, particularly around the pool perimeter. The place is beautiful inside, and the staff made us feel welcome. The bars were busy, but the vibe was fun, and the cocktail waitresses and bartenders were entertaining and accommodating. It’s a place to see and be seen at any age. Right in the middle of El Cajon, this gem has brought business to the area and seems like it’ll be around for years. I’ll be back. Cheers Lafayette!