The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

The Historic Lafayette hotel was originally built as an exclusive hideaway for Hollywood’s finest. From the arrival of our first guest, Mr. Bob Hope, on July 1, 1946, to-date our hotel has had the pleasure of serving numerous celebrities, group meetings, and organizations over the years. Betty Grable and Harry James slept here. So did Ava Gardner.

Built by playboy homebuilder Larry Imig, the property then called Imig Manor, enjoyed unparallel success. In addition to its impressive guest list, several prominent local figures were permanent residents, including clothier Bill Solof, restaurateur Ray Lubach and Padre baseball managers Lefty O’Doul and Bucky Harris. Several years later the Hotel was sold and became the Lafayette Hotel.

Hollywood’s most glamorous stars came night after night to what was the hotel’s fashionable Mississippi Ballroom to drink, dine and dance to the music of Ted Fio Rito and other top big bands. Intact with it's original shell band-stage, the Mississippi Room is now a popular Wedding and special event venue. Also true to its original structure is the Olympic-size terrazzo tile swimming pool, designed by Tarzan’s Johnny Weissmuller.

The hotel’s popularity and tradition of gracious hospitality continues today. This elegant Colonial-Style mansion is a San Diego landmark and has maintained its elegant charm while offering all the luxuries that today’s discriminating traveler demands under a new name-Lafayette Hotel and Suites, returning to its’ original name.

Although the final echoes of the big bands have died away, entertainment still continues nightly at The Red Fox Steak House and Piano Bar, which serves exceptional American Cuisine in a casual atmosphere and our new Lobby Restaurant and Bar. So, come and discover the exciting history of San Diego’s only Hollywood connection at the Lafayette Hotel and Suites.