The Lafayette Hotel

With the full restoration of the only hotel constructed in the US during World War II, a longstanding symbol of San Diego’s history has been brought back to life. The Lafayette Hotel’s complete overhaul—its first proper restoration since opening in 1946—was designed by CH Projects and Brooklyn-based Post Company including seven food and beverage outlets, 139 rooms and the signature swimming pool. The design aesthetic embodies the iconic hotel’s connection to its glamorous past as a hotspot for Hollywood elite while also showcasing modern, intentional craftsmanship. By blending historical elements of the original construction with new fabrications, the updated 2.5 acre Colonial-style property reflects a timeless whimsy, not bound to any particular era. Original features such as the lobby’s plastered crown moldings, the concrete cast clamshell stage located within the hotel’s supperclub/music venue, and the pool designed by an Olympic gold medalist are paired with ornate custom-built elements, rarely seen in modern commercial spaces. Inspired by grand European hotels such as The Ritz in Paris, the lobby features checkered marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a fireplace decorated with vintage oil paintings, while rich saturations of color, pattern mixing and layered textural elements are used to add a modern twist.