The Lafayette Hotel & Club, a San Diego, Calif., landmark, is now part of the Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Built in 1946 by Larry Imig, the colonial-style property was the only hotel constructed in the United States during World War II. The hotel, a favorite among the Hollywood elite in the 1950s, reopened its doors in July 2023 after a $31 million renovation, its first in more than 70 years.
Under the ownership of CH Projects since 2021, The Lafayette’s renovation aimed to honor its history while bringing it into a new age. The 2.5-acre property retains its original features, including the lobby’s plastered crown moldings, concrete cast clamshell stage, and the pool designed by Olympic gold-medalist swimmer Johnny Weissmuller. The refurbished hotel now offers 139 guestrooms and suites, along with seven food and beverage (F&B) options featuring such immersive elements as a two-lane bowling alley and a late-night supper club with live entertainment.
The Lafayette Hotel, situated at 2223 El Cajon Blvd., joins more than 300 hotels and resorts recognized by Historic Hotels of America for their preservation of historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance. To be nominated and selected, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, designated as a National Historic Landmark or listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized for its historical significance. The Lafayette Hotel & Club’s official induction into HistoricHotels.org was announced earlier this year, following the completion of its web profile. The induction officially took place on November 1, 2023.
