Historic Hotels of America Welcomes The Lafayette Into its Ranks

The Lafayette Hotel and Club is pleased to announce that it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which recognizes, celebrates, and promotes the finest historic hotels in the United States.

The Lafayette Hotel and Club is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.

“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct The Lafayette Hotel and Club, a colonial-style hotel built in 1946,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

Historic Preservation, Stewardship, and Vision

“We commend The Lafayette Hotel and Club, CH Projects, and their leadership team for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship, and vision, which will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination.”

To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark, listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as having historic significance.

“It is a true honor for The Lafayette to be recognized by Historic Hotels of America. This is not merely a hotel but a living piece of history we are all a part of.”

“Our recent renovation is intended to honor The Lafayette’s history while bringing it into a new age,” says Steve Slack, General Manager of The Lafayette Hotel and Club.

The Lafayette Hotel and Club is rich in history and architectural integrity. Built in 1946 by young entrepreneur Larry Imig, the longstanding San Diego landmark was the only hotel constructed in the US during World War II.

With a prime location on El Cajon Blvd, which before the development of Interstate 8 served as a main thoroughfare through the city, the hotel became a hub for Hollywood elite, such as Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, Lucille Ball, and John Wayne, and served as a popular dining and drinking destination throughout the 1950s.

A few years after opening, the hotel was purchased by Conrad Hilton. It continued to change ownership several times in the following decades and was maintained with varying degrees of effort and investment.

CH Projects Become Stewards of the Lafayette

In 2021, CH Projects stepped in as stewards of the historic Lafayette Hotel and Club with the vision to bolster the iconic hotel far beyond its heyday.

After a $31 million renovation, the first proper restoration in nearly 80 years, CH Projects has revitalized the 2.5-acre destination.

They meticulously maintained original features, including the lobby’s plastered crown moldings, the concrete cast clamshell stage graced by Bob Hope, and the original pool designed by Johnny Weissmuller, celebrated for his Tarzan roles.

In addition to the 139 guest rooms, the updated hotel houses seven unique food and beverage concepts featuring immersive elements such as a two-lane bowling alley and late-night supper club offering live entertainment.

CH Projects is thrilled to serve as advocates for this piece of Southern California history and usher in a new era of outstanding hospitality for visitors and San Diegans alike.

See you there!

For more information, please visit here.