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| ENTRANCE TO LAFAYETTE HOTEL |
We are off to the
Smashburger in Del Mar for an early Mother's Day lunch—choosing the
outside seating because it's another perfect 70 degree and sunny day
in San Diego. This restaurant chain happens to be Anna and John's
favorite “go to” for burgers. With so many burger choices, I
decided to have my daughter, Anna, order her “pick your own
toppings” specialty for me. Typical of Anna, it was smothered in
healthy vegetables and very tasty.
After lunch, followed by coffee at the nearby Starbucks, we drove to
North Park via Mission Hills and Hillcrest. As we passed the
Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, Anna suggested we stop and
take a look. She was curious about the Mississippi Room on the lower level, where part of the movie Top Gun was filmed. Parking was a
bit of a problem, but thanks to my husband's patience we finally
found a place on the street.
This grand Colonial-style hotel has four large white front pillars.
Upon entering through the oversized white door and seeing the old
comfortable velvet chairs and davenport in the lobby, you feel there
is some history here. The hotel is listed in the National Register
of Historic Places.
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| LOBBY OF LAFAYETTE HOTEL |
It opened in 1946, with the first registered guest being Bob Hope.
The Lafayette Hotel was originally called Imig Manor for Larry Imig,
the developer. Although there have been many changes and ownerships
through the years, the charm persists. It's located on El Cajon
Boulevard, the main east-west artery through the city before the
freeways were built. It was also on the original and popular
Los Angeles-Tijuana Racetrack route. It attracted a lot of attention
from Hollywood and was known to be frequented by the likes of Ava
Gardner and Lana Turner.
The lavish pool, surrounded by hotel suites, is the centerpiece. The
pool was designed by five-time Olympic gold medal winner Johnny
Weissmuller, the original Tarzan. It is still a popular Swim Club.
In 2011 a major $6M historical renovation included refurbishing the
guest rooms and the original terraza floor. They also added the pink,
gold and red parasols which hang from the lobby ceiling. One wall is
covered with old photos of famous people that used to frequent the
hotel. Connected to the lobby is an outside patio with large checker
and chess boards on the concrete floor for guests to enjoy.
The Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar is owned separately and
adjacent to the hotel. It is a vintage steakhouse in a room that was
originally built in England in the 1600's. In 1926, the interior
furnishings were purchased, dismantled, and moved to the US for the
“ocean house” of actress, Marion Davies. Later, it was
dismantled and moved to the Red Fox. It includes a spectacular
hand-carved wooden bar.
I think it would be fun to return to the Lafayette hotel on a
Friday evening when they offer live music on the veranda.
Unfortunately, at the time of our visit, the Mississippi Room on the lower level room was unavailable due to a private function. Typically it is
available for viewing which gives us another good reason to return.
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| LOBBY OF LAFAYETTE HOTEL |
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| SWIMMING POOL |
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| ORIGINAL TERRAZA FLOOR |
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