I thought it would be appropriate to share all the photos I took of the historic Lafayette Hotel in San Diego. It was never our original plan to stay here but after accommodations changed last minute it seemed like the best option considering the reason for our trip. San Diego is the fifth photo trip we have taken since starting this tradition in the summer of 2020.

I have a soft spot and curiosity for old historic hotels and was so ready to capture the hell out of this place. I arrived prepared with Portra 800 and Ilford Delta 3200 (who knows when the last time I shot this film stock was… had I ever shot it)?

A bit of history regarding The Lafayette:

The hotel opened under a different name, Imig Manor, in July of 1946. It’s first guest was the famous Bob Hope. The hotel was a popular spot in the heyday of the 40’s and 50’s until dealing with the loss of traffic because of Interstate 8 replacing the main El Cajon Boulevard in 1960. After a few different owners, the Hampstead Lafayette Partners purchased land including the hotel in 2004. In 2010 the hotel underwent a 4 million dollar facelift returning the hotel to it’s previous glamour and opulence. Another HUGE renovation happened from 2022-2023 updating guest rooms and adding eight new bar and restaurants to the property.

I loved capturing what the hotel looks like today - in April of 2025. If the walls could talk! There aren’t many photos online of the original hotel in the 40’s but it’s fun to try and imagine.