The main building's bland colonial-style red brick and white-columned exterior belies the property's old Hollywood glamour interiors. The elegant lobby is filled with detailed moulding, rich drapery, and ceilings decorated with parasols and chandeliers. There's also a baby grand piano in front of a mural of black-and-white Tinseltown memories. And while the lobby is spacious and welcoming, guests tend to congregate at the hotel's long centerpiece pool, which was designed by Olympic swimmer -- and original silver screen Tarzan -- Johnny Weissmuller. The scene definitely caters to parties and couples, families and business travelers should look elsewhere. 

The hotel is on a busy street on the north end of San Diego's North Park, within walking distance to shops, cafes, and the neighborhood's vibrant bars and clubs. An older part of town filled with craftsman cottages and restored bungalows, North Park has become a popular area for the hip crowd and has a healthy party scene. Downtown San Diego, as well as some of the area’s major tourist attractions -- including Balboa Park, La Jolla, and Mission Bay -- are just a short drive away. The San Diego International Airport is a 15-20-minute drive toward the bay. Secured parking is available at the hotel for a fee.

There are four room types, the most glamorous option are the private, two-story bungalows stylishly decorated with bold wallpaper, reclaimed wood floors, original moldings, and colorful full kitchens. Manor rooms in the main building are equally striking, with a darker palate and art deco decor. The more budget-friendly poolside rooms and Suze Suites (which come with a bunk bed for kids as well as a regular room) are more conventionally decorated with bright and contemporary furnishings. Many rooms have French doors that open to a patio around the central pool area, a nice perk that trades a bit of privacy for convenient pool access. The bathrooms retain their original tile floors and fixtures for cool historic flavor, but stained grout is not an uncommon sight. All rooms have iPod docks and coffeemakers, and mini-fridges are available for a fee.

The outdoor terrace pool is the center of activity at the Lafayette, serving as a place for guests and day-pass holders to swim, sunbathe, and party. Critics note the pool is technically two-inches shy of Olympic regulation size due to an error back when the pool was first built, but this is not a concern for most guests. Regular events include live music and DJ parties, including a popular rockabilly night, and summertime "dive-in" movie nights. The hotel's restored event space includes versatile meeting rooms and a huge ballroom where weddings are frequently held. A room off the lobby has a giant chessboard for life-sized gaming. There's also a small business center with a printer and a fitness room for those who can't get enough laps in the pool. The comedy club -- Finest City Improv -- provides on-site laughs and a full bar. Hope 46 (named after Bob Hope) does classic American cuisine in a hip atmosphere, while the Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar, which is  decked out in medieval decor imported from England, serves steak and seafood well into the evening and features live music every night. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.