The Lafayette Hotel vs Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

Going for a swim? Let’s look at the pools at each hotel.

The Beautiful Pool at the Lafayette Hotel

The Lafayette Swim Club

The Lafayette isn’t just a hotel; it’s also a swim club, so as expected, the pool doesn’t disappoint! It’s so popular that non-hotel guests can still pay for access.

The pool deck area is very nice here, with cabanas offering shade. It’s also huge, so you don’t have to worry about crowds, as there’s enough space for everyone to swim.

Cabanas at the Carte Hotel San Diego

Swimming at the Carte

At the Carte Hotel, don’t head outside to find the pool. Instead, head up to the roof!

This hotel’s rooftop pool feels very elegant. I loved being able to look out at the city, and the view gets even better around sunset.

The Swimming Pool at the Lafayette Hotel

The Better Place to Swim: The Lafayette Hotel

Personally, I prefer the central location and cabanas of The Lafayette Hotel’s pool. But the rooftop pool at The Carte is nothing to sneeze at either!

Just one glance shows how different the rooms and suites at these two hotels are, but neither skimps on comfort.

Classic Queen Bedroom at the Lafayette Hotel Swim Club and Bungalows

The Lafayette’s Rooms

Looking for hotel rooms with lots of personality? The maximalist and even quirky design philosophy of The Lafayette is for you.

Each room feels both classic and upscale with bold colors and patterns, making for a unique experience.

King Room at the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

Carte’s Room Options

Elegance and modern design sensibilities define the rooms at the Carte Hotel. They’re spacious with a sleek look, and there are many accommodation types to choose from.

Enjoy great views of downtown from your room. This location also puts it close to the nearby airport, San Diego International Airport (SAN), and the San Diego Convention Center.

Suite Living Room at the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

Our Pick for Rooms: Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

The decision comes down to the better views from the rooms at the Carte Hotel, though your preference in decor may affect your choice.

Exploring Tide Pools at Marine Street Beach

Proximity to attractions is one of the most important considerations when picking a hotel.

Wherever you stay, a Go City San Diego pass is your ticket to fun on a discount! When you use our code GVSD5OFF, you’ll save even more on admission to attractions around the city plus gear rentals for use at La Jolla, Mission Bay, and other beaches.

Relaxing at Old Trolley Barn Neighborhood Park

What’s Around The Lafayette

The Lafayette Hotel is in University Heights, which is largely walkable and skews toward the trendier side of things. There are lots of coffee shops and boutique places to shop.

There’s less to do here than downtown, but there are still quite a few excellent restaurants, bars, and breweries a short walk from the hotel.

Dining at the Little Italy Food Hall

The Carte’s Surroundings

Carte Hotel’s positioning in Downtown San Diego makes it an excellent launching point for exploring the best of the city.

The hotel sits within walking distance of multiple neighborhoods. Sample the Italian fare at restaurants in Little Italy, stroll along the San Diego Bay and shop at Seaport Village in the Embarcadero, and check out a tour or see a Padres game at Petco Park in the Gaslamp Quarter.

You’re also not far from attractions at Balboa Park like the San Diego Zoo.

Plus, Downtown’s FRED Shuttle makes it easy to get around without a car, which is a huge plus if you’re flying in via the San Diego Airport (SAN).

The Beautiful Rooftop Bar at the Carte Hotel San Diego

Where to Stay to Keep Busy: The Carte Hotel

Few areas of San Diego County can compete with the attraction and activity density of Downtown, which makes the Carte Hotel our choice.

It’s a close call when looking at the excellent amenities of these two hotels, which both offer ways to relax and have fun without leaving the property.

The Gutter Bowling and Cocktails at the Lafayette Hotel

Dine and Drink at The Lafayette

There are lots of places to eat and relax at The Lafayette Hotel.

I’ve already talked about how much I love the lobby bar. There’s also a jazz bar called Lou Lou's Jungle Room which hosts live music.

This San Diego hotel even has its own two-lane bowling alley called The Gutter, with an attached bar as well.

Enjoy a taste of the classics at the American Diner, which is themed with lots of throwback decorations. Another option is Quixote, the hotel’s Mexican restaurant.

Rooftop Bar at the Carte Hotel San Diego

Amenities at Carte Hotel

The Carte Hotel’s rooftop bar, Above Ash Social, is one of the highlights of the hotel.

I enjoyed the amazing view of San Diego’s cityscape from a bird’s eye view, and the overall vibe was great too.

The Espresso Bar at the Lafayette Hotel

Our Choice for Amenities: The Lafayette Hotel

As much as I adore Above Ash Social, the diversity of The Lafayette’s on-site amenities makes it my winning pick.

The Beautiful Lafayette Hotel in University Heights

I had a great experience staying at both of these hotels, and would highly recommend either of them. Honestly, they are both unique luxury stays that I would highly recommend.

But we must pick a single winner and the time has come!

Our team’s pick for the best overall hotel between these two fine establishments is The Lafayette Hotel! With its trendy vibe and unique amenities like its bowling alley, it’s truly unique among San Diego hotels.