More about Empress Hotel of La Jolla
Nothing Impressive
by TripAdvisor Member Pulchritude
My husband and I just returned from a stay in La Jolla at The Empress Hotel. As far as hotels go, I would have to say that this one is at best AVERAGE. Additionally, I found the staff not friendly and again average. This is definately not a hotel I would ever plan on returning to.
On a positive note, as far activities go we had a wonderful time. We drove to Coronado Island, walked on the beach and had drinks at the Del. Then we had dinner at a fabulous Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio in Coronado. The view of downtown San Diego from the restaurant was spectacular. We went on a Whale Watching cruise and saw plenty of grey whales on their migratory paths.....
Just loved La Jolla... can't wait to return again!
Very pleasant stay!
by TripAdvisor Member tinka14
We arrived here after a night in Palm Springs for a 3 night stay. Of all the locations in our 2 week holiday, San Diego gave us the biggest headache of deciding where to stay....downtown, Hillcrest or somewhere by the sea so we finally decided on La Jolla and we were glad we did. As we had hired a car, it was easy to get around to get to Downtown and the zoo although we did keep getting lost a few times! La Jolla feels exclusive and it's lovely being by the sea. I would say that the Empress Hotel doesn't look modern but it's not falling apart either, it's style could be called English chintz. We decided to live it up a bit and booked a jacuzzi suite room over the Internet. Room 406 was lovely, 2 rooms,a living room and kitchen/dining area with the other room being home to a huge bed, next door to a huge jacuzzi (which worked!) and his and hers sinks and a bathroom! It was expensive but worth it and we had a sea view too.
There was free continental breakfast offered but the breakfast room was full and we didn't fancy eating outside on the terrace as it was cold (coldest Californian March for 85 years!) so we went to eat at the Cottage down the road which we did for the next 2 days as it was very nice with good service and excellent food.
All the staff at the Empress were very friendly and our room was clean....there were a few very minor points if you were being picky but the towels were clean and there were plenty of them, the toiletries were good, couldn't really complain. La Jolla has some excellent restaurants and we ate at the Manhatten (Italian) in the hotel which was great.Excellent baked cheesecake and service too! Bernini's Bistro (Italian) down the street which was also great(the owner loves Brits!) and Alfonso's Mexican restaurant on Prospect Street, the main road through La Jolla which again was great in every aspect.
If you go to the coves, you should see plenty of wildlife, dolphins, seals and pelicans! Enjoyed it and we would go back.
Best Hotel Restuarant EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
Yes it is an older hotel but it is not without it's charms! Lobby was very tasteful with beautiful colors. But the shinning star is most defineatly the manhatten restuarant! You must try the ceasar salad, very traditional)Lobster Ravioli, Steak(too die for), And some sort of banana desert ahhh It was just lovely. Even if you don't stay here worth a taxi cab to eat here.
great hotel
by TripAdvisor Member danco28
We stayed in a suite at the Empress and thought the room was excellent, the staff friendly and attentive and the location great. I didn't feel the decor was dated or in poor condition like some of the other reviewers
Perfect Stay
by TripAdvisor Member Wincherr
Perhaps they have done some updating at the Empress Hotel since some of the reviewers made their posts. I was just there for two nights in April, 06 and I found the room very clean, nicely appointed, the front desk very polite and helpful (even upgraded my room so I could check in three hours early). Free Internet as well - and a nice hotel breakfast.
The location is excellent as well. I highly recommend this hotel.
Excellent Location, Great Service, Good Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member AHT
We stayed at Empress Hotel for 2 nights in June of 2006. This hotel is definitely a quality 3 star hotel with decent rooms. Although the bathroom and carpet are old and shows signs of age, the overall the room is clean, large, and nicely decorated. We were happy with the hotel staff and friendly service. Valet parking here is $10 per day with in-and-out privileges. The breakfast served in the morning is average and the hotel provides fresh cookies and apples in the afternoon, which is a nice touch.
The hotel is located 2 blocks from the beach and is within walking distance to great restaurants, cafes, and shops. The location of the hotel is just terrific and we did not even need our car except to travel outside of La Jolla.
This hotel is a great find in La Jolla. If possible, book a room that is not on the 1st floor so that the curtains can be opened without exposing the room to the sidewalk pedestrians. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend this hotel to our friends.
A touch of New York in La Jolla
by A TripAdvisor Member
The Empress Hotel is a fine and very clean hotel. We have stayed there twice and were pleased both of our stays. The rooms are very clean and the bed very comfortable with many pillows and very inviting. The windows open for fresh air which is very important to us since we like fresh air. This is a fine hotel with a touch of New York class.
Karen Jean
---
Nice location, needs TLC.
by TripAdvisor Member themenz
I read the mixed reviews for the Empress Hotel in La Jolla, California here on Trip Advisor and was a bit wary. So I have mixed feelings.
The hotel is nicely situated about 2 blocks from the beach in a nice upscale urban area. The outside promises a nice stay but our room needed significant updating. The lobby was nice but not too inviting.
First we were located in Room 107 which they said was all that was available. Room 107 is way down the end of a dark hall on the first floor. You can't leave your drapes open in the room as passersby would be able to see in. The room was standard hotel size, the queen bed was fairly comfortable, nothing special. Smaller TV, small round table and a couple of chairs. Functional, clean, but the room was tired. Only two pillows on the bed.
The bathroom was where the dated look really kicked in. Old wallpaper, loose faucet, and dingy tile made for a 1950's look. They had some nice soap and shampoos but the whole room was depressing.
The staff was pleasant and they have a nice policy where $10 each day to the valet gets your car in and out as many times as you need it. Also they have free internet access, wireless or use their computer and free printing and faxes too located in a smallish business center on the first floor.
They have an Italian restaurant on the first floor too. And the wonderful smell of garlic permeated the hall and our room in the evening. Nice at first, it got overwhelming as the evening wore on. Maybe if we had eaten there we would not have minded, but the prices were very high. Appetizers were up to $12 per person, second course up to $15 and the main course averaged $35. Ouch!
A continental breakfast was included but was very dissappointing. The chopped fruit was tired and clearly held over from the day before. We only ate one bite. They have a nice selection of the usual sweet pastries, bagels and english muffins. Also some apples and, on this day, some very underripe bananas. Coffee smelled good and they had an excellent tea selection including Stash English Breakfast.
We paid $169 per night and although that is decent for the location, I would make sure that you get a remodeled room on an upper floor or go somewhere else.
Empress Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member TatDiver68
Very nice clean Hotel. Good Location only a couple of blocks from the swimming beaches. Comfortable beds, not too expensive for the time of year (summer peak season) Would definitely stay here again!
Sign in with Facebook
