Empress Hotel La Jolla

Hotels
9 (409 reviews)
7766 Fay Avenue , San Diego , us

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Outdated rooms
Quality of breakfast

Categories

Cleanliness
8.66
Several reviews mention cleanliness positively, but concerns about dust and required repairs prevent a higher score.
Service
10
Numerous reviews praise the friendly and attentive staff, indicating exceptional service quality.
Location
9.63
Consistently highlighted as a strong point, with guests appreciating its proximity to the beach and dining options.
Room Quality
8.17
Comments about soft beds and need for refurbishment suggest that room quality could be improved.
Amenities
8.62
Some amenities noted as positive, but a few reviews suggest they could be enhanced, such as breakfast offerings.
Value for Money
9.15
Overall value is considered good by many, although some reviews mention additional costs that could deter value perception.
Food and Beverage
8.11
Breakfast options were seen as underwhelming, with room for improvement in variety and quality.
Overall Experience
9.66
Despite some issues, many guests report a positive stay, indicating satisfaction with the overall experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 01:40

Property Description

European Boutique-Style Hotel in La Jolla

Nestled just steps away from the picturesque shores of the Pacific Ocean, Empress Hotel offers a European boutique-style experience in the heart of La Jolla, California.

Elegant Rooms with Modern Amenities

Indulge in the elegant rooms adorned in jewel-toned colors, each equipped with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker for your convenience. Stay connected with free WiFi and make use of the work desk, making it the perfect "work from hotel" option.

Authentic Dining Experience and Concierge Service

Savor Authentic Italian Cuisine at the on-site Manhattan Restaurant, either in its stylish setting or in the comfort of your room. Let our Concierge service and Front Desk Team guide you to explore the vibrant galleries, shops, and restaurants that define La Jolla's charm.

Plan your unforgettable stay at Empress Hotel La Jolla and immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure that awaits you.

Important information:

Please note: The property accepts reservations and will rent rooms and other facilities to people under 18 years old in cases where either (i) a parent or legal guardian guarantees payment of all charges for rooms, food and beverage, incidentals and damages caused; or (ii) a person under 18 years old is legally emancipated and can present documentation at check-in showing they are emancipated and can legally contract for services.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SAN

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

Location

Property Accessibility

Total Disability Score: 7.14
Public Area
  • Ramp: No
  • Entrance Leveled: No
  • Pet Friendly: No
Reception And Restaurant
  • Reception Hearing Accessible: No
  • Reception Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Restaurant Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevator
  • Elevator Audio Signals: No
  • Elevator Braille Numbers: No
  • Elevator Contrasting Buttons: No
  • Elevator Visual Signs: No
Show all accessibility features

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 409 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.66
Service: 10
Location: 9.63
Room Quality: 8.17
Amenities: 8.62
Value for Money: 9.15
Food and Beverage: 8.11
Overall Experience: 9.66
S
Susan • couple • us
8
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
A
Alicia • couple • us
10
2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
A
Adilene • couple • us
10
Pros:

Perfect location. Beach was walking distance. Breakfast was delicious as well.

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
D
Delfina • family_with_children • us
10
Pros:

Full breakfast every morning on the terrace was just lovely. Service was excellent. The room was well appointed, comfortable, and clean.

Cons:

Everything was great!

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
L
Lolita • couple • us
9
2026-05-01 • via Nuitee
A
ALAN • family_with_children • it
8
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Parking not easy

2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
T
tingjun • couple • cn
8
2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
S
Stephanie • family_with_children • us
10
Pros:

Great location, helpful and friendly staff

Cons:

Air conditioner needed some work. Didn't keep the room cool.

2026-03-31 • via Nuitee
B
bettywU8412MZ • Couples
10
A great stay
Pros:

The room was large and had a table and desk and a lovely view. the bathroom had a nice shower on vanity , well lit.
breakfast room was half outside , mostly inside but very open and breezy. The breakfast room has a waffle maker and toaster and the normal selection of egg , potatoes and a meat.

2026-03-14 • via Tripadvisor
M
Mirella • solo_traveller • it
8
Consigliato
Pros:

Camera molto bella, tranquillo, ottima posizione, elegante e pulito.

Cons:

Non tutto il personale alla reception è gentile. Hanno risposto ad una mia richiesta via messaggio su booking dopo che ero andata via

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
M
Marco • extended_group • it
8
2026-03-11 • via Nuitee
S
susanmP87HH • Family
10
The place to stay in the village of La Jolla!
Pros:

I have probably spent a total of several months staying at The Empress over the past 8-10 years as I visit La Jolla several times a year for at least a week for family reasons. My parents had a home in La Jolla for 35 years and I spent much of my childhood there. The Empress is the perfect location for a visit to La Jolla and is also an easy drive to the San Diego Zoo (about 20 minutes), Torrey Pines (about 20 minutes) and the other main attractions. If you are staying in La Jolla this hotel allows you to walk to multiple coves and little beaches, all the shops, restaurants and coffee houses, plus nearby Coast Blvd provides the best sunset views in town. The staff is very attentive and the rooms are always clean and spacious. I prefer rooms that are not facing the street so there is a little ocean view. In the off season I have never had trouble parking on the street for free especially if I am willing to walk a few blocks.
My partner, siblings and grown children also stay at the Empress when they are in town and we all prefer it over anyplace else there.

2026-02-25 • via Tripadvisor
L
Laura • family_with_children • us
9
Comfortable and lovely hotel in beautiful La Jolla!
Pros:

Wonderful hotel, great restaurant
and very kind and professional staff!

2026-02-25 • via Nuitee
L
Limor • family_with_children • il
9
Great option - nice location and setup
Pros:

Great location, comfortable beds, decent breakfast, nice hotel restaurant for evening, helpful staff

Cons:

Small things only: poor internet connection that kept disconnecting, bathroom didn’t have a trash can

2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • family_with_children • us
9
Pros:

Location excellent
Friendly and helpful staff********

Cons:

Sofa pull out in Rm # 401 was just awful!

2026-01-22 • via Nuitee
M
Mike • couple • us
8
Pros:

Piano bar was the highlight

Cons:

Beds were too soft

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
V
Valentina • family_with_children • us
5
Pros:

Muy caro para lo que es el hotel y te cobran estacionamiento

Cons:

Que las instalaciones son viejas y te cobran cara

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • couple • us
9
Nice location clean nice hotel
Pros:

The restaurant was nice and good location

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • family_with_children • us
10
Pros:

Location!

Cons:

Location of coffee maker..Difficult

2026-01-17 • via Nuitee
R
Ricardo Guerreiro • family_with_children • br
8
Boa estadia
Pros:

La Jolla fica a 20/25 min de carro das principais atrações da cidade. Por si só não é um problema pois é uma região bem agradável. O hotel segue o padrão e oferece conforto. Existe um restaurante dentro do hotel que aparentemente é bom. Existem tantos outros a uma curta caminhada. Tem um garagem fechada, que considero um diferencial ao custo de 25 dólares a diária. Valeu a pena

Cons:

O café da manhã deixa a desejar. Pouquíssimas opções de pães e parece haver um pouco de conformismo. Item que dá para melhorar.

2026-01-15 • via Nuitee