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One of the rooms at the Orli La Jolla on Draper Avenue. (Orli La Jolla)<\/p>\nThe much heralded Michelin Guide\u2019s star ratings for restaurants are now being handed out for hotels \u2014 they\u2019re called \u201ckeys\u201d \u2014 and two properties in San Diego are the first in the city to secure the prestigious accolade.<\/p>\n
North Park\u2019s LaFayette Hotel and Club, which underwent a much publicized $31 million makeover two years ago, and the more under-the-radar Orli La Jolla, a small boutique hotel, are among 37 U.S. properties to be designated Key hotels by the Michelin Guide.<\/p>\n
Michelin\u2019s Key honors for lodging in the U.S. were introduced in 2024, and in October, three dozen more hotels in the U.S. were added to the list. Judged by Michelin inspectors, the selected Key hotels are determined to be the best of the best in each of five categories \u2014 architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighborhood or setting.<\/p>\n
In its latest announcement, Michelin describes the LaFayette as an \u201ciconic San Diego institution decked in retro glamour.\u201d In addition to its history marked by Hollywood legends, the reimagined hotel on El Cajon Boulevard has an Olympic-sized pool, bowling alley and eight bars and restaurants, the guide points out.<\/p>\n
One of the rooms at the Orli La Jolla on Draper Avenue. (Orli La Jolla)<\/p>\n
The Orli La Jolla, part of which is housed in a 1913 building designed by architect Irving Gill, is characterized as a \u201cunique homestay-meets-hotel concept\u201d that \u201cmarries modernism with old-school charm\u201d and features \u201cbespoke room designs and a lush courtyard.\u201d<\/p>\n
In all, there are more than 300 one-, two- and three-key hotels in the U.S., and the LaFayette and Orli are the only two in San Diego that have made the cut, with one key each.<\/p>\n
Orli\u2019s selection came just as the Draper Avenue property was celebrating its three-year anniversary, said Max Waitt, who is co-owner with his sister Hailey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel like this honor is reflective of our amazing guest services team, who goes above and beyond for most everything,\u201d Waitt said. \u201cWe\u2019re on the other end of spectrum of the LaFayette, as we have just 13 guestrooms, so it feels like you\u2019re in a wealthy friend\u2019s high-end guest house. When you step into the Orli, it\u2019s like a true sanctuary with exceptional design and finishes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Five years ago, the Waitts acquired the property and invested $5 million in a reimagination of the Orli. The historic front building houses seven guestrooms and a lounge area, and the annex, added in 1985, has six guestrooms, Waitt explained.<\/p>\n
CH Projects co-founder Arsalun Tafazoli, who already has received considerable recognition for the LaFayette renovation, said the Michelin Key rating is validation of what was the firm\u2019s first hotel venture. It has long been known for its many popular restaurants such as Born & Raised and, more recently, Leila.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe came at this as outsiders and we had a lot of weird ideas and some more institutional folks in the hotel space were dismissive and didn\u2019t think it would work,\u201d Tafazoli said. \u201cBut two years in, to see the support from the city and acknowledgment on a national level and now this, it\u2019s surreal.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs someone born and raised in this city, I would go by it and I thought the foundation is so special but no one is giving it the attention it deserves so to now bring it on a national level is very special. It is pretty cool overall, and we can now feel an element of relief.\u201d<\/p>\n