Empress Hotel Of La Jolla

comfortable stay in lovely area

Liked: piano bar in lobby is quite good
Disliked: the breakfast needs work, really did not want to eat anything.

Not recommended

Liked: The location, close to the beach, is perfect for a relaxing evening after a whole day at work. The hotel is located at a walking distance to restaurants, and supermarkets, which is practical.They gave me a quiet room.The staff is globally nice and helpful, except the lady at the breakfast, who stands in front of the door, without a smile.
Disliked: The room is very old, with an old brown carpet on the floor. It gives the impression that this is dirty. That's really not hygienic. Some renovation is definitely neeed.The breakfast is not appetizing at all, and there is no variety. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, you almost have no option. There are no vegetables and poor fruit options. It was impossible to have a yogurt that is not low fat, meaning that does not have millions of preservatives or additives. The breakfast room was cold and depressing. It might be nice in the summer, but definitely not in March!EVERYTHING is disposable: plates, cups, cutlery! it is inconceivable that in 2025 a hotel continues to use disposable items and to produce so much trash.

Exceptional

Superb

Liked: Great staff service. Terrific restaurant
Disliked: Need a better coffee in the room

Bad

Liked: The location was ok. Valet parking was convenient
Disliked: Hotel room 511 smelled like mold. Found black mold all over bathroom ceiling and caulk. It's been there for a while. Stained sheets. Huge stains. Pink. Floor had not been vaccumed. Looked like under the bed had never ever been vaccumed. Front desk staff seemed unbothered when I told them at check out. Breakfast was mediocre and stale tasting.

Good except for construction. Staff...

Liked: Location
Disliked: Construction. Taxing for pet stat

Quaint Hotel

Liked: Convenient,safe area, man at front desk made good suggestions on places to eat, coffee houses, best deal on tickets to zoo.
Disliked: Not enough fruit or whole grains on breakfast buffet. I prefer dark roast coffee. Rooms were a little noisy, and too bright. Light leaks under hall door, also bathroom door. Valet parking was cumbersome, fortunately I found street parking.

Exceptional

Liked: position, kindness of the staff, free parking
Disliked: breakfast was not exceptional, and the best food was gone by 8.

Very good