The Empress is a gem! Seamus, Larry, Sarah, Tita, Ryan, Sarah, Antonio are the core staff: that make the Empress the warm welcoming and outstanding boutique hotel. From the moment you arrive until the time that you leave—there is a detail that doesn’t go unhandled. The hotel is well maintained, the rooms are lovely and well maintained and in the heart of LaJolla. It is my go to hotel; and has been for 25 years.

From the moment I booked this hotel the staff, mainly Shamiss, was professional, courteous and exceeded my expectations! The Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the city, making the best restaurants, coffee shops and stores in easy walking distance. The hotel does not have a pool, but who need that with some of the best beaches in America a short drive away? The rooms are spacious with top quality linens and the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in; include my own at home! The color palette of the rooms and common areas are classic beach calm, and for an old building it feel fresh and "current". The daily breakfast, offered in an open air patio, is tasty and fresh and well maintained by the staff. The valet service and front desk staff are so helpful, weather recommending places to see and eat or providing beach supplies at no extra charge, they treated us like friends and family, not just customers. The European charm made this stay to sunny SOCO one of our best yet!