No parking

The hotel is just ok. We won’t be staying there again - much better hotels in the area. They charge a fee for early check in even if the room is available. Also for a late check out if desired. The free breakfast was terrible - cold eggs and cold potatoes. I was afraid of food poisoning so we ate elsewhere. The room and lobby need updating. Not appealing.

Centrally located in La Jolla village, the Empress is a good hotel for a long or short stay. It's a few blocks from the ocean and close to several restaurants and bars. The staff is very nice. Towels were replaced daily and trash was emptied. I was surprised that the bed was never made or the carpet vacuumed during our 5 day stay. It's a good thing we're not messy!

The hotel is well located and is walking distance from many great restaurants and the service was attentive. The included breakfast was delicious also!

The first room I checked into was marked as ready and cleaned. When I walked in, the blankets were on the floor and trash everywhere. It was far from a room that was ready. The second room I switched to, didn't have soap, only shower gel. I just accepted it because it was late and not too big of a deal. However, this just goes to show the lack of attention to their actual jobs. The hotel was also very dated with loud fans that were left on in an empty room either next or below me that reverberated. I was there only to sleep for a couple nights only so didn't take it up with management. Front door staff were very courteous though and appreciated their customer interactions.

Bed was comfortable, bathroom average, no balcony or view and no swimming pool or hot tub. Great location to shops. Coffee and microwave awkward placement.Friendly staff.

The room was fantastic! Bed super comfortable! I will always stay here!!

Location

The property is perfectly located, renovated, and the staff was very friendly and efficient. Parking can be challenging but they have complimentary valet so you can pull up to the front door, have your bags taken if you wish, and they whisk your car away! The building is older and there were some water damage issues, which they thanked me for pointing out and were going to repair.

The staff at the hotel were very nice so I gave 5 stars for the. However, our sheets were not clean and the sink backed up. They comped some parking and resort fees ($125) It was gross and upsetting as we didn’t realize until we got up in the morning after sleeping on them. Totally unacceptable!!I will try and post photos.

The restaurant in the hotel ran loud machines right outside our window at 9am and refused to turn them off when asked. This was a rare opportunity for me to sleep in on vacation and it was ruined by the extreme noise levels. Also, we were told we paid for a hot breakfast at the hotel but it turned out to be only cereal and toast. Further, there is no need to pay for valet as sighted. Plenty of free street parking that’s easier to park in than valeting.

Great staff. Room was really run down and needs updating. Restaurant downstairs is great and has great food . Great area. Parking expensive . They add on a resort fee and I have nooo idea why. They said it was for the breakfast — that we were never told even existed No pool. Beach is 10 minute walk.

The hotel needs to be updated, and without a pool is overpriced. The staff were incredibly helpful and responsive to our questions and needs.

I always stay at this hotel when I am in LaJolla / San Diego. The hotel in past was always perfect. This visit had bumps. The TV didn’t work and because maintenance had left for the day we have to fix it and and we’re able after awhile. The hot water is cold and the cold is hot. There isn’t a coffee maker or small refrigerator and no onsite parking. You have to have it valeted. Just those small changes changed the experience. Convenience was partly taken away. I may try a new hotel we will see.

Very clean, large rooms, very comfy, great Restaurant.

Front desk gave me a key to room 505. I walked into the room and the bedroom comforter was on the ground and the entire room was in disarray. So front desk came up and brought me a key for room 502, that room was hot and a/c was not working. I called front desk to tell them and they said they would get a maintenance guy to look at the a/c. So my friend and I go out to dinner hoping the a/c will be fixed by the time we return. Well, the fix was two floor fans. I again called front desk and told them about the situation not being fixed. So again, I have to grab my items and move to another room on the first floor, this room had a great a/c, but came with a handicap shower.

The staff was very helpful and very pleasant.

Excellent Customer service! Staff is super friendly and the room is very clean and bed is comfy! Will absolutely come back soon. :)

The room was spacious and the bed was comfortable. The daily continental breakfast was a nice, unexpected addition. The hotel is conveniently located and within walking distance of great shops, restaurants, the beach, and family who lives in the area. Our only complaint was the room was stuffy and muggy and the A/C never got the temperature down to what it was set to. We ended up getting a small, powerful fan for the room which helped get some circulation and made it more comfortable to sleep.

Overall, this is a nice hotel in a perfect location. There were a couple policy issues we disagreed with: We arrived in La Jolla early in the morning and certainly didn't expect our room to be ready. However, we were told that if it was ready early and we wanted it at 1 pm, we would be charged $40 for early check in. If we wanted it an hour early at 2 pm, we would be charged $20. I could understand if they were pulling a room to finish cleaning early on our demand, but these charges make no sense if the room is already ready. We have never experienced a charge like this before. If our room is ready, we can enter it, regardless of what time of day. (The front desk person did wave the $20 fee and allowed us into our room at 2:15) Similarly, they are about to institute a $40/day resort fee. They give a list of benefits to justify this charge: Modern rooms, wifi, fitness center...The fitness center is a closet in the basement, and all the other things are currently provided without a resort fee. The only exception is a breakfast that they are going to start providing. So, nice hotel with friendly staff and nice rooms. But because of these fees that feel like squeezing their guests unnecessarily, I don't know that we would choose it again.

Will stay again

This property was extremely convenient and served its purpose for me. If you're looking for something upscale or elegant, this is not it. It's fine for a short term stay and for families/pets etc but don't confuse it with anything more. Our group that stayed there had okay reviews -especially its proximity to many shops, restaurants etc. A few said never again & others were fine with it. My major complaint is that the property is very HOT and stuffy!! There was not a heat wave going on but I was sweaty and uncomfortable. Thank goodness I brought a small portable fan. Also, the refrigerator didn't work nor did the safe.

Front desk staff was nice but way understaffed. One person did valet, and check-in, answer phones, etc so we waited a lot. House cleaning was non existent. One day they clearly came in and took some of the dirty towels, but not all of them….and then didn’t do anything else.

This building is too old.

Older hotel, could use some updating of certain things like a new fridge, carpets, furniture.

Beautiful modern room in a cool hotel. Award winning Piano Bar downstairs. In heart of La Jolla. I will definitely stay again.

Very very friendly staff. Great location.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Empress Hotel. The location allowed us to walk to restaurants, shops and the ocean very easily. A big shout out to the hotel staff -- they were respectful and helpful.

Spacious rooms, good value, great location.

Very clean and well kept premises. Staff extremely polite and cooperative, with big genuine smiles. Decor a bit shabby, though lovely nonetheless. Lots to do and see; location very convenient to what La Jolla offers.

Wonderful place!

Great location! A bit overpriced for the rooms, but nice. King room is especially spacious. Staff is lovely and helpful. Restaurant is overrated - stick with the steak options, but the atmosphere, staff and bar are great.