Lafayette Luxe: Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa

Lafayette, California might not be the first place one considers when planning a bit of rest and relaxation. But the quiet East Bay town with its Mt. Diablo backdrop, miles of hiking and biking trails, and AAA Four Diamond Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, just might be the perfect setting for an under-the-radar getaway.

Inspired by the French countryside home of Marquis de Lafayette, for whom its host town is named, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa resembles a European chateau, set amidst historic oak trees and rolling hills, and featuring romantic courtyards. For three decades, the hotel has charmed guests with its elegant ambiance and quiet sophistication. A favorite of business travelers, families of nearby St. Mary’s College and University of California, Berkeley students, and locals seeking a bit of escapism, the hotel and its central location are ideal.

Lafayette Park Hotel Front Patio

Both regulars and visitors are fans of the hotel’s The Park Bistro & Bar where California’s farm-to-table flavors are honored within romantic French farmhouse ambiance. The bar’s energetic atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to savor a classic cocktail, craft beer, or a glass of California wine. The rustic cobblestone fireplace, leather club chairs, and rich wood tables make for cozy mingling indoors, while the outdoor terrace with two roaring fire pits offer comfortable lounge seating year-round. At the Bistro, enjoy an eclectic menu that is approachable yet inventive, highlighting artisanal meats, locally sourced produce, and a selection of sustainable seafood.

This and above: The Park Bar

The Park Dining Room

Perhaps the hotel’s best kept secret is its pool and spa. Surrounded by gardens and greenery and located high off the main road on the hotel’s third floor, this small Eden is a tranquil space that transports. Book a massage or facial, then enjoy an al fresco lunch by the large outdoor fireplace, followed by a hot tub soak and a chaise lounge nap before retiring to your room or suite, each tastefully appointed with European chateau charm, featuring comfy beds, large televisions, in-room coffee, and cozy robes.

Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa Pool

Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa Suite

A large fitness center offers a range of cardio equipment, including a Peloton bike, treadmills, elliptical machines, TRX mount, as well as free weights and an adjustable flat/incline bench.

Whether visiting merely for a spa day, or enjoying overnight indulgence, guests find Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa to be a hidden-in-plain-sight Bay Area gem.

Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa is a member of the Woodside Hotel Group, preeminent operator of distinguished, independent hotels, restaurants and spas in California. Woodside manages a portfolio of seven hotels and nine restaurants from Monterey to Napa Valley including the top-rated Hotel Drisco in San Francisco, Monterey Plaza Hotel Spa in Monterey, and The Stanford Park Hotel in Menlo Park. Woodside is a multi-generational family business that  delivers service that is warm and engaging, hotels that are distinguished, and experiences that are authentically local.

Photos courtesy of Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa

Fran Miller

Fran Endicott Miller is an experienced travel, wine, and general feature writer for a variety of luxury lifestyle publications and websites. Prior to her journalism career she established and managed the Golden State Warriors' first official community relations department and efforts. Principled and genuine, she’s known for thoughtfully eloquent writing. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retriever Nate.