Why Peter Bruce likes Lafayette Park hotel...

Why Peter Bruce likes Lafayette Park hotel

Few hotels are given any kind of special recognition, so the fact that the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa is one of the few in the East Bay to get a Four Diamond Award should tell you something right there. Namely, that they maintain an impeccable standard of comfort, ambiance and service. With its distinctive architecture—dormers, shuttered French windows, and peaked roofline—this local landmark looks like a French chateau. Behind its high walls, European charm abounds in lovely courtyards, a variety of event spaces, and a luxurious full-service health spa.

Just by walking around the hotel, you’re struck by how its design and décor make you feel welcome. In the atrium-like lobby, sunlight streams in through windows 60 feet overhead, illuminating the sweeping oak staircase and white marble floor. On cool days, the couches in front of the oversize fireplace are the obvious place to relax. The warmth of wood is everywhere—even in the intricate inlaid floors in front of the elevators.

Step outside into the sunny Fountain Courtyard, and you quickly realize how idyllic this spot is for a ceremony or champagne reception. Enclosed by the golden walls of the hotel, the space becomes an Old World plaza with a trickling limestone fountain in its center, ringed by potted rose bushes, manicured trees and flowers.

From the Fountain Courtyard, it’s a short walk inside to the Independence Ballroom where larger receptions and parties are held. The coffered ceiling is outfitted with handmade crystal chandeliers and spot lighting, which can be adjusted to create any mood.

Smaller ceremonies take place upstairs in the Wishing Well Courtyard. Named for the rose-entwined stone wishing well in its center, this petite patio is also embraced by the hotel’s walls. As you gaze up at the shuttered windows, wrought-iron balconies and clinging ivy, you once again feel like you’re in the middle of a French countryside inn. That European flavor carries over into the nearby George Washington Room, a more intimate reception space. Here, the Early American/French décor features gilt-framed mirrors, marble-topped consoles and a deep green carpet set off by fleur de lis border designs.


A wonderful Lafayette Park amenity is their European Day Spa,brides can enjoy this the day before the wedding. In addition to providing an appealing selection of face and body treatments, the Spa features a fitness pavilion, a pool and poolside café, an outdoor fireplace and a Jacuzzi. The bride and her attendants will not be able to pass up an opportunity to indulge here before and even after (why not!) the Big Day. Everyone staying overnight will appreciate the nicely appointed rooms, many of which have their own wood-burning fireplaces. The hotel also offers a complimentary premium room for the honeymoon couple, and special rates for wedding guests.

We hope you enjoy the photo from the weddings we have done there, let us know

Best Peter Bruce Photo & team bELLE