San Diego's Baby Grand Hotel: A Maximalist Oasis of Decay and Luxury
The Baby Grand hotel in San Diego, designed by CH Projects and Post Company, opened in May after a five-year, $17 million renovation of a midcentury motel near Coronado Island. Owner Arsalun Tafazoli, a self-described maximalist, aimed to evoke a 'lost place' with 20-foot waterfalls, a hidden lagoon with imported Turkish sand, and sculpted rock formations. The 31-room hotel features lavish interiors with marble, Murano glass, Schumacher tropical murals, clamshell headboards, and brass sea creature door handles. Hidden behind a paneled wall is Fallen Empire, a reservation-only champagne and oyster speakeasy. The main restaurant, Night Hawk, serves Mediterranean cuisine and dominates the courtyard, making the hotel feel like a continuous party. Tafazoli's CH Projects operates nearly two dozen restaurants and bars in San Diego, including The Lafayette Hotel & Club. The design intentionally departs from minimalist trends, embracing a maximalist aesthetic inspired by 'The Little Mermaid' and Liberace. Despite the intended escape, the hotel has been quickly discovered, with guests flocking to its TikTok-ready backdrops.
Key facts
- The Baby Grand hotel is located in San Diego, near Coronado Island.
- It was designed by CH Projects and Post Company.
- The renovation took five years and cost $17 million.
- The hotel has 31 rooms.
- Owner Arsalun Tafazoli describes himself as a maximalist.
- The hotel features 20-foot waterfalls, a lagoon with imported Turkish sand, and sculpted rock formations.
- Fallen Empire is a hidden speakeasy for oysters and champagne.
- Night Hawk is the main restaurant with a Mediterranean menu.
- The hotel opened in May.
- CH Projects operates nearly two dozen restaurants and bars in San Diego.
Entities
Artists
- Arsalun Tafazoli
Institutions
- CH Projects
- Post Company
- The Lafayette Hotel & Club
- Schumacher
- Diptyque
Locations
- San Diego
- Coronado Island
- United States