This San Diego Landmark Was Transformed Into a Beautiful Boutique Hotel — Take a Look Inside

Even better, the new property is just one block from the beach.

When renowned California architect Irving Gill designed a concrete, paint-free, two-story house on Draper Avenue in sunny La Jolla, the cubist-style building sharply contrasted the rest of the homes in the area. But the George Kautz House, as the structure is known after its first owner, would become the embodiment of Gill’s signature style, placing him among the pioneers of modern architecture. On Oct. 15, after a two-year renovation, the historic residence will officially debut as a new boutique hotel, Orli La Jolla.

Located across from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and just a block away from the beach, the property houses 13 bespoke guest rooms and suites across two buildings — the George Kautz House and the Kate Sessions House, the latter named after the pioneering landscape architect. While each accommodation type offers a unique twist on the quintessential La Jolla lifestyle through custom-made furnishings and décor such as record players and typewriters, all rooms and suites integrate clean, high-contrast interiors with warm design elements inspired by the city’s coastal landscape and a dash of Parisian art deco drama. The Irving Gill Penthouse, the property’s crown jewel, spans two floors and features a dark color scheme throughout, black stone countertops, and a spacious terrace with lounge furniture and ocean views.

“I wanted Orli’s design to stand out among the local hospitality offerings as one that appears bold, elegant, as well as transformative,” Max Waitt told Travel + Leisure. Waitt, together with his sister, Hailey, co-founded the property. “The biggest challenge was harmonizing the existing building parameters with a modern and cohesive design throughout the hotel. The goal was to have continuity across room types while also giving each room its own unique features — this was a challenging task, but I believe it created an extremely special experience at Orli.”

With the help of Axon Architecture and Maddie Lord, principal designer with ML Design Co., the Waitts reimagined the landmark residence as a modern hideaway for discerning travelers while maintaining its historic architectural character. The courtyard between the two buildings serves as the hotel’s communal space where guests can unwind under the shade of century-old olive trees. A library with a curated collection of reads and a brew bar with cold brew and kombucha on tap are also available.

And while the property may be steeped in history, its tech-forward concierge services are firmly rooted in the present. The digital Orli Portal enables guests to book a room, check in and out of the hotel, reserve add-on experiences, and read neighborhood guides.

Nightly rates at Orli La Jolla start at $250, and go up to $1,375 per night for the penthouse. You can book your stay here.

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