An Irving Gill-Designed San Diego Residence Turned Into Luxe 13-Room Boutique Hotel

An Irving Gill-Designed San Diego Residence Turned Into Luxe 13-Room Boutique Hotel

Orli, a novel hospitality brand that delivers unfettered independence and profound experiences artfully guided by design and technology, today announced it’s now accepting reservations in anticipation of its debut location opening in La Jolla, California this October. Orli La Jolla arrives on the heels of co-founders and siblings Hailey and Max Waitt completing a two-year restoration and transformation of a 1910-era private residence originally designed by Irving Gill, the father of California modernism, into Orli. Creating an entirely new kind of travel experience, Orli allows guests to customize their entire stay pre-arrival or at any time during their stay, arrive and depart on their own terms, and effortlessly enjoy hyper-local discoveries — all while experiencing elevated design and tap-away convenience.

“We’re thrilled to launch Orli in our hometown of La Jolla,” said Hailey Waitt, co-founder. “It is the result of a truly serendipitous moment; Max and I were ideating a hotel concept and at the same time, we came upon a San Diego historical landmark residence designed by one of my favorite architects that happened to be for sale. Today, as we open up reservations, is the culmination of this two-year journey and we are looking forward to welcoming guests from all over the world.”

“Hailey and I are excited for visitors and locals alike to experience this vision-turned-reality,” said Max Waitt, co-founder. “With check-in, check-out, neighborhood guides, and add-on experiences all seamlessly accessed via the digital Orli Portal, we’ve removed all unnecessary contact and empowered the guest with the information they desire. We believe the less you have to think about, the more your adventure can organically unfold.”

Located at 7753 Draper Ave., across from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, a block from the beach, and in close proximity to La Jolla Village, Orli La Jolla is home to 13 bespoke guest rooms and suites across two buildings. Each of the guest rooms and suites offers an individualistic expression of the La Jolla lifestyle, with thoughtful design elements and tasteful touches — from record players to typewriters — for every kind of traveler. While no two rooms are alike, each blends clean, high-contrast interiors with warm design elements that embrace La Jolla’s rich history and coastal landscape. All rooms feature Nespresso coffee machines, Smart TVs, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, and more, shaping a hospitality experience beyond expectation.

Upon arrival, guests enter through the George Kautz House, one of the two buildings, which is named after the original owner of the landmark location. Adjacent to the George Kautz House, the Kate Sessions House is the second of two buildings and is named after the pioneering landscape architect of the original gardens at Orli — also famously known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.”

A courtyard connecting the George Kautz House and Kate Sessions House is the hotel’s centerpiece and serves as a place to unwind or gather beneath century-old olive trees. Other amenities include tech-forward concierge services available the moment guests book a room, a lounge for guests to reconvene, relax and socialize, a library featuring a curated collection of reads, and a brew bar with cold brew and kombucha on tap. Orli is dedicated to sustainable practices, including only using reusable drinkware, filtered water, and personal care products.

Axon Architecture and ML Design Co. collaborated with Hailey and Max on the reimagination of the landmark residence. Axon Architecture painstakingly restored the landmark building and thoughtfully updated it for a new era, while at the same time maintaining the historic architectural character of the exterior of the building and its coastal setting. For the interior design, the duo partnered with Maddie Lord, principal designer with ML Design Co. Lord drew inspiration not only from Irving Gill and the building's iconic history but also incorporated details inspired by La Jolla's history and natural beauty, as well as introducing elements of Parisian Art Deco. The end result is the collective team’s interpretation of refined, high-contrast design that is timeless and relevant to today’s discerning traveler.

La Jolla is a treasured Southern California destination and jewel of the West Coast, offering a diverse range of experiences. The coastal town is home to San Diego's most iconic beaches, premier shopping, world-class golfing, unmatched hiking, in-demand cultural attractions, and captivating kayaking tours in La Jolla. And, Orli's new way to stay gives guests premium access to it all.

Orli La Jolla rates start at $250/night and $1,375/night for The Penthouse*.

For more information on Orli La Jolla, or to book online for stays beginning October 2022, please visit stayorli.com.

*Subject to availability; certain restrictions apply.