We stayed at the Empress for 4 nights during December '04. After researching for weeks and using Trip Advisor, I decided to contact the Empress. Right from the first phone conversation, I knew this was the right hotel. The manager was nice enough to suggest faxing me over a blueprint of the floor for the layout of the 2 connecting rooms we wanted. It was a private section at the end of the hall with a separate vestibule. They even discounted the rate for the both rooms. After many conversations, I felt like I knew them personally already. The location is fantastic. You walk right into town and down to the water to see the gorgeous cliffs and seals. I read that it was close, but it truly was within a few blocks. La Jolla is one of the most beautiful places. The rooms are very spacious, as well as the bathrooms. We asked for a fridge and it was already there. Certain sections of the rooms were a bit old, such as the bathrooms and showers. It was very clean, just in need of new vanities and tile. The positives definitely outweighed that one negative. The free continental breakfast was great. Fresh hard boiled eggs, cereals, muffins, and the best Starbucks coffee. I had to keep buying it when I got home to remind me of the trip. The breakfast veranda is so lovely to sit out and relax and eat. Beautiful flowers and trees all around. Fresh apples and cookies in the lobby, a wonderful concierge, great location, what more could you ask for!