Who's Going
City Breaks, Design Lovers, In-the-Know Weekenders
Reason to Stay
Ocean Views, Lobby Lounge, Restaurant
Hotel Type
Boutique Hotel
Amongst the luxury apartment buildings and oceanfront promenade of shirtless runners along Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue, this three-story boutique hotel is a one-of-a-kind alternative to the area's touristy hotel addresses. A valet line of surfer-locals in smart striped vests greets a mix of stylish guests on long-weekend holiday or Hollywood biz-ness types. Glass paneled doors open to an airy and bright atrium-style reception fresh off a whirlwind renovation that touched every surface of the hotel's rooms and common areas. Beach chic with a retro streak, natural stone floors are thrown with ornate Moroccan rugs near a desk-style check-in surrounded in custom wooden-bookshelves.
Originally an early-century apartment block, the hotel has adapted well to the modern age around a center courtyard with freeform swimming pool lined in custom rattan loungers with ocean-blue cushions topped and terrycloth towels. Indoor/outdoor Ocean Lounge crackles with outdoor fireplace and laughter of guests or neighborhood celebrity chatting over glasses of Cabernet into the early evening. Nearby, its main dining room offers all-day menu in a casual space of canary yellow upholstered chairs, glossy white ceiling and pale pink drapery framing floor-to-ceiling views of the Pacific.
The Room
A total of 70-guests rooms along the hotel’s three-stories offer neighborhood, courtyard or head-on ocean views. No two rooms are identical, accessed via heavy wooden doors opening to mini-beach pads with subtle-striped carpeting, cheery yellow walls and thick white molding giving the space a sexy tailored look. Furnishings are a mix of traditional and more-modern styles with Provencial-print sofas around chunky coffee tables and occasional club chair with woven brocade detailing. Interior rooms open to furnished patios just a few sandal-steps to the pool, while front-facing rooms on higher floors offer balconies overlooking the sea. A mix of white shutters and meticulous pastel drapes are easily drawn for blackout conditions perfect for 2pm weekend breakfasts. Bathrooms are and creamy mix of mosaic-tile and marble showers with occasional soaking tub and double basin sink. Bath products are compliments of L’Occitane that can also be found in the small on-site spa or well-equipped fitness center perfect for quick workout before your beach unveiling. Little known to most visitors, this is also the chicer end of Santa Monica Beach and easily accessed from a pedestrian overpass just a short walk from the hotel.
Preferred Room
Deluxe Oceanview Suite
Special Features
Beach Hotel, Small Lounge, Ocean Views
Amenities
Design Hotel, Patios, Lounge, Restaurant, Spa, Fitness Center
