Who's Going
Jessica Biel, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Owen Wilson
Reason to Stay
Rooftop Restaurant, Designer Hotel, Convenient Location
Hotel Type
Beach Hotel
Santa Monica can forever forget that this stylish high-rise boutique hotel ever operated under the name Radisson, now known as the throughout stylish Huntley Hotel. Renovated by LA's Thomas Schoos, designer of Koi and Tao Las Vegas, this '70s style hotel is located in a residential corner north of Wilshire more familiar with shirtless joggers and blondes in drop tops than the Camry-driving tourists of 3rd Street.
Visitors arrive to a narrow structure rising out of a tree-lined street with interior valet driveway intersecting the first floor of the building. Like Kelly Wearstler on Percocet, Schoos designs a whimsical lobby melting together clean white walls and white shag carpeting amongst leather wingbacks, wooden club chairs and gilt-gold elevator leading to guest rooms.
A rooftop eatery and lounge known as The Penthouse has steadily become a be-seen boite for caravan cougars and post-prime surfers that congregate around a circular bar and cabana-style booths that frame unrivaled views of the Pacific. The food is spot-on, offering an evolved steakhouse menu is a dazzling Hollywood-y design space that almost makes you forget panoramic views that surround.
The Room
Having visited the hotel in its previous incarnation, the renovation of this luxury boutique property is nothing less than spectacular. Overcrowded elevators open to dark, masculine hallways with ornamental woodwork and thick-grade carpeting leading to individual guest rooms. Entry-level rooms feature a consistent design of king-size bed in front of long wooden credenzas with exposed mini-bar and LCD TV. Larger rooms and suites are airy architectural spaces featuring wood-beam ceiling and mounted TV’s that swivel between a small seating area and King-size sleeping space. Living areas feature Schoos’ signature shag rugs with clean-line sofa in creamy tones of browns and chocolates. A series of long aluminum widows face ocean views in all directions with Santa Monica to the south and Malibu to the north. Bathrooms are Schoos on mute, or just a tighter budget, with granite-topped vanities and rain showers stocked with Gilbert & Soames toiletries. The hotel boasts five-star perks like private sedan service from a house Maserati and upgraded fitness area for getting that six-pack to pop before the beach, but the lack of a pool and direct beach access can be seen an obstacle for more resort oriented visitors.
Preferred Room
Junior Suite
Special Features
Hip Clientele, Celebrity Following
Amenities
Rooftop Eatery, Lounge, Bar, Car Service
