Why did this hotel catch your attention?
The effortlessly chic lobby lounge sets the stage for a warm welcome, (or, TBH, an impromptu Instagram shoot), with its laid back beachy aesthetic (indoor palm trees included) and a sandy, neutral color palette courtesy of famed Angeleno interior designer Kelly Wearstler.
What's the backstory?
Former Viceroy Hotel Group founders Brad Korzen, Brian De Lowe, and Alex Samek have been on a tear recently, expanding the lifestyle-driven boutique hotel brand Proper to San Francisco, Austin, and Santa Monica, with an outpost now open in Downtown Los Angeles across from the Hoxton. Their Santa Monica hotel is just blocks from the beach, and couldn’t possibly be any more California cool.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?
Wearstler's signature flair for mixing and matching wallpapers, textures, and eclectic pieces from around the globe is apparent in both wings of the hotel—old and new—which each have their own distinct but equally beautiful style. Beds are a dream to sleep on, and the oversize tubs make the space totally staycation-worthy.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
No charge, the perfect place to work
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?
After you’ve had your sundowners on the rooftop, there’s thankfully no need to cross the 405 for serious dining. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant Calabra, embodies LA’s Cali-meets-Mexico ethos. There's also Palma off the lobby serving bites all day.
And the service?
Service is smooth and efficient without feeling overwrought.
What type of travelers will you find here?
The bohemian jet set of Ibiza goes West.
Does the hotel fit into the neighborhood?
The property couldn't possibly be more SoCal, with locals taking meetings in the lobby and first dates up on the rooftop to prove it.
Is there anything you'd change?
Only wish is that I lived on the Westside. #goals
Any other hotel features worth noting?
Ayurvedic wellness principles are the focus at Surya, the 3,000-square-foot flagship spa spearheaded by internationally acclaimed Ayurvedic doctor, chef, and herbalist Martha Soffer. The treatments include therapeutic massages, cooking, yoga, meditation, personalized Dosha Yoga consultations, and cleansing Panchakarma programs.
Bottom line: Worth it? Why?
Absolutely.
700 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California 90401
United States
https://www.properhotel.com/hotels/santa-monica/
(310) 620-9990