Yahoo Finance Hotel Review: Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
Its opulent exterior may seem imposing from the outside, yet step inside and start ascending Hotel Casa del Mar’s grand sweeping staircase and you’re led to feel like you’re arriving at a well-to-do friend’s beachside bungalow. A very grand one at that.
Perfectly positioned on Santa Monica’s trademark strip of sand, this landmark 1920s beach club turned luxury hotel exudes art deco elegance in a laidback oceanfront setting. If you’re after a beachside getaway with a friendly five-star feel, this is it.
Last year the family-owned hotel called upon local celebrity interior designer Michael S. Smith (whose client list includes the Obamas) to revamp the main dining areas, leaving no shell unturned in the stylish seaside renovation. Among the designer touches in the lobby lounge are the addition of four luxurious cabana-style seating areas, a custom-made Italian chandelier and carefully selected pieces of art, including a piece by French artist Christian Chaize. Wicker lounge chairs are surrounded by potted palm trees and piles of coffee table books, adding to the sophisticated yet inviting beachside vibe.
Smith also turned his hand to update the new alfresco-style Terrazza Lounge – a restaurant by day, cocktail spot by night – incorporating imported Spanish ceramic tiles, hand-carved wooden tables and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering the perfect spot for an Americano or Apreol spritz, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The majority of the hotel’s 129 rooms and suites look out to the California coastlin,e from the Palos Verdes peninsula down to Malibu. Decked out in a serene colour scheme of aquamarine, cream and white, the decadent rooms are light, bright and luxurious. The opulent bathrooms offer spa-like luxe: think white floor-to-ceiling marble, a shower large enough to swing a Frette terry-towel robe in, and a deep hydrotherapy spa bath, ideal for travel-weary muscles. Jet lag won’t be a problem after sinking into the heavenly king or queen sized four-poster bed, accentuated with European linen, piles of plush down pillows and lush chenille throws.
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An added bonus: each room has been carefully designed with the comforts of home to enhance your stay, including a wellness amenities cabinet stocked with forgotten essentials such as toothpaste and sunscreen available for purchase. Plus a mini library of hand-chosen novels, and one for the big kids at heart: a teddy bear placed on your pillow, part of the evening turndown service.
Other mod-cons include movies on-demand, 24 hour room service, complimentary wi-fi, a stocked mini bar and coffee machine.
Rooms at the hotel start from $575. hotelcasadelmar.com
Before you go
Spa time: Don't leave without booking in for some R&R at the eco-friendly Sea Wellness Spa, offering a variety of revitalising beauty treatments from massages, facials and body scrubs, plus various fitness programs led by local personal trainers.
Cocktail hour: With its extensive Italian-inspired cocktail list and nightly live music, the Terrazaa Lounge is where you’ll find guests and LA locals kicking back with a pre-dinner drink while soaking up the sun going down over the Pacific.
Catch Restaurant: Like its name suggests, this seafood restaurant – adjacent to the Terraza lounge – offers an impressive raw menu, plus fresh local fish and a la carte options for meat lovers. Pull up a chair at the mother-of-pearl bar, order a martini, sparkling or sake, and watch the sushi chefs prepare your meal against the shoreline views.
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Nearby attractions: The popular Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park and Muscle Beach are within walking distance. Those who fancy some retail therapy are only blocks away from the Third Street Promenade and Main Street shopping districts.
Cruise the coast: Without a doubt one of the best ways to explore Santa Monica and nearby Venice beach is by bike. Beach cruisers are available to hire from the hotel at an hourly or daily rate, including options for children. Guided maps and bottles of water are complimentary.
Reserve a spot by the pool: While small in size the outdoor plunge pool offers the perfect location to get a California glow while overlooking Santa Monica beach. Day lounge chairs are limited and fill up fast so head down early to reserve your spot, or take a break from the heat and book an alfresco massage in a poolside cabana.
Hit the beach: If you’re up for a bit more action the hotel offers a number of fitness activities on the sand and in the water, including personal training sessions, yoga classes and even private surfing lessons for those willing to give it a shot.
Shutters on the Beach: Hotel Casa del Mar guests have the option to enjoy the facilities at its five-star sister property – Shutters on the Beach – located right next door.
Getting there: Qantas and Virgin Australia fly direct to Los Angeles from Sydney daily.
The writer stayed as a guest of Hotel Casa del Mar.
