The former playground of the stars of the silver screen, Hotel Casa del Mar was built in 1926 as a private beach club. Bought by its neighbour, Shutters on the Beach, it was restored to all its former glory, opening as a hotel in 1999. Along with Shutters, the hotel occupies one of the best locations in Los Angeles, on a coveted stretch of Santa Monica’s sandy beach and the vibe is Italian villa meets relaxed West Coast living.
Venetian chandeliers, Mediterranean tiled floors, wicker furniture, rattan ceiling fans, book-lined walls, comfortable sofas, potted plants, and ocean-inspired artworks, combine to create an indulgent but laidback ambience. The spectacular entrance features an arched stained-glass window with dual sweeping staircases, setting the luxurious tone and the unobtrusive service is both friendly and faultless.
There are 129 generously sized rooms and 16 suites, some with ocean views. All feature opulent beds with premium Italian linens, soft blue and white nautical hues, original artwork, selection of books, Smart TV and Bluetooth speaker system, work desk and Italian marble ensuite bathroom with walk-in showers and massage jet bathtubs. For an outside patio, opt for a Palm Terrace Room and for sea views book an Ocean View or Ocean Front Room. All suite accommodation features a separate living room and Ocean View Suites offer panoramic sea views and a choice of between 1-4 separate bedrooms. For a real taste of Beachside living, the Two-level Penthouse Suites enjoy commanding views and a choice of 1-3 separate bedrooms or hunker down in the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Pacific View Suite with a cosy fireplace and plenty of entertaining space.
For upscale dining head to Catch dishing up some of the city’s best Californian seafood and sushi, while the Terazzo Lounge offers more casual all-day dining, served up with fabulous ocean views. The hotel has a fifth-floor swimming pool and hot tub overlooking the glittering Pacific Ocean, with a beach concierge to arrange guests’ chairs and umbrellas. There is also a fitness centre to maintain your body beautiful, while the Sea Wellness Spa offers treatments using ocean-inspired ingredients, such as organic algae. Guests can also rent bicycles for exploring the coastal pathways.
Adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier, this beachfront escape is a short walk from the shops, bars, and restaurants of Third Street Promenade, while Venice Beach is around a 20-minute walk away. Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Universal Studios, the Getty Museum and LAX Airport are between a 30-45-minute drive depending on the traffic.
