WELL-DESIGNED WEEKEND GETAWAYS
Who else loves a well designed hotel room that invites you to luxuriate in style and feel right at home at the same time? I recently stayed at Rosewood Miramar in Montecito and was extremely impressed with the overall design, and specifically the room. I have stayed in thought-out rooms before, but Miramar incorporated all the creature comforts I personally would think of when designing a room that makes you feel welcome -- multiple electrical outlets and USB ports at each nightstand, a spacious closet with luggage stand and hamper, a hat shelf and a safe -- all while creating a space that feels stylish and sophisticated. The only items missing in my mind were pull-out valet hooks and custom inserts in at least one drawer for intimates.
My experience at Miramar got me thinking about some of the new Southern California hotels that are fusing high design with ultimate function. Here are a few standouts:
1 West Hollywood -- The first West Coast outpost from 1 Hotels, the newly opened West Hollywood hotspot is located on Los Angeles’ famous Sunset Strip. Designed by Starwood's in-house designer, Tony Machado, natural materials and lots of light offer a sense of rustic nature set against an urban backdrop. With sustainable luxury as its differentiating design factor, the hotel has thought of everything to ensure quality design and wellness are at the forefront -- from the reclaimed wood hangers in the closets to carpets fabricated from repurposed plastics found in the ocean to chalk slates that replace notepads. The dog-friendly hotel even has Shinola dog beds!
Hotel Figueroa -- First opened in 1926, the historic hotel recently underwent a restoration, reimagined by the talented team at Studio Collective. Embracing its original Spanish Colonial sensibility with wood beams, tiles and archways, yet modernized with bold wallpaper, updated furniture and decorative accents like art produced by local female artists, the hotel is a hip haven for locals and travelers alike.
The Hoxton -- Set to open in September, the burgeoning hotel chain is bringing its retro-inspired accommodations to the Los Angeles Railway Authority building in DTLA. Tiled ceilings will dangle above chevron-style timber flooring and rattan headboards, while copper and brass accents will punctuate the accommodations. With The Hoxton’s parent company, Ennismore, and SoHo House joining efforts, the full result is sure to be memorable.
Hotel Joaquin -- Just off the famous PCH across from the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, Hotel Joaquin offers a refreshing take on laid-back coastal décor. Designed by Studio Robert McKinley (of Montauk's The Surf Lodge fame), the hotel’s timeless and playful aesthetic is inspired by St. Barths, 1950s Southern California beach culture, and the Mediterranean coast. Each guestroom boasts customized furniture, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces (including vinyl record players that replace TVs), and curated artwork, while the bathrooms feature monolithic imported stone adorned with solid brass fixtures. Just like its sister property in Palm Springs, Korakia Pensione, this is a slice of hotel heaven!
The Proper -- Located in Santa Monica, the latest outpost for the chic boutique hotel chain marries modern with Art Deco. Designed by the inimitable Kelly Wearstler, the hotel’s aesthetic reflects the local coastline’s organic textures and tones in the most welcoming way. Abundant sunlight? Check. Ocean breezes? Check. Specially designed furniture to fit the room's curves? Check! Not to mention, signature Proper beds wrapped with Bellino and Fili D’oro linens. Divine!
A couple other design-driven hotels I’m looking forward to checking out are the West Hollywood EDITION (opening September 2019) and The Pendry West Hollywood (opening 2020).