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It was only a short stay in Santa Monica and so for me, the beach beckoned. This resort hotel is located on Ocean Avenue where the beach is just 59 feet away and hit the spot.
Actually, it probably has the best location of any other hotel in the city being walking distance to the vibrant 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica Place Mall and the other main shopping areas, lots of bars, restaurants and cinemas.
I was especially glad because this four-storey, 164-roomed property was not only newly built but also has the accolade of been the first gold LEED-registered (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)hotel in the city. In other words, it is the most eco-friendly that a hotel could be with an almost zero per cent carbon footprint.
The lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows and with so much space punctuated with a sprinkling of white retro chairs, I had the distinct feeling I was still outside.
The hotel’s design shies away from the traditional and classic with its clean lines, efficient California modern style tempered by a dab of retro to smooth the edges. LED lighting sheds a lovely hue onto the sandstone walls. The en-suite is similarly minimal in design and I liked that it was divided by a glass wall and relieved that a blind offered the opportunity for discrete bathing.
Though I had no intention of spending huge amounts of time in the room, I appreciated the balcony where I could enjoy some Californian sunshine while sipping my early morning coffee.
The funky outdoor heated pool is in the centre courtyard and when not swimming it was just as much fun to sprawl out onto the vibrant orange lounger and watch the sea.
RATES: From $250 per night
Tel: (800) 599 1515