Summer is coming to a halt, but before you dismiss the soothing images of palm trees and warm sands, consider The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, CA as your final destination.
This beachside escape—originally built in 1966—recently went under the knife for an $18 million reinvention. LA-based interior designer Thomas Schoos—behind noteworthy restaurants Koi (Los Angeles) and Tao (New York and Las Vegas)—teamed up with design firm Meri Meis Associates. The result of this meeting of the minds can only be described as modern seaside luxury—all within walking distance of the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian street famous for chic boutiques, restaurants and art galleries.
The hotel’s lobby combines retro elements from the ’50s and ’60s with contemporary refined timbers and soft leathers. It’s an indoor space that reflects the eclectic outside community. Perhaps the most dramatic example of this is the piranha wall, a play on light and shadow using 300 white lacquered ceramic piranhas against a white backdrop.
The hotel stands at 18 stories with a total of 209 rooms, comprised of 189 guest rooms, 20 suites and a penthouse.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the rooms offer convenient amenities for any occasion, including views of the Pacific Ocean and cityscape. In guestrooms, the color palettes vary from rich espressos to cream and wheatgrass tones, exuding that home-away-from-home feeling, only seaside. The larger suites offer a spacious, loft-like floor plan with sleek lines, a neutral color scheme and light wood paneling. The bathrooms offer just as much refreshing space as the rooms, with granite and marble floors, walk-in showers and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.
Minimalist dark wood hallways extend themes from the sea with driftwood sculptures and changeable projections of flowers, seashells and other natural elements.
The Penthouse Restaurant at the Huntley offers a memorable dining experience with Executive Chef Seth Greenburg serving up delights that will satisfy palates from around the world. The restaurant is a must-see as it is located on the top floor of the hotel (hence the name) with a 360-degree view of the ocean, mountains and city.
TEXT BY Natalie Shirinian and Michelle Peerali
