Text by Armella Stepan and Lindsey Kesel
Gaze upon Hotel Casa del Mar’s Italian Renaissance-style façade and you might be surprised upon entering. Inside is an awe-inspiring ambiance that starkly contrasts its traditional exterior. The decor is a welcome mix of colorful, relaxed, and stylish California Coast flair.
Originally constructed in 1926 as one of the most opulent beach clubs in the country, today it welcomes a diverse mix of Hollywood A-listers, Silicon Beach entrepreneurs, and those who crave luxury, privacy, and ocean breezes.
Along these windows is where you will find the hotel’s signature restaurant, Catch, featuring farm- and sea-to-table specialties, an extensive wine list, and stunning coastline views. Adjacent to Catch, with the same drop-dead vistas, is Terrazza Lounge, the local favorite spot for sunsets, craft cocktails, tapas, and live music. Recently, Terrazza even “popped up” a beachside patio, to rave reviews. Set outdoors alongside the Santa Monica Beach promenade, this lovely loggia transports you to the Iberian Peninsula with its architecture, sea air, and Mediterranean-meets-California all-day menu.
Hotel Casa del Mar’s guest rooms, suites, and two-story penthouses also feature sweeping views that trace the shoreline from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Designed for comfort and indulgence, each has thoughtful touches including coastal art from local artists, a personal library, luxurious linens, and even a playful rubber duck on inviting hydrotherapy bathtubs.
On the fourth floor, you will find the oh-so-private SEA Wellness Spa and Salon*. There you will discover the latest in age- and stress-defying treatments such as Hydrafacials and CBD massages.
The hotel’s crowning glory is the Palm Terrace Pool, which overlooks the ocean from its fifth floor perch. With views from the Santa Monica Pier to the Catalina Islands, it’s a wonderful spot to welcome the day, while away the afternoon, or soak up the sunset.
“For me, Hotel Casa del Mar is the consummate California experience of laid-back luxury,” explains General Manager Charlie Lopez-Quintana. “Our style of service and thoughtful amenities truly make you feel at home, or as I like to say: Mi Casa es su Casa.”
*Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please inquire with a concierge if the SEA Wellness Spa or the indoor restaurants at Hotel Casa del Mar are open prior to visiting.
