Props to Santa Monica Proper

A Hotel Experience, Southern California Style

By Hailey Bethke | Photography by The Ingalls, courtesy of Santa Monica Proper

There is no better feeling than touching down in a new city and realizing you picked the epicenter of chic design as your landing pad. At Santa Monica Proper in Los Angeles, I was met with a buzz of creative, fresh energy as guests mingled in the lobby bar, weaving in and out of the effortlessly cool design of the foyer. This hotel captures everything I love about LA within the first thirty seconds inside: stylish guests from all walks of life conversing in the stunning seating areas; impeccable Balearic-inspired cuisine gracing the tablescape at Palma, the property’s first-floor restaurant; and the hotel staff greeting travelers with smiles, always down-to-earth and accommodating. A laid-back yet elevated coastal vibe separates the City of Angels from the fast-paced bustle of metros like New York.

Ideally located minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica Proper is within walking distance of the beach. It’s only a short drive from the best pockets of LA, West Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Brentwood. Santa Monica Proper is the ultimate destination for your time in Los Angeles, whether stopping for a long weekend, breaking up your international flights through LAX, or driving down the coast to San Diego.

Santa Monica Proper has its largest segment of suites stationed footsteps from the seventh-floor Calabra rooftop bar, workout facilities, and first-floor lobby. Yet the property also boasts a beautifully reimagined 1920s landmark building connected to the primary hotel by a palm frond-lined walkway, offering a variety of suites and room layouts. Both facets of the hotel offer signature Proper charm and character. For those looking to soak in views of the Pacific Ocean, request a room on the sixth floor. If a noise-free environment is a must, I recommend a room on the third floor facing Seventh Street.

Each of the property’s 267 rooms and suites was curated and styled by internationally renowned LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Arched upholstered headboards maximize comfort for lounging in bed (and capturing that signature “LA cool” Instagram shot), and luxury amenities like Parachute robes, Aesop body care products, cashmere throw blankets, and Bellino and Fili D’oro linens are plentiful. Premium finishes and thoughtful design are the standard here. Fittingly, the hotel has a saying, “Anything less just wouldn’t be Proper.”

Santa Monica Proper’s downstairs restaurant, Palma, constantly flows with creative energy. From 7:00 a.m. corporate hustlers taking business calls with colleagues on the East Coast to late-night revelers toasting with Dom Pérignon, Palma is never short on action or thoughtful service. Unsurprisingly, many of LA’s premier entrepreneurs come here to meet with their teams and dream up new campaigns. The space feels like stepping inside a sophisticated art gallery, complete with vintage decor collected by Wearstler inspired by her global travels. Masterful design choices are softened with curvaceous architectural details and tropical plants.

A short elevator ride seven floors up will lead you to Calabra restaurant and bar. This rooftop haven offers expansive sunset views of the Westside, perfected by palm tree silhouettes and a wink of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Equally as chic as Palma, Calabra is one of LA’s most “happening” spots on a Friday night. You will surely encounter in-the-know locals from Brentwood and Santa Monica sipping on a tamarind margarita or espresso martini.

Adjacent to the hotel is Surya Spa, headed by world-renowned Ayurvedic doctor Martha Soffer. Surya routinely tends to Hollywood’s most exclusive names, ranging from Kourtney Kardashian to Shailene Woodley, but rest assured that each guest is lovingly embraced by each member of the wellness team. Surya’s century-old wellness offerings range from Abhyanga Massage (a heavenly four-handed massage treatment complete with the finest oils and herbs) to a complete Panchakarma reset, which can last anywhere from three to twenty-eight days with personalized, daily treatments and check-in consultations with Soffer herself.

I cannot rave enough about Surya’s transcendent mind-body-soul medicine and lovely team. Their partnership with Santa Monica Proper is perfectly aligned on all fronts, including exemplary service. The hotel also offers a short menu of signature Surya lattes for guests to order as a restorative amenity. Be sure to include a treatment at Surya in your itinerary to show yourself some extra self-love during your time at Santa Monica Proper. It will be well worth it!

Santa Monica Proper is the quintessential home base to book for your time in Los Angeles. If you’re ready to plan your stay, take our advice on where to eat and play before returning to rest your head on one of Santa Monica Proper’s very comfortable pillows. Now, get out there and explore all Southern California has to offer!

To reserve your room at Santa Monica Proper, please visit ProperHotel.com/Santa-Monica and follow along on Instagram @SantaMonicaProper.

A WEEKEND GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES

VENICE BEACH → Stroll down Abbot Kinney and explore the shops before stopping at Gjusta Bakery for coffee and a sweet bite to eat (try the shortbread; you won’t regret it!). Café Gratitude is always a crowd favorite for breakfast or lunch, too.

PACIFIC PALISADES → Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to the Pacific Palisades! This neighborhood is sweetly situated between the hills and the ocean and is easily one of my favorite places on the West Coast. Be sure to shop in Palisades Village for the Sunday Farmer’s Market to savor vibrant produce and local delicacies. Alo Yoga hosts workout classes on the second floor of their retail store so you can enjoy views of the mountains from your mat. Neighborhood Pilates is another favorite, co-owned by our friends at Daily Drills.

MALIBU → No trip to California is complete without stopping by the iconic Malibu Pier! Lunch at Malibu Farm is a must. The Malibu Country Mart is also full of incredible fashion finds and my favorite açai bowl from SunLife Organics.

SANTA MONICA → You’re going to regret knowing this LA insider information (kidding): Sidecar Doughnuts is located right across the street from Santa Monica Proper, and it has some of the best doughnuts I’ve ever tasted.

BRENTWOOD → The Brentwood Country Mart hosts a bespoke offering of the best boutiques, from Clare V. to Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic goop storefront. Farmshop is one of my favorite lunch destinations, complete with a charming market showcasing goods from local farmers and artisans.

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