Santa Monica Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler
Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a retreat from the city, inspired by the cool coastal lifestyle.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson I Photography: Courtesy of The Ingalls
The cosy little reading nook in the lobby bar is completed with soft linen chairs and marble sculptures.
Boldly declaring itself as Santa Monica's only luxury lifestyle hotel, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a testament to the relaxed atmosphere of the city. The ocean breeze seems to shape the interiors of the hotel — shells, the sun, or a beach umbrella visually appear throughout or wind-whipped textured art, linen, carved wood, and raw concrete.
Architecturally designed by Howard Laks Architects, and interiors from Kelly Wearstler, the hotel embodies a mid-century, Californian vibe. From the curved headboards of the beds, which echo the meeting of sun and horizon during sunrise and sunset; or the hand-carved desk at reception, recalling the shell-lined beach
The art-filled lobby provides a relaxed meeting point for guests and locals.
Jonathan Ryan's sand treatment acrylic on canvas in the hotel’s foyer.
Details in the hotel’s lobby which show attention to detail in every little corner.
“The hotel grows out of the shell of Arthur E. Harvey’s ‘Santa Monica Professional Building’— a 1920s-era Spanish colonial revival-style building featuring curved arches and tiled pillars”
Palma, the lobby bar, becomes a great spot thanks to their varied list of natural wines, handcrafted cocktails, and expansive tequilas and mescals.
The hotel grows out of the shell of Arthur E. Harvey's 'Santa Monica Professional Building'— a 1920s-era Spanish colonial revival-style building featuring curved arches and tiled pillars. One half of the building ricochets this imperial ethos, the other steps forward into contemporary design.
A natural colour palette has been honoured throughout, with sandy tones mixed with shell-whites and dusty desert orange — an abundance of palms and tropical greenery continue the coastal, Californian theme. Patterned wallpaper evoke desert wildflower scenes and the reclaimed oak hardwood floors, featuring an intricate beach-umbrella-inspired octagonal pattern.
Curved arches remember the 1920's colonial building’s origins.
Even the art evokes the coastal landscape — from Patrick Schols' shell-inspired console to Jonathan Ryan's sand treatment acrylic on canvas.
The art mirrors the interiors such as the Jonathan Ryan acrylic on canvas, peppered with sand; or the Chris Wolston terracotta and fibreglass vase with hand-applied texture that serves as a functional vessel with an every-changing exotic floral arrangement.
Easy communal spaces open up the hotel, inviting the guests and locals to mingle in Calabra next to the rooftop pool with open cabanas; at Palma, the art-filled lobby bar; or in Onda, where the signature restaurant combines Californian and Mexican with chef's Jessica Koslow and Gabriela Camara. While, the rooms provide cosy retreats, with honey-tones to rouse the laid-back airs of Santa Monica, with cream, textured curtains that frame the bustling city views.
In the suites, the headboards are all custom-made and are designed to echo the sun touching the horizon.
“Hotel guests and locals can explore 10,000 years of Indian wellness principles through therapeutic massage, steam treatments, meditation and yoga.”
The rooms are all decorated with warm, earthy tones and soft furnishings.
Warm, earthy tones and soft furnishings in the hotel suites.