 Pacific
Glamour
A
Shell's Throw from the Beach
The
setting alone is enough to sell Casa
Del Mar. It’s just a shell’s throw from
the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, and an easy walk to
the best this beach city has to offer: Third Street Promenade,
Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park and Main Street. But
this property doesn’t rest on its location laurels
alone.
|
Santa
Monica’s landmark on the sand |
Originally
opened as a hotel and beach club in 1926, when Santa Monica
was a flourishing weekend escape for local luminaries,
it has had an eclectic history, with stints as a military
hotel during WWII, headquarters for a drug therapy program
and a Pritikin Longevity Center. Fortunately, developers
recognized a good thing and nabbed this beautiful example
of Renaissance Revival architecture, which they restored
to the tune of $50 million and reopened as a luxury hotel
in 1999. The original furnishings may be long gone, but
the opulent 1920s ambience is back, making this
the classiest lodging on the beach.
 |
|
Golden
tones |
Light-drenched
guestrooms |
While
Casa Del Mar looks imposing from the outside, it is in
fact a boutique property, with just 129 rooms and suites.
Guestrooms are billed as Riviera in style, but we also
detect tasteful tropical plantation influences and colors
inspired by the golden tones of Tuscany. Among the designer
touches are Victorian-style bamboo headboards, hand-painted
armoires, wooden Venetian blinds and lavish bathrooms
with white Italian Calacatta marble, silver leaf light
fixtures, pedestal sinks and Jacuzzi tubs. There are also
a trio of penthouse suites (one with its own exercise
studio) and a two-bedroom Presidential Suite. The best
accommodations include views that sweep the coastline
from Palos Verdes to Malibu.
 |
| Signature
style |
Beachfront
surroundings make this a natural choice for wedding receptions
and nice option for corporate gatherings—6,800 square
feet of event space include the 4,800-square-foot Colonnade
Ballroom adorned with Venetian glass chandeliers. The
Pacific Ocean atmosphere also draw locals, who like to
gather in the lobby lounge to sip drinks, nibble on reasonably
priced small dishes and gaze at the sunset. Jazz draws
a laid-back crowd on Wednesday nights; weekends are much
livelier, to the point that a line forms just to get in
the bar.
For fine dining, try Catch for fresh seafood and shoreline views or The Lobby Lounge for a light appetizer and a cocktail. Those wanting exclusivity can
slip out for a bite to eat at the guests-only Palm Terrace
by the pool. From a full spa with al fresco massage cabanas
to a plunge pool and Jacuzzi set into a garden deck, Casa
Del Mar woos with resort extravagances and seduces with
quiet, soothing sophistication.
 |
Aerial
view |
(Updated:
05/03/07 SF) |
