Casa Del Mar

Hotel Casa del Mar, once the grandest of the opulent Santa Monica beach clubs and hotels, re-emerged in October 1999 true to its storied past as one of the most luxurious hotels on the West Coast. Nearly $60 million was spent to restore the historic landmark to its former grandeur and create an elegant and sophisticated European lodging experience on the sands of Santa Monica Bay. The hotel is adjacent to the historic Santa Monica Pier with its 77-year-old carousel, fish market, amusements, pubs, and restaurants; the Third Street Promenade, Main Street and Montana Avenue dining areas; and the gardens, walkways, and expansive panoramas of oceanfront, clifftop Palisades Park.

There are 129 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites. Most offer panoramic views of the sand, sea, and Paci, fic coastline from Palos Verdes to Malibu; some offer Santa Monica cityscapes. The luxurious accommodations were designed to evoke the best of the Riviera with gauzy white, floor-to-ceiling draperies, wood Venetian window blinds, traditional Victorian-stylized bamboo headboard, furniture in shades of fruitwood, hand-painted armoire, golden chaise with sea-green chintz throw, wicker chairs, and Matisse-inspired art by a local artist. The opulent baths have white Italian Calacata marble walls and floors. Light fixtures finished in silver leaf, white porcelain fixtures, alabaster soap holders and glassware, plush white robes, glass-enclosed showers, traditional pedestal sinks, and whirlpool tubs with a window of frosted panes opening onto the guest room and panoramas beyond.

Dining facilities include Oceanfront, serving California cuisine in a casually elegant setting; The Verandah (lobby lounge), serving light lunches and cocktails; The Palm Terrace for poolside service; and 24-hour room service.

The Spa & Health Club features treatment rooms for massages, facials, and other therapies; saunas; and numerous workout stations with personal headphones and television. The Palm Terrace offers a plunge pool, outdoor jacuzzi, al fresco dining, chaise lounges, and chairs on a deck of Italian granite stone in an ambiance landscaped as a Mediterranean garden.