This Cool Oceanfront Hotel Is a Straight Shot to Santa Monica’s Iconic Pier
15.11.2024 - 09:37
/ matadornetwork.com
Santa Monica has a split personality. As I discovered during a late summer getaway, that’s part of the coastal Southern California city’s charm. Downtown buzzes with urban energy. Fashionistas can hunt for fresh fits at upscale Santa Monica Place, which anchors Third Street Promenade where three pedestrian-friendly blocks brim with more shops, restaurants, and a farmers market. But steps away from downtown’s bustle, on the other side of busy Highway 1, pristine Santa Monica State Beach offers two miles of tranquil bliss, and fun for all ages at the Santa Monica Pier.
The Pierside, a new addition to the city’s hotel scene that’s located right across the street from the pier, proved the ideal base for my stay. Managed by Sage Hospitality Group, the 132-room property — formerly a Wyndham — underwent an extensive renovation in 2023. The result? A lifestyle hotel with a laid back yet chic beachy vibe.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside
The Pierside’s inviting lobby has seating areas with contemporary furniture and decor in a calming sand-and-sea palette of taupe, blue, and cream. One exception, a pair of sunset-hued armchairs, delivers a pleasing pop of color. By the front window, small flames danced in a standalone retro gas fireplace. Though the weather was far from chilly, I could easily imagine parking myself there on a cooler day.
A wood-slat wall separates the lobby from the equally appealing Surfing Fox, which specializes in coastal California cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Touches like retractable glass doors that open to a patio, built-in cushioned benches, and whimsical rattan front-porch “swing” seats create a relaxed, indoor-outdoor feel. The restaurant also has live music on Fridays and a bar with happy hour specials.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside
Upon checking-in, I discovered one of The Pierside’s most delightful amenities: The Board Shop. More of a neatly arranged display area by the front desk than an actual shop, it offers an array of items you can check out to dial up your pleasure on or off the beach. Along with boogie boards, surf boards, and skateboards, you’ll find things like board games and cameras. If vinyl tunes are your jam, borrow an old school record player. Or make your own music with a Board Shop ukulele. Guests get two hours of complimentary gear rentals daily.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pierside
I’m a sucker for a window seat with a view, so I was thrilled to discover that my Coastal King room at The Pierside had the next best thing: a sectional sofa with a long chaise resting against a pair of floor-to-ceiling windows. I started my mornings there, sipping coffee brewed in the in-room coffee maker while drinking in the view of Santa Monica’s natural and human-made