Moorish and Californian design aesthetics merge in eclectic Santa Monica boutique beach hotel

Palihouse Santa Monica / Los Angeles / California / USA

It is difficult to create a hotel chain and still manage to maintain a kind of edge, a vibe where the unique is manifested. There are several examples where the start has been interesting but as the chain grows, so does the level of generic. But what makes me so happy to see is that there are some chains that manages to grow and not just maintain, but increase the uniqueness. Palisociety is one of those chains. It is the brain child of entrepreneur Avi Brosh and as you might have gathered, I am a huge fan.

This outpost of this expansive chain is located in Santa Monica, a couple of blocks from the beach and the Pacific Ocean. The building dates back to 1927 and used to be the Embassy Hotel until Palisociety swept in and created this stunning looking hotel, full of color, patterns and quirky design.

There is an interesting design- and vibe clash here that I really like. The Moorish inspired building has an air of Californian beachy lifestyle. This is combined with an interior that fells very European. It feels like this could be a country estate somewhere in the European countryside. The common areas are dark with wood-beamed ceilings, large paintings and the interior is filled with velvet and leather sofas with a vintage look, framed by classic terracotta tiles.

There are 38 rooms in different shapes and sizes. Our room was really spacious. Or to be honest, it was more of a studio apartment with fully equipped kitchen and a small balcony overlooking the lush garden. Compared to the common areas, the look of the room is much brighter and softer. Some of the elements that stand out in the design are the bespoke Abnormal Anonymous wallpaper and the soft jewel tones, framed by a rich, raspberry red fitted carpet and Moorish style windows

Palihouse Santa Monica has a very urban feel. At least when you are inside. As soon as you exit the wrought iron gate, the sunshine Cali beach vibe is ever present. And if you really want to live out your Californian beach dream, the beach is just three blocks away.

Welcome to Palihouse Santa Monica! The hotel is sitting on a quiet, residential corner of Santa Monica.

I love this entrance with the wrought iron frame and the paved path leading up to the front door.

The Moorish styled building dates back to 1927 and in front of it, there is well-manicured garden.

In the garden there are several places where you can find somewhere to sit in the shade to enjoy some down time…

…or maybe play a round of boule. Or boccia. Or pétanque. I am never sure which one is which.

When entering the hotel you come straight into the lobby/bar area.

This is such a great look with the old classic terracotta floor tiles combined with dark walls and wood-beam ceiling and the space is filled with vintage (looking?) furniture.

The dark and sombre design is such a contrast to the typical SoCal beach look.

Our room was super big. Or actually it isn’t fair to call it a room. It was a studio apartment. Regardless of what the space is called, it felt very soft. The gentle jewel colors combined with the pale Californian sun is such a winning combo.

Like at all the Palihouse hotels there is a pillow with the letter P on the bed.

We even had our own little balcony overlooking the garden. Love how the sun is enhancing the richness of the raspberry red fitted carpet.

We had a fully equipped kitchen, which is perfect if you are staying here longer and you want to cook your own food.

I think my favorite design feature of our room/apartment, was the bathroom. The wallpaper together with the vintage looking mirror and the sea shell shaped wash basin is so unique and attractive.

The body care products are from well-renowned French company, Diptyque.

M is heading out to explore Santa Monica. Talk about a bold design statement combining the old wooden staircase with a fitted carpet with an intense pattern.

This might be my favorite photo from our stay here. Managed to catch M in the mirror as he is getting us some keys for the hotel bikes in the reception.

When getting the bikes, we also discovered there was a courtyard in the back of the hotel. So clever how by using painted Moroccan tiles, it looks like a carpet.

There are Linus bikes on loan for free from the hotel. A perfect way to get around downtown Santa Monica/Venice Beach where there are plenty of bike paths.

I know! It is almost a cliché, but it doesn’t get more Californian than this.

Ok, maybe this is actually even more typically Californian with the life guard opening up his tower, getting ready for the day.

M on his way down to the water for a dip in the Pacific.

There are so many great places for coffee and breakfast around here. M is on his way to one of our favorites (even though it looks like he is walking away), “go get em tiger”.

Ready for breakfast! The banana bread… Yum!

Me enjoying my second coffee. Too small to only have one.

And here M is enjoying his third coffee of the day at one of our other favorite places, “Blue Bottle”. Extra points to Mango for the color matching.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking for a boutique hotel with a beachy yet urban vibe. Where you get to stay in a residential area a couple of blocks from the beach and from downtown Santa Monica. If you like unique, colorful, eclectic design you are going to appreciate the Palihouse Santa Monica.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the design. Palihouse Santa Monica is like a masterclass in creating a design that feels unique without becoming gimmicky. Carefully selected pieces and bespoke furniture and wallpaper, mixed with bold colors and patterns makes for such a unique interior design.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to get your hands on one of the Linus bikes on loan at the hotel and explore the area from the saddle. There are bike paths that will take you all the way to Venice Beach and beyond. Perfect to stop for a dip in the ocean to cool off and then go to Montana Avenue, a couple of blocks from the hotel, where you have great options for coffee, food and some great shopping.

If you like this hotel you might also like…

Palihotel Westwood Village, LA, CA, USA

Silverlake Pool & Inn, LA, CA, USA

Il Palazzo Experimental, Venice, Italy