This Historic Santa Monica Hotel Is Perfect for Summer

There is perhaps no more iconic facade along Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue than The Georgian, a turquoise Art Deco property that recently reopened after a massive a top-to-bottom renovation by Ace Hotel DTLA developers BLVD Hospitality. Hoteliers Jon Blanchard and Nicolo Rusconi aimed to tap into the hotel’s longstanding ties with old Hollywood glamor. Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and First Mother Rose Kennedy have all stayed at the property, crafted by Southern California architect M. Eugene Durfee.

Douglas Friedman

For the revamp, interior architecture and design firm Fettle teamed up with HLW to play up the striking bones and history of the hotel, which is within striking distance of landmarks like The Getty Villa, the Eames House, the Santa Monica History Museum, and the Santa Monica Pier.

Douglas Friedman

There are all sorts of thoughtful details throughout, from the entrance lined with rows of peach hibiscus, whimsical topiaries, and lush foliage from local nursery Rolling Greens to an art gallery that hosts specially commissioned exhibitions and The Library, which features a fully-stocked study curated by Lee Kaplan of Culver City’s Arcana: Books on the Arts.

Douglas Friedman

Rooms at The Georgian embrace the hotel’s Art Deco heritage. Many boast breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier, stretching out from Santa Catalina Island across to Malibu. It’s the kind of place you can’t help but feel sexy, with custom golden-hued arched headboards and the softest Italian bedding. Suites also include  Polaroid cameras to capture vacation moments, and Victrola record players with curated records from California-based Ubiquity Records.

Joseph Duarte

The Restaurant at The Georgian appears to be turning out some serious eats. Chef David Almany, previously of Osteria Mozza, explores the intersection of Italian classics and California cuisine. (Freshly made, uni-topped pasta and Santa Monica Farmers Market crudité is what we like to call balance.)

Joseph Duarte

The wine program is courtesy of powerhouse Wine Director Kristin Olszewski, and features unique sips from legacy Italian producers as well as up-and-coming California natural winemakers. With so much to eat and explore, The Georgian will undoubtedly be the place to spend your vacation, or staycation, this summer.

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