By Misty Milioto
One of California’s most captivating beachside hideaways, the Oceana Beach Club Hotel, has been a Santa Monica haven for world travelers and celebrities since it first opened on fabled Ocean Avenue in 1996. Now, the 5-star luxury hotel is re-emerging in late June as Oceana after a $25 million renovation.
The rebranded hotel, owned and operated by JRK Hotel Group, offers exclusive access to the best of Santa Monica’s celebrated beach lifestyle just north of Wilshire Boulevard with stunning new design features and amenities. The residential-style luxury begins with an all-new, two-story entrance clad in ivy that leads to a welcoming lobby. The living room setting features a hanging glass light installation by Alison Berger, a contemporary fire pit and cerused oak wood ship lap paneling. Mesmerizing views from the lobby overlook the Pacific Ocean and an outdoor courtyard lounge (available exclusively to hotel guests) with swimming pool, alfresco dining and cocktails, fire pits, James Perse upholstered teak furniture, and lush greenery and flowers by landscape architecture firm Perry Guillot of the Hamptons.
The striking design continues throughout the 70-guest-suite hotel thanks to interior designer Anna Busta of Busta Studio in New York City. Her elegant, modern design aesthetic is evident in custom high-end furnishings commissioned for the hotel; a rich yet soothing color palette of soft ivory, silver and blue that combine with blackened steel and gold metal accents; bold geometric patterns and extensive wood finishes; and a custom art program in collaboration with Los Angeles artists and international photographers.
The guest suites, many offering ocean views, exude an aura of luxe relaxation beginning with hanging swings located aside front doors and continuing inside with rich velvet sofas, four-poster beds, posh minibar cabinets and hand-tufted rugs from Nepal. Loro Piana bedding and Frette linens, along with spa-inspired bathrooms with Bottega Veneta amenities, further evoke total R&R. A state-of-the-art technology package adds the finishing touch.
Eight rooms types comprise the guest suites, such as the 500-square-foot studio suites, 850-square-foot guest suites with living rooms and 1,700-square-foot two-bedroom ocean-view suites. Some suites offer luxury soaking tubs, walk-in closets, pull-out queen sofa beds, fully-stocked kitchens, ocean-view balconies and connecting options.
A sleek indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar helmed by Raphael Lunetta of JiRaffe fame—also available exclusively to hotel guests—serves New American cuisine highlighting local ingredients from the world-famous Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. Decorated in soft pastels, the venue reflects the ocean sunsets as seen from its windows.
An intimate fitness studio, located just off the outdoor courtyard lounge, offers state-of-the-art equipment from Peloton and Woodway. An adjacent spa features a full-service spa menu, a manicure and pedicure station, and a barber chair for hair services. In-room spa treatments also are available.
Guests will enjoy the personalized welcome experience and nightly turndown service in addition to other amenities such as beach cruiser bikes, yoga on Santa Monica Beach, and house cars for beach and local transfers. 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA, 877.927.2128, hoteloceanasantamonica.com