Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Character and identity

Three blocks from the beach and angled away from the Third Street Promenade crowds, this 267-room boutique hotel is Kelly Wearstler's full design statement: a sandy, bleached-out palette of whites, wood and natural fabrics, indoor palms, and two decades' worth of vintage chairs scattered like museum pieces through the public rooms. The property occupies two wings, a landmark older building and a new addition, each with its own texture. Rooftop bistro Calabra works a California-meets-Mexico menu seven floors up with sunset views, while Palma handles all-day food off the lobby. The 3,000-square-foot Surya Spa, led by Ayurvedic practitioner Martha Soffer, anchors the wellness programme. Service runs smooth and unfussy.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The reason to book is the design and the spa: Wearstler's interiors and Surya's Ayurvedic programme are the genuine differentiators, not the location or the service polish. For the full effect, book one of the 13 Deluxe Suites in the landmark wing for the curved floor-to-ceiling windows, subway-tiled bathrooms and 1940s wallpaper, and confirm a tub at the time of booking.