Following the opening of San Francisco Proper Hotel, Proper Hospitality has revealed plans to open a new hotel in Santa Monica in June. Set just seven blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Proper Hotel spans two disparate buildings linked by an artfully crafted bridge. With interior design by Kelly Wearstler, the property combines nature-inspired palettes, light hardwood floors and organic textures with artworks from emerging local artists.

Located at 700 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica’s downtown core, the hotel is housed across two buildings that present contrasting styles; one is a 1928-built Spanish Colonial Revival landmark building and the other is a contemporary newbuild. The rich Moorish detailing and Art Deco ornamentation of the older building have been conserved and updated, while the newbuild is monolithic in nature, creating a neutral palette for the multi-faceted design.

“We’ve thoughtfully restored the historic building to its original glory, from the exterior details to the rich materials we kept inside, and brought in the best local creative talent within the world of interior design, F&B, health and wellness, and programming to make the spaces within the building come alive. This is the essence of our brand and something we obsess over,” explains Brian De Lowe, President and Co-founder of Proper Hospitality and The Kor Group.

Santa Monica Proper’s interior design takes inspiration from the tones and textures of the neighbourhood’s coastline. A neutral color palette is juxtaposed by bold patterns and silhouettes, while organic, natural materials such as wood and stone provide an experiential element. Supporting the hyper-local visual concept, artwork has been sourced from emerging and established LA-based artists such as Ben Medansky, Morgan Peck and Tanya Aguiniga.

Wearstler adds: “As with the design for all of the Proper properties, we were intentional about working with local artists to bring a truly authentic and localised experience to Santa Monica Proper. Earthy, raw materials, organic textiles and a layering in of art and landscape bring a rich sensory feeling into the hotel.”

Ranging from 325 to 925ft², the hotel’s 271 guestrooms and suites combine layering muted tones and tactile textures with geometric shapes. Informed by the LA lifestyle, the rooms are defined by over-sized, statement headboards and an eclectic collection of vintage and modern furniture. Many offer living spaces, as well as balconies and terraces. The Garden Terrace King Suites offer expansive terraces featuring daybeds; the airy layout extends to the bathrooms, accessed through a sliding door and outfitted in peach-toned stone, while the obsidian-framed windows flood the space in natural daylight alongside brushed silver and gold accents.

The hotel’s crowning glory is the rooftop deck and pool, complete with poolside cabanas and a restaurant with beach-inspired bar. Located on the seventh floor, Calabra, the rooftop’s inside/out bistro and bar, pairs ocean views with Mediterranean and Californian inspired cuisine by executive chef Kaleo Adams. Meanwhile on the ground floor, Onda, a unique collaborative restaurant concept from inventive chefs Jessica Koslow (Sqirl) and Gabriela Camara (Contramar, Cala) represents an all-encompassing experience, where Mexican and Californian flavours, ingredients and techniques are celebrated in the open kitchen, the bar and tableside.

Presided over by Ayurvedic expert Martha Soffer, the hotel’s Surya Spa offers custom-designed programs supporting physical and mental health. Traditional massage therapies and treatments sit alongside yoga, meditation, and cooking sessions to ensure corporal and spiritual wellness. A 2,500ft² gym will share Proper’s dedication to fitness, while more than 24,000ft² of indoor-outdoor meeting and event space – including various meeting areas with capacity for up to 500 guests – allow the Santa Monica property to host corporate and social gatherings.

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