Hotel Californian Epitomizes Coastal-Cool in the American Riviera

The interior has since enjoyed a facelift by interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The aesthetic marries references from Spain and Morocco. Plenty of arched doorways and windows let natural light pool into the lobby, Djinn Library Cocktail Bar, and suites. Luxe jewel-toned colors and materials are seen in velvet tufted benches, headboards, and armchairs. They add warmth and richness to the more than 1 million black-and-white hand-painted Moroccan tiles running along steps, walls, and baseboards. The rooms and suites are airy yet opulent, but nothing feels costumey or trite.

To further tie in the heritage of Spain and Morocco, rooms and suites are named after people, places, and things of cultural significance to both, such as medieval Spanish cities (think Sevilla, Granada, and Cordova); Moorish troubadours; the revered Tangier bar in Morocco, which played host to beatnik poets and illustrious writers like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs; as well as sestina, a type of poem with six stanzas of six lines, made popular at the time. The spaces pay homage to intrepid spirits and maintain the feel of intimate enclaves.

Some rooms have Juliet balconies suspended above courtyards or the oceanfront. Other deluxe corner rooms have dual balconies and fireplaces begging to be enjoyed with a glass of local wine included in the mini bar. Getting to the rooms in the main building requires an amble up stairs and passageways reminiscent of Spanish paseos, or walkways.

Exploring the grounds

Beyond the rooms, you can find respite in the brilliant white-and-blue Moroccan-style Majorelle spa. Choose among a variety of facials (including one specific to men’s skincare) and massage types (Swedish, Thai, deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, and even craniosacral to relieve head and neck tension) with the option to choose your own aromatherapy blend from essential oils and gemstones.