Santa Monica's Shangri-La Hotel: Paradise, Indeed!

 

                      Shangri-La Hotel, Santa Monica

As an avid gardener, I feel like I know every nook and cranny of my garden. Each spring, I look in a certain spot for the tulips.  And, every summer, I keep my eye peeled for the spot where the dahlias come up. But every so often, I get a surprise.  Something pops out of the ground that I wasn’t expecting and it’s a sheer delight!  That’s how I felt upon recently discovering the Shangri-La Hotel in the heart of Santa Monica. 

Originally built in 1939, the oceanfront hotel recently completed a 35 million dollar renovation celebrating its original Streamline Moderne design – from the curved mahogany bar to the unique art deco fixtures. The gorgeous renovation, with incredible attention to detail, is the brainchild of owner Tehmina Adaya (who you meet in the video below) and LA nightlife impresario/designer Marc Smith (he’s the guy behind the cool, downtown nightspot The Edison). A goal of Tehmina and Marc’s was to keep the hotel luxurious and chic – but comfortable and suitable for families.  And, I must say, after chatting with a friend of mine, it seems they've accomplished that goal.  My friend's home was recently damaged by fire and she and her husband and their three kids moved into the Shangri-La for several weeks.  They gave their stay the thumbs up,  with the only major complaint being that the drawer in the refrigerator didn't work.  With that being the only negative after three weeks of hotel living with kids- I'd say that's a pretty decent endorsement!

Personally, I love the fact that there's some practicality mixed into the beauty of  the Shangri-La.  I can’t stand going to fancy hotels that are uncomfortable.  They look great – but I can’t wait to get home. Not so with this boutique hotel.  Another plus: the hotel’s open air, inside/outside design.  It epitomizes California living and gives one the distinct feeling of being on vacation – even if there just for lunch!  

 

                             Lobster Cobb Salad 

Speaking of lunch, I had an incredible poolside, al fresco meal that included a delectable, rather clever  dish of flatbread brushed with a truffle oil paste and topped with heirloom tomatoes, cheese and organic greens.  I also sampled a Lobster Cobb and a classic blue cheese salad on a crisp iceberg wedge. All three dishes were excellent.  And, the pumpkin soup you see me eating in the video (also shown below) was simply to die for.  Chef Dakota Weiss is incredibly creative – utilizing the nearby Santa Monica Farmer’s Market for fresh, organic seasonal fruits & veggies.

  Pumpkin Soup with fresh lobster and lobster mushrooms

 

                   The Dining Room, Shangri-La Hotel

Guests can also dine at the hotel’s main restaurant, The Dining Room, which boasts an ocean view. It’s got a swanky, clubby feel with an impressive mahogany bar, tables and chairs. A great place to have a cocktail too!

There’s also a rooftop bar where, along with cocktails and nibbles, you can order fondue.  We wanted to shoot on the roof, but unfortunately the day we were there it was off limits due to singer Avril Lavigne, who was apparently making use of the magnificent view for a commercial shoot. 

We should also point out that the Shangri-La also includes several eco-friendly initiatives - from using recycled paper and offering “green” bath amenities to having a solar heated pool. 

Now that the Shangri-La is firmly implanted on my horizon, when in Santa Monica, I’ll look for this little slice of paradise.  And, just as I do with the flowers in my garden, I'll delight in enjoying it.

The Shangri-La is located at 1301 Ocean Avenue. Ocean view rooms start at $325.  Suites are available starting at $395.