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Palihouse Santa Monica
Palihouse Santa Monica
1001 Third St.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 394-1279
www.palihousesantamonica.com
Since it's a lot easier to dream about a Parisian getaway than to actually plan (and pay for) a Parisian getaway, your vacations so far this summer can best be described as "urban camping." Translation: you sit outside, drink lukewarm beer and tell ghost stories to a circle of unimpressed friends.
Vacations don't have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor, especially when a less-than-an-hour drive gets you to Santa Monica and the Moorish-influenced beach lodge Palihouse. Effectively satisfying the ol' camping yen, this year-old hotel mixes a rustic, outdoorsy aesthetic with more elegant yet whimsical details.
More: Best Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles
This rugged yet refined spirit is best seen in the living-room-like lobby, where taxidermy deer heads on the walls, rough wood tables, and a large wood-burning fireplace are juxtaposed with original al fresco ceilings, leather couches covered with monogrammed throw pillows, and Malibu tile floors.
Designated a historic landmark, the 1920s-era Spanish Colonial Revival building is home to 37 meticulously maintained rooms, all of which contain quirky design elements like animal-print toile wallpaper, bell-jar terrariums, and artfully weathered oil paintings. Many of the suites even come with full kitchens and majestic balconies where you can welcome the day with a cappuccino while pretending to be a Moorish king surveying his lands. Out back, you'll find gorgeously overgrown gardens complete with bocce ball courts, Adirondack chairs and mosaic tiled courtyards.
More: E.S.P. Eat. See. Play. Los Angeles
It's the ideal home base for exploring Santa Monica – just two blocks from the beach and pier, a five minute walk from the shopping promenade and close to the small city's Farmers' Market.
Plus, you heard that Paris is pretty overrated this time of year.
By Arielle Sachar
