The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica
Do you have a hotel bucket list? I definitely do, and it only got longer during the past year plus of no travel. Maybe I will make a post with mine some time, but in the meantime I’d say it’s any place that Kelly Wearstler designed, + also this whole book (such a good resource!!). Six weeks or so ago I went to Palm Springs for a few nights and then stayed at The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica for just a night. It had been top of my list for a while and it definitely measured up.
The lobby and bar area are incredibly designed, the rooms are so nice (I was tempted to ask them about their linens / feather bed toppers as the bed was absolute heaven… like sleeping in a cloud), and the pool on the roof was a great place to hang out (they make a phenomenal skinny marg and I LOVE the crudite platen- a weird thing to gush about but it was truly beautiful?).
PS – The Proper is just a couple blocks from Sidecar Donuts, which I highly recommend!!!! We didn’t do much else in Santa Monica but I made a Santa Monica highlight on my instagram and will add to it if/when I’m back next.
The art and objects throughout the hotel and lobby are just incredible. If I were to go back, I would absolutely visit their spa… it sounds incredible! It’s 3,000 square feet and done in collaboration with Ayurvedic doctor, chef, and herbalist Martha Soffer. The abhyanga massage sounds absolutely out of this world.
I’m still dreaming about this bed – it was one of the best beds I’ve ever slept in!
Look at this perfect little reading nook!
Love the idea of a hotel bucket list…for some odd reason I feel like that suits me even more than a general “travel” bucket list haha! I just love beautifully designed spaces and I could probably lounge around in a nice lobby or spa for several days without ever getting out and touring the surrounding place haha.
I relate to this DEEPLY!
I’m a big fan of staying where I can afford but going to hotel restaurants for meals or drinks to check out the scene. Hotel stays have become crazy expensive. I don’t understand how so many people can afford $500-$1200 a night!
That is such a great tip! I like to do that as well (or at least liked to, back when I traveled a lot), or I will air bnb and then stay at the dream property for just a night 🙂
Going this weekend!! Omg so very pumped. Did you need reservations for the pool/cocktail?
Oh lucky lucky – have SO much fun! If you are a hotel guest you don’t need a res (though it can’t hurt, I always find I get better service and a better table when I make one in advance!).
Do I ever have a hotel bucket list haha! I love this post. I was a hospitality major and worked for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants for 6 years. I dream of visiting every single Belmond Hotel and Train…their website is absolutely dreamy (2 hotel stays so far and dinner at the Cipriani in Venice). I also admire the classics like the Ritz Paris and the Savoy in London. And would love to stay at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Colony Palms in Palm Springs.
Oh HELL YES! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Marina Bay Sands is A-mazing! We lived in Indonesia for a couple of years and testing out the hotels in Singapore was our hobby or maybe guilty pleasure is more accurate 🙂
I worked at a hotel company for 10 years (Starwood Hotels, all brands are now part of Marriott) and got absolutely spoiled by the places I was able to stay. Oh my gosh, how I sometimes long for those days! I kept all of my hotel keys during that time period. It’s fun to look back at them and remember those trips, both work and personal.
That sounds incredible!!!!! What an amazing job. 🙂
I meannnn proximity to Sidecar is really key to Santa Monica location.
Truly!!!
Thank you for all the pictures! I stayed there pre-Covid for a few nights and never even explored the lobby area, OMG – we always went straight to the elevator!! Can’t believe I missed all that, but I had a foot injury and therefore had zero interest in walking anywhere extra. We LOVED Sidecar though and did go there twice 🙂 Santa Monica was a convenient stay for exploring Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
Sounds like you will just have to go back!!!! Love Santa Monica 🙂
Great idea for a post! Please please please share your hotel bucket list! I have a restaurant bucket list but now feel it has to be complemented by a hotel bucket list! Plus readers can add in the comments like someone already did!