At a Glance
Part of the trendy Palisociety (a favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop), Palihouse Santa Monica has 28 multi-room apartments, and is a great choice for long-stay trips and travelers who want to pretend they live in the neighborhood.
Review
The Moorish Mediterranean revival building sits on a quiet street and overlooks a lovely courtyard garden with tables set up for an alfresco coffee and a bocce court for afternoon games. A wrought-iron gate, closed at night, further instills the image of a private residence.
Of the 38 rooms that are spread across three floors, 28 are spacious apartments that start at 550 square-feet and come with full kitchens. The design is modern and chic (think mid-century furniture, patterned wallpaper and eye-catching fabrics) without being overly trendy. It’s easy to picture making the spacious surroundings your home away from home. There are no connecting rooms but the residential apartments are big enough for families.
A romantic courtyard out back is surrounded by flowering shrubs and palms, and there’s also a beautiful lobby-lounge, with soaring ceilings, stuffed armchairs and sitting corners, a long wooden table with mismatched chairs and a fireplace. It’s a serene spot for whiling away the afternoon over a board-game or a good book. For more active types, Santa Monica’s Third Avenue Promenade, the beach and the area’s top restaurants and bars are just a short walk away.
Nice touches include complimentary bikes (you’re in Santa Monica, after all) and complimentary snacks in the lobby lounge all day. Know that this hotel doesn’t have a liquor license (and therefore no bar), nor does it come with a pool, spa or gym (though in-room massages can be organized).
A curated list of recommendations for Santa Monica and beyond awaits guests in the rooms, which can also be pre-stocked with local goodies prior to arrival (another good option is to go to the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, which happens twice a week near the Santa Monica Pier).
Who Should Stay
This residential hotel is a good fit for more price-sensitive travelers and those planning on spending an extended time on LA’s Westside.
Written by Simone Girner
