Situated oceanfront in the heart of Hermosa Beach, Beach House is an idyllic South Bay getaway with residential-style guestrooms, a complimentary continental breakfast and dreamy Pacific Ocean views.
Location 10/10
In Hermosa Beach, it simply doesn’t get better than oceanfront two blocks south of the pier and the pedestrian Pier Avenue lined with bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel is situated directly on the Strand, the 26-mile pedestrian promenade connecting neighboring South Bay communities of Manhattan and Redondo Beach. It’s ideal for morning strolls, jogs and bike rides. The hotel also overlooks several beach volleyball courts with action ranging from Olympians to amateurs at all hours of the day, best viewed from your oceanfront balcony.
Hermosa Beach is seven miles south of (and about a 30-minute drive to/from) LAX.
Design 8/10
The name says it all: beach house vibes abound. The intimate lobby is set beneath a vaulted ceiling with white-washed exposed beams with a central seating area featuring an overstuffed sofa and armchairs in blue and cream before a roaring fireplace. There’s beachy framed art, potted plants, limestone tile floors and colonial-style white wainscoting.
Amenities & Hospitality 8/10
A boutique hotel at 96 rooms, the hotel is home to a small gym and indoor hot tub. Collapsible beach chairs and umbrellas are available at the valet to carry down to the beach. Hospitality is genuinely warm, from the valet to the front desk and the housekeeping staff. There’s always a friendly face to greet you, coming and going.
Rooms 8/10
Rooms are categorically spacious, designed as “studio suites” with a separate sunken living area, featuring a full sleeper sofa and fireplace. All room layouts are consistent with categories assigned by the room’s position to (and views of) the beach. An oceanfront or ocean view suite is worth the upgrade with big balconies designed for lingering. They’re the ideal place to enjoy your morning coffee as the volleyball players set up and, in the evenings, to witness one of those big California sunsets over the Pacific.
“The whole time I lived in New York I knew I was going back to L.A. so I never believed I was actually living there and never furnished my apartment with more than a bed and chair.”
Eve Babitz, ‘Eve’s Hollywood,’ 1972
All suites are equipped with a kitchenette featuring a mini fridge, microwave, Keurig coffee machine and sink. Bathrooms are big with white tiles, a rainfall shower, separate tub and plenty of counter space. L’Occitane products and a rubber ducky by the tub are nice touches.
Food & Beverage N/A
While there’s no onsite restaurant, a complimentary continental breakfast featuring oatmeal, yogurt, pastries, bagels and fruit, is served in a small dining room with an outdoor patio overlooking the Strand and the beach.
For something more substantial, I love Brother’s Burritos. And Good Stuff is right next door. There are also plenty of restaurants along Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue.
Value 9/10
Current rates from about $499.
The Bottom Line
It’s easy to fall under the spell of the Hermosa Beach dream life when you’re checked into the Beach House.
Contact
1300 The Strand; 310-374-3001; beach-house.com
