There’s something quietly magnetic about the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. It doesn’t shout for attention—it doesn’t need to. From the moment you enter the sun-drenched lobby, wrapped in natural textures and sculptural forms, it’s clear: this is California living dialled in.
Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the space blends brutalist architecture with coastal ease. Warm oak, sand-toned plaster, handwoven textiles—every corner feels intentional, but never overly styled. There’s a calm confidence to it, a sense that everything belongs, both vintage a new; even the way the light falls into each corner feels deliberate.
Upstairs, the rooms continue the mood. Warm muted palettes, custom furnishings, and thoughtfully chosen details like statement headboards, Mid-century-inspired settees and chairs, Bellino linens, woven rugs and handcrafted elements give each room a sophisticated lived-in vibe. Thoughtful details extend into the the travertine and marble bathroom, fully stocked with Aesop Skincare products and light and llush custom muslin robes from Parachute Home.
Each room is also fitted with tech forward touches like Apple TV, Bluetooth speakers, and smart lighting to get mood just right any time of day. If you’re lucky enough to get a room looking west toward the ocean, you’ll feel the ocean air even without the view. They also offer performance wellness rooms fitted with a more spacious layout perfect for stretching or yoga, a Peloton Bike, shower filter, daily cold-pressed juices, as well as a Personalized VO₂ Max Fitness Assessment available with a package along with access to their cutting edge Proper Club Lounge.
Amenity wise, the Proper has everything you could want. Generous common spaces with vintage mid century modern furniture to work and lounge both inside and out during all hours of the day as well as a thoughtful offering of amenities designed with relaxation and inspiration in mind. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool and bar with sweeping Pacific views, rejuvenate at the Ayurvedic-inspired Surya Spa, or savour the inventive, market-driven cuisine at one of two on-site restaurants.
Health conscious guests will delight in their wellness programming including complimentary daily yoga and breathwork classes, a 24-hour fitness facility with all the bells and whistles, and complimentary beach cruiser bikes to cruise the along oceanside. While it’s currently closed for renovation, the Proper Club Lounge offers a recovery suite with a private sauna and cold plunge, Therabody compression boots, red light therapy, as well as access to the Ammortal Chamber, a cutting edge longevity technology that works to target cellular regeneration and improve performance by combining infrared light, PEMF, and oxygen therapy.
Then there’s Calabra, the rooftop restaurant and lounge that feels like a Mediterranean dream with sweeping views of the city. Cozy seating arrangements, gentle lighting, and a mezcal paloma that hits just right as the sun sets. The menu offers up coastal California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair, spotlighting market-fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including vibrant seasonal salads, wood-grilled specialties, in a laid-back, sun-drenched atmosphere.
Step outside and the neighbourhood complements the energy: indie galleries, boutique retail, cafés worth a detour and Erewhon just a short drive away. But truthfully, the pull to stay in is strong. Understated, quietly luxurious, and deeply rooted in its setting, the Santa Monica Proper doesn’t overplay its hand. It offers what so few places manage: an effortless stay.
