Viceroy Santa Monica has announced the completion of its top-to-bottom renovation worth $21 million. The beachside hotel tapped design studio EDG to lead the project.
The hotel, owned by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, originally opened in 2000 as the first Viceroy Hotels & Resorts property. The renovation included guestrooms and suites, common areas, an expansive outdoor space and the signature restaurant and bar, Sugar Palm. The enhancement also added a new art collection inclusive of commissioned works and interactive augmented reality pieces from various local artists.
The beach-inspired guestroom and suite design include natural textures in a palette of aquamarines, yellows and neutral sand tones. Mid-century-style furnishings and graphic carpet complement sea grass-inspired wall coverings. All rooms have a Juliet balcony to let in the ocean breeze, with western-facing rooms offering guests views of the Pacific Ocean and west coast sunsets. Every guestroom also has new original works curated by Art x Co from local artisans, with each piece inspired by coastal elements. The in-room art is an extension of the local collection scattered throughout the common areas.
The hotel’s public spaces, including the lobby, indoor lounge, outdoor patio and pool area with private cabanas, sport a vibrant color palette and vintage furnishings. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a two-ton driftwood bench and wood-planked ceilings that mimic walking beneath the Santa Monica Pier, inviting guests to linger for a while, whether for a business meeting, a celebration with friends, or an after-work cocktail.
The entire hotel was redesigned with sustainability at the forefront. EDG repurposed existing materials and furnishings wherever possible to minimize waste. Decorative woodwork in the guestrooms was painted rather than replaced, original furnishings were reupholstered and, in hallways, existing wall coverings were stenciled over to add interest and conserve resources. Many of the commissioned art pieces throughout the property were also created with repurposed objects, including skateboard wheels and vintage cameras.
Outside, open-air cabanas inspired by the lifeguard towers on Santa Monica beach surround two palm-tree lined pools. New programming, including “New Moon Meditations” led by Calming Spot Santa Monica, intends to encourage guests and locals to enjoy the refreshed outdoor experience.
Sugar Palm, the hotel’s signature indoor-outdoor restaurant, is helmed by Executive Chef Jason Francisco. The indoor lounge, wraparound bar, outdoor patio has a large fire pit, while private dining cabanas offer plenty of ways to gather and connect over brunch or dinner. The restaurant offers a journey through California’s coastline, showcasing line-caught seafood and market-fresh produce sourced from local farmers and purveyors. An advocate for sustainability, Chef Francisco leads the charge among the Viceroy Hotel Group with plant-based menu items, using such ingredients as watermelon, lychee, mushrooms and more to mimic the umami flavors found in meat and seafood. He encourages his kitchen to find ways to upcycle all parts of produce and meat, whether it’s for stocks, juices, syrups and garnishes used across a variety of dishes and beverages, thus reducing food waste.
Viceroy Santa Monica is located a block from the beach at 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA. It is just steps away from a variety of upscale and casual restaurants, shopping and the famed Santa Monica Pier.
For more information, visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.
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