Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Where Spanish Revival Heritage Meets Kelly Wearstler’s Coastal Modernism
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A seamless blend of a 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival landmark and a contemporary glass-and-steel addition by Howard Laks Architects.
● Kelly Wearstler’s richly layered interiors reinterpret California coastal luxury through natural materials, artisan craftsmanship, and sculptural design.
● One of Santa Monica’s finest rooftop destinations, combining panoramic Pacific views, Mediterranean-inspired dining, and exceptional wellness.
A New Landmark on the California Coast
Just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Proper Hotel brings together nearly a century of architectural history under one remarkable roof. At its heart stands a beautifully restored 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival building, its arched passageways, Moorish detailing, and handcrafted ornamentation preserved with care. Connected by a suspended bridge is a striking contemporary addition by Howard Laks Architects, whose softly curving glass-and-steel form introduces a distinctly modern expression. Rather than competing, old and new exist in perfect dialogue, creating a hotel that feels both deeply rooted in Santa Monica’s past and confidently focused on its future.
Kelly Wearstler’s California
Inside, Kelly Wearstler transforms the architecture into an immersive celebration of Southern California. Her interiors combine sandy neutrals, pale oak floors, woven cane, natural stone, handcrafted ceramics, sculptural lighting, and richly textured fabrics to create spaces that feel simultaneously luxurious and effortlessly relaxed. Custom furniture sits alongside works by Los Angeles artists, while organic forms and tactile materials echo the beaches, cliffs, and desert landscapes that define the California coastline. Every room invites exploration, revealing new textures and handcrafted details at every turn.
Rooms Designed Around Light
The guestrooms and suites continue Wearstler’s signature layering of comfort and artistry. Natural palettes, bespoke furnishings, artisan ceramics, premium linens, and oversized windows create bright, calming interiors filled with daylight. Many rooms offer balconies overlooking Santa Monica’s rooftops or glimpses of the Pacific, while thoughtful details—from custom Proper beds and Kelly Wearstler robes to Aesop amenities—elevate every stay without feeling ostentatious. The atmosphere is residential rather than formal, encouraging guests to settle in and unwind.
The Rooftop Everyone Wants to Be On
At the top of the hotel sits one of Santa Monica’s most sought-after destinations. The rooftop pool deck combines panoramic ocean views with lush planting, sculptural seating, and an effortless indoor-outdoor atmosphere that captures California living at its best. Calabra, the rooftop restaurant, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with fresh Californian influences, making it as popular with locals as it is with hotel guests. Whether visiting for breakfast, sunset cocktails, or an afternoon by the pool, the rooftop has become one of the city’s defining social spaces.
Wellness with Purpose
Santa Monica Proper places wellness at the heart of the experience. The Surya Spa offers Ayurvedic treatments alongside yoga, meditation, holistic health consultations, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can also reserve the private Recovery Suite, featuring a cold plunge, sauna, red-light therapy, advanced compression systems, and the innovative Ammortal Chamber, designed to support recovery and regeneration. Beyond the hotel, activities such as beach volleyball, padel, tennis, and cycling further connect guests with Santa Monica’s active coastal lifestyle.
Why It Works
Santa Monica Proper Hotel perfectly captures contemporary California luxury. Howard Laks Architects provide the architectural framework, Kelly Wearstler infuses every space with warmth and personality, and the Pacific Ocean remains a constant presence throughout the experience. Balancing historic character with modern sophistication, world-class wellness with vibrant social spaces, and artistic design with effortless comfort, it stands as one of Southern California’s defining design hotels.
