This Santa Monica-cool boutique hotel—perfectly positioned near the water, the shopping, and the nightlife—is a near-perfect seaside oasis. Boasting chic digs, a dining hot spot and unparalleled views, The Huntley is missing but one thing: a swimming pool. With all that panache, we can probably let it slide.
Located a pebble’s throw from the Pacific, this property is not what you would expect of a beachside retreat. Step inside the 1960s-era building along residential Second Street and there are hundreds of flickering candles emitting the hotel’s signature jasmine scent (on sale in the lobby shop, naturally), dark wood furniture, oversized leather chairs and brass accents. There is a wall covered in 300 lacquered ceramic piranhas, but that’s about the only homage paid to the hotel’s coastal locale. The aesthetic overall is strikingly modern, favoring style over amenity. Unlike the neighboring hotels, The Huntley lacks that quintessential pool deck for guests to see and be seen. Instead, there is a trendy restaurant/lounge on the top floor. Eighteen stories up, a world of pretty people, glass chandeliers, curtained cabanas and 360-degree ocean views await. Aptly named The Penthouse, the airy, indoor venue makes for both a picture-perfect bottomless brunch and epic night out. Guests at The Huntley like to party. Minibar necessities include Red Bull, vodka, a cocktail shaker, energy bars and an intimacy kit (i.e. condoms). And night owls rejoice: Room service is split into two offerings, the 11pm-to-6pm spread and an all-night menu.
Location: This is prime real estate, and you’ll pay for it. With a stay at The Huntley, guests are an 8-minute walk from the 3rd Street Promenade, a 15-minute walk to the Santa Monica Pier, and a short drive to Malibu. There is plenty of great shopping and lively bars around every turn. And, of course, the ocean is steps away.
Nearby:
The Penthouse: The Huntley Hotel’s crowning jewel is this stylish American eatery famed for its panoramic views. By day, it’s a sophisticated destination for brunch. By night, the music gets loud and the drinks are flowing, which translates to refined debauchery at its best—count on some interesting dance moves.
Third Street Promenade: This popular tourist trap has maintained its appeal through the years. The three-block pedestrian stretch hosts a plethora of entertaining buskers, familiar shops and open air cafes, and makes for great people-watching.
Santa Monica Place: Positioned on the southern end of the Promenade, the revamped mall is home to major retail outlets like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom alongside local dining staples like True Food Kitchen.
Santa Monica Pier: Walking distance from the hotel, there is plenty to keep you occupied here besides that historic carousel. There are fairground games, as well as an aquarium and the occasional outdoor film screening or concert.
The Misfit: This popular spot off the Promenade offers seven straight hours of affordable boozing (12pm to 7pm daily). Don’t forget to grab a homemade chocolate chip-French sea salt cookie on your way out.
Esters Wine Shop & Bar: The pours may be pricey, but this charming wine shop and bar is worth the splurge. The setting is gorgeous and wine director Kathryn Weil Coker has curated a fantastic rotating menu.
Good for: Located in the heart of Santa Monica, The Huntley is ideal for visitors hankering for that quintessential SoCal experience: dipping their toes in the Pacific, going on a number of shopping sprees and sipping martinis in an ocean-view penthouse. It’s the sort of thing both affluent travelers and hip 20-to-40-somethings might enjoy. Kids, not so much.
Amenities: 24-hour in-room dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, event space, business center, gym, 24-hour concierge, dry cleaning services
Time Out tip: There is a semi-secret glass elevator hidden in the back of the hotel; it will take you right up to the Penthouse and provides an exceptional selfie backdrop along the way (that same selfie tip goes for the handicap stalls in the Penthouse restrooms).