Palihouse Santa Monica – Hotel Review

Tucked inside a 1927 landmark building, Palihouse Santa Monica is a hidden gem in L.A.’s most beloved coastal neighbourhood. Palisociety founder Avi Brosh, who owns and operates 14 hotel properties, aims to give travellers that rare experience of being a local. The guesthouse feel, prime location and range of classic rooms through to apartment-style suites equipped with kitchens ensures this charming property more than hits the brief. Read on for the full review.

Where is Palihouse Santa Monica?

The hotel sits at the corner of a quiet tree-lined residential block in downtown Santa Monica, a section of the area that’s elevated along dramatic cliffs of walking trails and several sets of stairs that lead down to the beach. It’s about a 30-minute ride to Santa Monica from LAX airport.

What’s near Palihouse Santa Monica?

Truly a neighbourhood hotel, Palihouse Santa Monica is a stone’s throw from coffee shops such as Demitasse, shops along the Third Street Promenade, a lively outdoor mall, and green spaces including Tongva Park – all are easy to explore on foot or on bikes. It’s also worth strolling through the bi-weekly Farmers Market, where visitors can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other edible souvenirs such as jams and olive oils. Top restaurants nearby include Rustic Canyon, Calabra and True Food Kitchen. Café and boutique-lined Montana Avenue, closer to the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, is also a breeze to reach.

Room types

Not all rooms at the Palihouse Santa Monica are the same. The 38 rooms and suites range from 300 to 1,450 square feet, with playful details such as vintage wallpaper, rose pink-coloured ottoman pouffes, antique vanity tables and Palisociety’s signature “P.” monogrammed pillows lending the perfect dose of character. Suites that do feature mini-kitchens include fridges, stoves and sinks, along with all manner of dishes and flatware – a godsend for longer-stay guests.

Restaurants and bars

With a roaring fireplace, tufted leather couches and intricately-patterned tile floors, the lobby-level living room serves as the property’s cosy all-day dining restaurant, open from 8am to 3pm, going from cappuccinos and avocado toast in the morning to cocktails and wine by the afternoon. The hotel’s leafy back patio is a lovely oasis for a coffee or drink.

Travel for work

Almost all rooms feature a writing desk and free wi-fi for working remotely, along with several workspaces in the lobby living room.

Spa, gym and pool

Unfortunately, the property, which is housed in a Mediterranean Revival historic building, does not offer spa, gym or pool facilities. A gym with a spa at Equinox and the pool at the iconic Annenberg Community Beach House are both close by, however.

Sustainability

Palisociety has eliminated all single-use plastics across its properties. The company also works with the Clean the World hospitality program which recycles and distributes soap and personal hygiene products from hotels around the world to children and families in need.

Accessibility

As an historic building, with several sets of stairs, the property has limited accessibility.

What you need to know

Need some air? Borrow the property's Linus bikes and ride along the beach path or play bocce ball in the hotel's front yard court.