The Huntley Hotel

"The reincarnation of a 1960’s hotel that was thoroughly “square” in both form and function, The Huntley is one of those rare L.A. hot spots that provides both eye candy and genuine savoir faire. The aloof attitudes that taint so many trendy Angelino abodes has been swept aside in favor of doormen who actually smile (without prompting) and waiters who aren’t afraid to engage in a bit of friendly banter. The interior design, edgy but never over the top, draws inspiration from both sides of the Pacific. The arty lobby – with its fan coral motifs, stingray-hide front desk and “piranha wall” – pays full homage to nearby Santa Monica Bay and its famous pleasure pier. While the outdoor seating area with its roaring fireplace beside the porte-cochere offers an urbane take on the beachside bonfire. Upstairs the feel is more Asian, the glazed green “pagoda” lamps and darkwood furniture of the guest rooms reminiscent of late 1940s Japanese deco. As befits the self-proclaimed capital of the entertainment world, even the most humble rooms are equipped with 42-inch plasma screen TVs, DVD players, laptop friendly safes, high-speed wireless internet access and Sony “Dream Machines” on the bedside table. The penthouse restaurant and cantina have also undergone thorough makeover, re-launched as Toppers with a menu that combines “nuevo latino” wonders like stuffed poblano chile and shrimp fajitas with classic east-west dishes such as grilled teriyaki salmon, macadamia nut halibut and coconut shrimp in a mango salsa. The view from every table defines “drop dead gorgeous” – a 360-degree panorama of nearly everything that locals hold sacred – the Malibu coast, Venice beach and far-off Hollywood. Atypical for a Southern California hotel, The Huntley lacks a swimming pool. But Santa Monica strand is just a block away and the concierge desk well stocked with towels."