On the American Riviera, the Hotel Californian—a member of the LVX collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s biggest group of independent hotels—immediately catches the attention of passers-by, with its Spanish Colonial architecture dating back to 1925.

In May 2018, the hotel started a new chapter of its history after an important makeover led by developer Michael Rosenfeld and interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who counts many celebrities among his clientele (including Tommy Hilfiger, Eva Mendes and Edward Norton).

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, in Southern California, the hotel, which is a few steps from shops, restaurants and the beach, comprises three buildings.

The first, Mason, has two structures with three floors and is home to the lobby, library, 58 rooms, five meeting rooms and a signature Mediterranean and American restaurant, Blackbird.

The second, State, is mostly dedicated to social events (with a capacity of 300 people) thanks to its 4,200 sq ft plaza lawn, 2,800 sq ft ballroom and 3,600 sq ft rooftop event space; it also hosts Goat Tree—a gourmet cafe and market—and the 1,700 sq ft presidential Alcazar suite.

The third building, Californiana, consists of 62 rooms situated on four floors, and a pool and Jacuzzi on the rooftop with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains; it is also home to a fitness centre and the serene Majorelle spa, a space adorned with beautiful chandeliers and whose name is an ode to the blue colour of traditional Moroccan tiles.

Blending glamour and nostalgia with a mix of references from different countries, this coastal refuge respects the past and is rooted in the present thanks to Bullard’s vision.

“The property’s design is Morrish-inspired with a modern twist,” he says, “I wanted to preserve the history of the Hotel Californian and pay tribute to Santa Barbara while also making it relatable to the Funk Zone crowd—young, hip and fresh. Guests will find Moroccan and Spanish Colonial influences throughout the property with indigenous tiles, terracotta and pops of colour.”

Visit thehotelcalifornian.com for bookings and to find more about the Hotel Californian.

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