Travel News

Your new best Pali

Santa Monica's impressive hotel choices are bolstered by the arrival of Avi Brosh's hip Palihouse.

Santa Monica makes sense to Australians. It's close to LAX, the beaches are not dissimilar to ours and it's one of the few places in Los Angeles where people walk rather than drive. Now the beachside locale's already impressive hotel choices are bolstered by the arrival of hotelier Avi Brosh's hip Palihouse group. The new Palihouse Santa Monica is now open and, like preceding Palihouses (there's one in West Hollywood and on Melrose Avenue), it embraces its roots, in this case the Spanish Colonial Revival-style former apartment block it calls home. The generous proportions of the 1927 building, officially classified a historic landmark by the City of Santa Monica, means that most of the 36 guest rooms are blessed with kitchens and walk-in robes. There's a sense of whimsy notable in the design, achieved with bespoke wallpapers and custom-designed furniture. If the lighthearted yet professional service makes you want to stay a little longer, rooms can be booked for three-month stays. Opening rates from $350 for a classic guest suite. Palihouse Santa Monica, 1001 Third St, Santa Monica, California.