Photography Provided By: Roger Davies8 Small but Sumptuous Staycation Spots in SoCal That’ll Have You Swooning Locale Magazine Editors January 9, 2021 Spread the loveAdd These to Your Staycation Bucket List Written By: Kaylin Waizinger Southern California Boutique Hotels This story is from the pages of a previous LOCALE print magazine. As state and county regulations are in a constant state of flux due to Covid-19, some of the businesses mentioned may be temporarily closed. Please visit their individual websites to ensure they are currently open, and please follow all safety procedures in place. Travelers often fall back on well-worn choices when it comes to where they stay. Chain hotels and their redundant designs feel familiar, but the uniqueness and attention to detail at a boutique hotel may leave you pleasantly surprised. We’ve compiled a list of eight unrivaled staycation spots in Southern California that capture the very essence of local charm. 1 | Isn’t It Swell Southern California Boutique Hotels The Surfbreak Hotel Vibe: Coastal, relaxed This charming hotel in the heart of San Clemente offers staycationers a laid-back, beachy escape. Ocean-esque accents and airy rooms capture the essence of the small “Village by the Sea.” Enjoy a cocktail on your private balcony, then take a stroll down Avenida Del Mar for a taste of local cuisine. The Surfbreak Hotel 1819 S El Camino Real San Clemente, CA 92672 949.492.1960 2 | Soulful Stay Southern California Boutique Hotels Hotel Joaquin Photography Provided By: Roger Davies Photography Provided By: Roger Davies Photography Provided By: Roger Davies Photography Provided By: Roger Davies Photography Provided By: Roger Davies Photography Provided By: Roger Davies Vibe: Chic, bohemian Nestled above Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach, this petite resort combines craftsman design and coastal, vintage decor for the perfect breezy escape. White walls, wood accents, lush greenery and vinyl record players give this upcycled beach motel a midcentury attitude that you’ll never want to bid farewell. Hotel Joaquin 985 N Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.494.5294 3 | Total Gem Southern California Boutique Hotels The Pearl Hotel Photography Provided By: Josh Cho Photography Photography Provided By: Josh Cho Photography Photography Provided By: Josh Cho Photography Vibe: Midcentury, hip Built in 1959 by local architect Robert Platt, The Pearl Hotel harkens back to an era of posh, Hollywood glamour. The property’s 23 rooms are outfitted with wood and linen textiles in pastel hues, giving the interior an old-school Cali feel. Take a dip in the iconic oyster-shaped pool and explore the urban delights of nearby Little Italy! The Pearl Hotel 1410 Rosecrans St San Diego, CA 92106 619.226.6100 4 | Colonial Charm Southern California Boutique Hotels The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows Photography Provided By: JMW Photography Vibe: 50’s glam, retro This historic, whimsical hotel oozes old-school charm and once served as a 1940s hideaway for the Hollywood glitterati. Red brick walls and colonial-style pillars define a grand entrance to the lobby, and just one day spent at the famed, Olympic-sized Weissmuller Pool will have you feeling like a star. The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows 2223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92104 619.296.2101 5 | Easy, Breezy The Surfrider Hotel, Malibu Photography Provided By: MK Sadler Photography Provided By: MK Sadler Photography Provided By: MK Sadler Photography Provided By: MK Sadler Photography Provided By: Nicole Franzen Vibe: Stylish, minimalistic Make yourself at home at this reimagined 1950s motel stationed across the street from the world-famous Surfrider Beach. The airy, light-filled interior is made of natural materials—including limestone and teak—and is filled with local art, making this Malibu spot a must-stay. The Surfrider Malibu 23033 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90265 310.526.6158 6 | Ritzy & Refined Santa Monica Proper Photography Provided By: Manolo Photography Provided By: Manolo Photography Provided By: Manolo Photography Provided By: Bronwyn Knight Vibe: Elegant, sophisticated Situated on sun-drenched Wilshire Blvd, this waterfront resort warmly welcomes guests with sandy, neutral tones and textures of the local coastline. Soak up the sun on the rooftop pool deck, enjoy cocktails at a variety of outdoor eateries and lounges or experience Eastern-inspired wellness at the hotel’s Surya Spa. Santa Monica Proper 700 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.620.9990 7 | Desert Delight Sands Hotel & Spa Vibe: Vibrant, tropical Royal palms, ceramic tiles and Moroccan-inspired interiors make this Indian Wells retreat oh-so-Insta-worthy. Whether you’re dining at The Pink Cabana, a ‘50s-style Mediterranean restaurant, or you’re enjoying views of the mountains from your balcony, there is so much to revel in at this chic bohemian resort. Sands Hotel & Spa 44985 Province Way Indian Wells, CA 92210 760.321.3771 8 | Neighborhood Nook ARRIVE Photography By: Nathan Cox Photography Provided By: Greater Palm Springs CVB, Chris Miller Photography By: Nathan Cox Photography By: Nathan Cox Vibe: Modern, youthful Hip and millennial-friendly, ARRIVE Palm Springs presents a comfortable stay stripped of stodgy hotel formalities. Everything (including check-in) can be done via text message! Visit the Cartel Coffee Lab for a bold cup of coffee or snag a scoop at their onsite ice cream parlor! ARRIVE 1551 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.507.1650