In Europe, the Renaissance was a time of great artistic reawakening. Today, a similar cultural wave is sweeping across the Californian coast led by a value-set underpinned by social change and a rediscovered appreciation for authentic luxury and local craftsmanship. In a microcosm, nowhere best captures this than The Georgian hotel.
The newly-opened, luxury boutique hotel that aches of Wes Anderson-cool and simply shines in the nostalgic glow of Los Angeles’ golden age of hospitality. The stunning waterfront Art Deco property in Santa Monica originally opened in 1933, and quickly became the go-to destination for the style-set seeking the new, the exciting and the distinctly different. That was until it fell into disrepair as the decades wore on (eventually being converted into a retirement home—albeit a very nice one).
But in a redemption script worthy of Anderson himself, the past three years has seen
a total refurbishment of The Georgian to revive ‘Santa Monica’s First Lady’ to her former glory—and beyond. Maintaining the striking features and presence of the original, and complementing them with thoughtful modern design and amenities throughout, it is abundantly clear that the reestablishment of The Georgian is a true labour of love by hoteliers Jon Blanchard and Nicolo Rusconi of BLVD Hospitality.
Enjoying its prime position on Ocean Avenue, the The Georgian’s standout turquoise façade whispers of the property’s timeless elegance and historic significance; the architecturally radiant design taking pride of place in this famously upmarket location.
Remarkably for a building of its size, the property manages to fit in a total of 84 rooms (56 classic rooms and 28 one-bedroom suites) each with views of the Pacific coastline.
True to BLVD Hospitality’s previous work (Soho House LA, Ace Hotel, The Hoxton), intimate consideration has been given to every detail. The Georgian’s immensely impressive interior (both in the rooms and in the communal spaces) takes its styling lead from a mesh of three main points of inspo: the colours of Art Deco-inspired Havana; the lush 1950s jet-set luxury aesthetic famously captured by photographer Slim Aarons; and the quirky attention to detail popularised by filmmaker Wes Anderson.
At the entrance, guests are welcomed by vibrant foliage designed and procured by a local nursery, while whimsical topiaries flank the building’s distinctive navy striped awning-covered Sunset Terrace. Crossing the threshold into The Georgian’s historic lobby, Havana Deco-inspired flooring sets the scene alongside high ceilings accented with custom-made Art Deco era chandeliers and the prominent horseshoe-shaped Sunset Bar.
“The hotel’s standout turquoise façade aches of Wes Anderson-cool”
– Matthew Baxter-Priest
Beyond the lobby and Wes Anderson-inspired reception, the hotel has a library, a ‘Writer’s Room’ and an arts space—Gallery 33—designed to showcases the work of local, internationally renowned, and up-and-coming artists through an evolving programme, which was officially opened by A-lister Sharon Stone.
The property hints of intrigue and allure throughout. It is architecturally dramatic, and for nearly 100 years it has tempted the cultured, the creative and the curious thorough its doors. A stay there starts with a sense that the re are many stories to be told, and ends with your contribution to its history.
The Georgian, Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California. thegeorgian.com