if you’ve not used it before, is an awesome mobile app for booking a range of beautiful hotels at discounted rates, efficiently and quickly for those last minute getaways. it’s been my main source for booking last-minute hotels for years and now they even offer extended booking windows so you can plan a little in advance. and, i’m also happy to pass along a reader discount to you — $25 off your first booking of $135 or more — just use referral code VISMITH2. as a partner of they recently asked if i might like to share one of my favorite hotels when it comes to great design and inspiring aesthetics, so i took a trip to one of my favorite local getaways — , just about a quick hour and a half road trip from los angeles.
using the app i booked within a week of heading south. it’s one of those hidden gems i almost hate to share, but for you guys, i’ll make an exception. I come here to soak in the very peaceful Spanish Colonial atmosphere and inspiring aesthetics of its historic architecture. The hotel was designed in the early 1900’s by California architect Frank Miller as a gift for his wife, Marion, and was once an artist’s colony, but in 2016 it was reimagined as a luxury boutique hotel. The updated and very stylish bungalows each have their own unique charm and an almost Moroccan flavor with beautiful blue tile work, copper ceiling fixtures, vintage-inspired photography prints and the softest bedding I’ve ever slept in. I actually had to hunt down the maker of their sheets after my first visit here so I could have them at home!
i also had my own private terrace with a stunning sunset view, and the beautiful tiles throughout the property are a huge inspiration to me for my eventual backyard patio makeover. i’d love to emulate the look of terra cotta with small inset glazed tiles you see just above in their outdoor dining space — where also offers up a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning that’s delicious. you can enjoy your breakfast on the pretty terrace, or in their cozy dining nook and common area, complete with fireplace on those chilly foggy mornings before the sun pops out.
heated pool is sublime and during the week, it was almost mine alone. The grounds are landscaped beautifully with gentle swaying palms and potted pink geranium with a scenic view of the ocean. There’s also a wonderful beach just across pacific coast highway, so if you crave a swim in the sea, visit aptly named Victoria beach (not my private beach mind you, but do i ever wish). come back for a refreshing splash in the pool and a sangria — you won’t be sorry. later, if you fancy a little shopping, dining or nightlife, hop on the little blue trolley that stops regularly in front of and visit downtown laguna beach, a sweet little beach town. don’t forget to use your reader discount code above and book your own weekend getaway! up tomorrow — a guide to some of my favorite shops in .
• photography by victoria smith for .
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