Vilma visits Shutters on the Beach and some other hotspots in Los Angeles, California
Travelling for business – not the luxury hotel business, mind you – can be exhausting and sometimes a little bit lonely.
So when I was ‘stranded’ in Los Angeles for a few days at the end of the summer, I decided to treat myself to some good food, wine and pleasures of the beach on the famous Santa Monica sands.
Everyone I had met in Los Angeles had been raving about Shutters on the Beach and so that’s where I headed on my first afternoon off.
Shutters on the Beach is, well… right on the beach! After a day of surfing, sunbathing and swimming, with the sand still on your feet, you can walk straight into Coast, its relaxed beach front cafe and bar.
The place is casual, but beautiful – white painted wood walls, huge windows, blue and white cabana-striped cushions and banquettes. I settle at a table in front of the window with a glorious view of the Pacific Ocean and a palm tree or two.
The breeze is refreshing and a classic Niçoise salad with ahi tuna ($29) matches perfectly with the crispy glass of Gloria Ferrer Brut sparkling wine from Sonoma in Napa Valley ($12).
Visitors and critics have been praising Shutters as an embodiment of laid back Californian chic, elegance and cool. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of America’s beach resorts and cottages of the Southern California coast during the 1920s and 1930s.
It’s comprised of three separate buildings visually linked by slate-grey shingled siding, flower-covered trellises, balconies and cabana-striped awnings.
The artwork of such masters as David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein are in the hotel’s collection and a beautiful lobby called The Living Room is famous for its ocean views and two large fireplaces that heat the place up in cooler months. Cocktails and afternoon tea are served in this living room.
I enjoy Shutters so much, that the next evening I come back for dinner. This time I make myself comfortable at One Pico restaurant, which also comes with a view and a fireplace.
Mustard Marinated Black Cod served with Saffron Risotto, Sweet Peppers & Squid Ink Vinaigrette ($34) that I devour here is one of the best cod dishes I’ve ever had and a glass, and then another, of Gloria Ferrer Brut adds some sparkle to my evening.
Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach
A bar on the roof of Hotel Erwin, called High Rooftop Lounge, in nearby Venice beach is another fabulous place for a cocktail and nibbles. It’s perfect for people watching – you can observe the craziness of Venice from a safe distance and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time.
But if class and elegance is more your thing, don’t leave Santa Monica – The Ivy at the Shore restaurant, The Viceroy hotel or Shutters on the Beach’s sister hotel Casa del Mar offer views, luxury and delicious treats.
If you enjoyed this feature on Shutters on the Beach, read our guide Los Angeles hotels including Hotel Bel Air and Beverley Hills Hotel. You can sign up to the Journal here.
