Who doesn’t love hip hotels? Characterised by stunning interiors, swoon worthy service and a kind of magical atmosphere. I feel like I’ve stayed in enough hotels to comment on what rocks… sheesh this year alone there has been more hotel beds than weeks! So when Mr & Mrs Smith (who describe themselves as boutique and luxury hotel specialists) sent me their new book I was really excited! I adore reading up on new places to go.
On occasion I’ll be profiling an amazing hotel from their collection – somewhere I want to go, naturally. My criteria? Places that have an amazing interior, somewhere in an enthralling location or somewhere good to take a lover for a sneaky weekend. Because that’s where the Mr & Mrs Smith name comes from – it’s a “common pseudonym often used by couples checking into a hotel for a romantic (and sometimes clandestine) weekend away”.
Which brings us to my first pick, the Viceroy Hotel, Santa Monica. I’ve only visited Santa Monica once, for a day ,and my memories are of it are of the pier, spotting Keanu Reeves (!!!) and going to the McDonalds.
Suffice to say I want to go back and explore a bit more. I want romance, summer sun, golden sands, braided beach hair, rollerblading and to visit that famous vintage store. As a place to retreat to at the end of my days, I can’t think of anywhere better than the Viceroy.
It’s a gorgeous 142 room hotel, decorated by Kelly Wreastler in the Hollywood Regency style. Hollywood Regency is characterized by glamorous finishes, ornate details and saturated colours.
The Viceroy’s Essential Elements for a good time:
- The interior fit for any starlet – in fact Dita Von Teese wrote the review featured in the Global Shortlist. Hurrah, let’s snap some daily outfits in the lobby!
- The mustard coloured library! Drinkin’ and readin’ – my faves.
- Signature drinks include Strawberry Vice, Mojito Royal and Mandarine Gimlet.
- You can hire the poolside cabanas! Ooh la la. Invite a date to your cabana, or if you don’t have one yet – meet someone. Apparently the Viceroy has a sweet ‘scene’, where all the locals come hang at the hotel. How cool is that?
Giveaway! Smith Hotels has given Code For Something a copy of their lush new Global Shortlist book to give away. The Global Shortlist “takes you beyond the bedroom doors of the world’s most stylish boutique hotels, steering you toward the best places to wine, dine and unwind at destinations around the globe”. Simply leave a comment telling me the name of the coolest/most memorable hotel you’ve stayed at! I’ll randomly select a winner on July 21sr. Yay, good luck!
