"How did it strike you on arrival?A 1950s motel was transformed into this light-filled, design-forward hotel owned by a California-born architect Matthew Goodwin, his Australian wife Emma Crowther-Goodwin, and their entrepreneur friend Alessandro Zampedri. The lobby and cozy upstairs library are designed to look like the living room of a California beach house. You’re immediately at ease, and feel like you’re staying in someone’s house. Their motto, fittingly, is “Make yourself at home,” and that feeling really comes across—it's a barefoot luxury kind of place. What’s the crowd like?Cool, stylish creative types who want a low-key stay near the beach. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.The whole hotel is done in natural materials, including limestone, teak, and white oak, with custom designed pieces from locals. It’s both super simple and super chic. Of the 20 rooms, we are huge fans of the Surfrider Suite, with its California King four-poster bed, spa rain shower, ensuite kitchenette with locally made ceramics, outdoor terrace with loungers, a hammock, and outdoor dining area facing the sunset. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?All rooms have Bellino linens. Beds are custom, ranging from the aforementioned four-poster California King to teak queens. How about little things or extra perks? Any of that worth a mention?Custom surfboards made by local shapers are available for guests to borrow, done up in pastel vintage shades of yellow and pale blue. Beach towels, chairs and umbrellas are provided, and if you want to make a day of your time on the sand, the hotel can set you up with a picnic basket ($75-$125) full of treats. During Malibu Hour, guests are invited up to the rooftop to enjoy a complimentary mocktail hour from 4-5 p.m. with seasonal, signature sips. Suites come with Grown Alchemist amenities, Bose speakers, Parachute robes and a mini bar stocked with local California treats. Room service: Worth it?There’s no reason to eat in your room when there’s a roof deck that’s only open to hotel guests. There’s a proper bar with stools and multiple seating areas commanding amazing beach and sunset views—including comfy linen-covered couches facing a firepit. On a recent visit, the all-day menu of local and organic dishes included an Earth Bowl (hummus, quinoa, shaved Brussels sprouts, pickled cranberries, roasted squash, avocado, toasted pumpkin seeds, shaved manchego) to convert even the biggest carnivore. Tacos—seared tuna and pulled pork—were also fantastic, particularly thanks to freshly made tortillas. Staff: Are they helpful? Easy to talk to?The owners are often around and willing to chat, and you should ask the staff—most born and raised in Malibu—for advice about the area. You really do feel like guests in one big family home. What was most memorable about your stay?The warmth of the team, the fresh, clean, light design, and the location across from the beach makes California memories you'll hold on to." - Brooke Porter Katz
