Malibu Beach Inn

"A property with spacious, fireplace-equipped rooms that are suspended directly over the crashing waves of Carbon Beach." - Nicole Kliest

"Luxurious beachfront hotel for an extended vacation."

"Smell the ocean from the lobby at the Malibu Beach Inn. And, because check-in happens at the driveway, you'll have your keys in your hand before you've even stepped into the building. From the lobby continue to your bed and collapse onto super-soft sheets in Scandi-Japanese rooms, with the sounds of lapping waves sneaking in from the balcony. And while the third floor boasts the best views, you won't complain about any of the others as you dine on your private patio, watching the ocean shoot from pink to orange to black. Come here for laid-back luxury and easy beach access." - Krista Simmons, Celeste Moure

"Sleep suites at the Malibu Beach Inn come with smart beds and sleep masks fitted with biometric sensors."

"How did it strike you on arrival?You can smell the ocean and feel the breeze the second you walk inside the lobby—which is really more like a small entry leading into the bar and al fresco restaurant that overlooks the ocean. Check-in takes place in a stand-alone room across the half-circle driveway, so when you enter the main building, keys are already in hand and you can drop your bags and go straight to the beach. What’s the crowd like?A mix of families and couples in flip-flops, fedoras, and expensive army pants who look as though they have been outfitted by James Perse. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.All of the 47 rooms and suites are spare yet cozy and have balconies that cantilever over the ocean. A Scandi-meets-Japanese design scheme—sculptural oak chairs by Peter Arctander, wood-paneled walls with two abstract Rothko-esque works by Ron Piller above a nubby grey couch—plays best supporting role to Carbon Beach's multi-million dollar views. A fireplace provides more ambiance than heat. You can request a room on the third floor for the best views—but really they are all incredible. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Between the sound of the ocean and the actual bed—an extremely comfortable, dark grey linen platform with headboard, with super-soft sheets with olive green piping—it's nearly impossible to have a bad night's sleep. Leave the balcony door open an inch for a soothing ocean soundtrack. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The mini-bar had a standard, if well-curated set of snacks like Torres Chips, flavored Italian sodas, and a classic Snickers. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.To the uninitiated, the Toto toilet can feel a bit excessive at first, but then you'll never know how you lived without a heated seat and lid that opens, lights up in the night and all but says "Come hither." There was also a kit with an orange-flavored mind and body energy powder. Not to mention the high-quality Bamford products from the U.K., namely a geranium-lavender-peppermint soap that smelled so good I stole a bar. What's the food situation?Dine al fresco, whether that's on your private patio or on the restaurant's oceanfront terrace suspended over the sand. The menu highlights local produce from nearby One Gun Ranch. Breakfast service at the restaurant was a little slow, but the meal—soft scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, rustic toast alongside beach views—was worth the wait. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The valet driver. We kept our car parked there after checking out, and he loaded it up with the luggage, and then later, after we returned from the beach, my husband's soaking wet wetsuit. Anything stand out about other services and features?There's easy ocean access, and you're a short walk to Malibu Farms, a great place to get breakfast or lunch, as well as Nobu and the Soho House. You can get facials and body treatments from Cure Spa Malibu in the spa suite. What was most memorable about your stay?I'll never forget watching the sunset reflected off the ocean—from cotton-candy pink to fiery orange to pitch black when the sun fully disappeared. Bottom line: Why are we picking the Malibu Beach Inn?Again, the sunset. The room rate is worth it alone. That and the location right on the beach." - Brooke Porter Katz