Le Méridien Delfina, Santa Monica

Location

Le Méridien Delfina is perched just four blocks above the shoreline looking out to the Pacific Ocean and back, over Santa Monica, to the San Gabriel mountains. Its nearby beach is perfect for all the usual swimming, surfing and sailing while guests can try their feet at that Californian eighties hangover – rollerblading. Otherwise, tennis and golf trips can be arranged while downtown LA and the famed Beverly Hills are just a short drive away.

Accommodation

Making the most of its ideal location, oversized guest rooms feature private balconies meaning cool ocean breezes accompany excellent mountain, ocean and city views. To reflect its seaside locale, tastefully decorated interiors are done up in crisp whites and subtle blue accents. Larger suites are appointed with marble bathrooms and four of which include whirlpool tubs on their terraces.

Dining

At Longitude Bar and Restaurant, the hotel’s main restaurant, diners are treated to a delicious range of refined continental cuisine. For a more relaxed atmosphere, SandBox serves craft beer, wine by the glass and cocktails; it also features a recreational area that invites laidback Santa Monica beach culture in with a shuffleboard, darts and a billiards table. The hotel’s dessert bar, Éclair, is a delicate nod to its European heritage with traditional Parisian sweets.

Facilities

Get out of the sun in the boutique canvas cabanas overlooking the outdoor heated pool or, if you think that a holiday is no excuse to give up on the exercise regime, there’s a 24-hour fitness centre equipped with a range of cardiovascular and weight equipment. For effervescent socialising, Le Méridien’s signature event, ‘Sparkling’, brings a spirited flair to daily proceedings with craft cocktails and glasses of something bubbly.