Hotel Casa del Mar facts for kids
| Hotel Casa del Mar | |
Quick facts for kids  |
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| Hotel facts and statistics | |
|---|---|
| Location | 1910 Ocean Way Santa Monica, CA |
| Opening date | May 1, 1926 |
| Architect | Charles F. Plummer |
| Management | ETC Hotels |
| Owner | Edward Thomas Collection of Hotels |
| No. of restaurants | 2 |
| No. of rooms | 129 |
The Hotel Casa del Mar is a beautiful and historic luxury hotel right on the beach in Santa Monica, California. It's owned and run by a company called Edward Thomas Collection of Hotels, also known as ETC Hotels. This amazing building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important part of history.
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Hotel History and Changes
The Hotel Casa del Mar has a long and interesting past! It was built by two brothers, E.A. "Jack" Harter and T.D. "Til" Harter, and cost about $2 million to create. It first opened its doors on May 1, 1926.
Early Days as a Beach Club
When it first opened, it wasn't a hotel. It was called Club Casa del Mar, a private beach club where people could relax by the ocean. The building was designed by an architect named Charles F. Plummer. He made it look like an old Italian palace, using a style called Renaissance Revival architecture. From 1926 to 1941, it was a very popular spot. Many famous people and socialites from Hollywood loved to visit this beach club.
Changes Over the Years
- 1941: The US Navy took over the building during World War II. They used it to house soldiers.
- 1960: After the war, the hotel closed down for a while.
- 1967: A man named Charles E. Dederich reopened the building. It became a place for a program called the Synanon Foundation.
- 1978: Later, Nathan Pritikin changed the building into the Pritikin Longevity Center. This was a place focused on health and nutrition. It stayed open until 1997.
Becoming a Luxury Hotel Again
In November 1997, the Edward Thomas Hospitality Corporation bought the building. This company also owns the Shutters on the Beach Hotel next door. They spent over $50 million to bring the building back to its original glory. Architects from HLW International and Thomson Design Associates worked hard to restore the inside and outside of the seven-story building. They wanted it to look like its original 1920s European style. The Hotel Casa del Mar officially reopened as a luxury hotel in October 1999.
Modern Updates and Art
In 2008, a designer named Darrell Schmitt updated all 129 guest rooms. He added new furniture, art, flat-screen TVs, and more. Los Angeles magazine said these changes made the hotel feel as grand as it did in the 1920s.
In 2014, another designer, Michael S. Smith, redesigned the hotel's lobby. He added cool striped sitting areas and artwork inspired by the ocean. During this two-month redesign, a large temporary art piece was put in the lobby. It was called Absinthe and The Elephants and was made by a street artist named Jules Muck. This art helped hide the central bar area while it was being renovated.
Hotel Design and Fun Features
The Hotel Casa del Mar has 129 rooms for guests. When you walk in, you'll see a beautiful curving double staircase. The lobby has a high ceiling, pretty mosaic tile floors, and glowing copper lights on top of tall wooden pillars.
Relaxation and Wellness
The hotel also has a spa where you can get massages and a fitness center to stay active. In June 2015, the hotel started a special program for guests called Automatic Integrative Relaxation Response. It helps people manage stress with yoga, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.
Event Spaces and Views
The Colonnade Ballroom is a large room with huge windows that look out at the ocean. It can host up to 270 guests for events. Both the lobby and the swimming pool also offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
Dining Options
The Hotel Casa del Mar has great places to eat!
Catch Restaurant and Wine Bar
One of the restaurants is called Catch Restaurant and Wine Bar. It serves delicious seafood and also has wonderful views of the ocean.
Terrazza Lounge
In 2014, Michael S. Smith also redesigned the hotel's new restaurant, Terrazza Lounge. Its menu and style are inspired by the beautiful Italian coast. It also has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the ocean, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
See also
In Spanish: Hotel Casa del Mar para niños
