Redondo Beach
Updated on Apr 25 2024 12:37pm
Santa Monica's celebrity hotspots offer a tantalizing blend of luxury, allure, and star-studded encounters amidst the backdrop of California's coastal charm. From the intimate and chic Oceana Beach Club Hotel, frequented by luminaries like Ashley Olsen and Brendan Fraser, to the historic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, boasting a roster of iconic guests such as Greta Garbo and Paul Newman, the city exudes an irresistible magnetism for the glitterati. Whether lounging by the pool at the Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel, rumored to host stars like Dustin Hoffman and Cindy Crawford, or dining at renowned eateries like Ivy at the Shore and Giorgio Baldi, where Rihanna and Taylor Swift make appearances, every corner of Santa Monica offers the promise of celebrity encounters. Even casual strolls along Montana Avenue or visits to the Santa Monica Farmers Market present opportunities to rub shoulders with the likes of Steven Spielberg and Owen Wilson, adding a touch of glamour to this vibrant coastal enclave.
Nestled along the picturesque Ocean Avenue in the heart of Santa Monica, the Oceana Beach Club Hotel offers an intimate and luxurious retreat for discerning travelers. Boasting 70 impeccably designed suites, the hotel exudes beach-chic decor with swaying palm trees, a courtyard featuring a freeform swimming pool, and a rooftop bar providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The suite-style accommodations feature plush beds with Egyptian cotton linens, Frette bathrobes, kitchenettes, and workstations. Exclusive to guests, the ocean-view dining room, Sandpiper, serves contemporary California cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Oceana Beach Club Hotel provides a haven for relaxation and wellness, offering stand-up paddleboarding, surfing lessons, in-suite spa treatments, personal training, meditation, and free group yoga sessions. Situated just a short walk from the beach, upscale boutiques on Montana Avenue, the Santa Monica Pier, and the vibrant 3rd Street Promenade, Oceana Beach Club Hotel is not only a luxurious stay but a gateway to the best of Santa Monica's attractions. Rumored celebrity sightings include Ashley Olsen, Ewan MacGregor, Brendan Fraser, and Gwen Stefani, adding an allure of stardom to this beachside haven.
Perched atop the scenic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica offers a retreat of unparalleled luxury. Spread across five expansive acres, the 297-room hotel features a mix of modern and historic structures, including the gleaming white Ocean Tower with top-floor suites boasting furnished balconies and breathtaking seaside views. The Palisades wing, built in 1924, adds a touch of historic charm, while the 31 residential-style Bungalows nestled in the Miramar Gardens provide a secluded oasis. With a rich Hollywood history dating back to the 1920s, the hotel has welcomed iconic figures like John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo, and Paul Newman. Its cinematic allure extends to numerous film and TV productions, serving as a backdrop for shows like Entourage and events in movies such as Fracture and That Touch of Mink. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows remains a favorite among celebrities, with rumored sightings including JFK, Greta Garbo, Anthony Hopkins, Paul Newman, and Steven Spielberg, adding to its storied legacy as a haven for the stars.
The Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel, perched at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Pico Boulevard, stands as a haven of British colonial elegance with a touch of Hamptons charm. Rumored to be frequented by stars like Dustin Hoffman, Sting, Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford, and Leonardo DiCaprio, the hotel offers a tranquil escape with lush, secluded grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the décor seamlessly blends Hollywood Regency with Colonial Britain, featuring mirror-paneled walls, chic mini-chandeliers, and retro furnishings. The 162 guest bedrooms, including the opulent Empire and Monarch Suites, boast ocean views and luxurious amenities. The 1920s-style pool scene, adorned with black-and-white cabanas, sets the stage for daytime lounging and nighttime dining. Paddleboarding, surfing, and complimentary bicycles cater to outdoor enthusiasts, while the 24-hour fitness center and spa treatments ensure relaxation. Chef Tony DiSalvo's Cast Restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine sourced from Santa Monica's farmer's market, providing a globally inspired dining experience. With its celebrity sightings, chic atmosphere, and pet-friendly amenities, the Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel remains an icon of luxury and leisure on the California coast.
In the vibrant landscape of Santa Monica, Hotel Shangri-La stands as a beacon of style and sophistication, offering 71 chic rooms with an allure that consistently attracts celebrities seeking an exclusive coastal retreat. The hotel's secluded pool and inviting poolside lounge, featuring weekend DJ shows, add to its A-list charm. Suite 700, the rooftop bar, elevates the star-studded experience. Over the years, luminaries such as Madonna, Tom Cruise, and Diane Keaton have reportedly graced this iconic 1939 property. Memorable events include a Fourth of July party hosted by Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg in 2009. Hotel staff have shared tales of renowned figures like Sean Penn, Bill Clinton, and Bill Murray indulging in the lavish hospitality of this glamorous haven. With its captivating ocean and beach views, Hotel Shangri-La remains an esteemed destination for celebrities seeking respite in the allure of Santa Monica.
The Huntley Hotel, perched near the iconic Santa Monica Beach, has become a magnet for celebrity sightings, drawing luminaries such as Ben Affleck, Larry David, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the dynamic duo Luke and Owen Wilson. Renowned figures like Barbara Streisand and Patrick Dempsey have also reportedly graced this chic coastal retreat. The hotel's Penthouse restaurant and bar, boasting 360-degree ocean views, cabanas, and billowing white curtains, serve as a magnetic hub for stars seeking a sophisticated and scenic dining experience. The Huntley Hotel meticulously keeps track of its esteemed guests, a roster that reads like a who's who in Hollywood, making it a perennial favorite among the A-list crowd.
On the picturesque patio of Ivy at the Shore, you'll likely find yourself in the company of numerous celebrities, as it's a favored dining spot for the famous and infamous alike. Icons such as Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Dustin Hoffman, and Robert De Niro have all graced its tables. The allure of encountering Hollywood A-listers extends beyond Ivy at the Shore to renowned establishments like Spago on N. Canon, Koi on La Cienega, and Mr. Chow on N., making the chance of a star-studded encounter quite high. Ivy at the Shore, a seaside offshoot of chef-owner Richard Irving and Lynn Von Kersting, sits near the Santa Monica Pier and boasts a delightful ambiance with a pastel pink and olive green color scheme. The patio overlooks a cliff-top park, offering a charming setting for enjoying mesquite grilled seafood, delectable crab cakes, and a mouthwatering Maine lobster Cobb salad. Its universal appeal as a comfortable dining spot has attracted a diverse clientele, including none other than President Bill Clinton, transcending celebrity status.
Giorgio Baldi, a high-end Italian restaurant, has become a discreet haven for celebrity sightings, counting stars like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and the power couple Victoria and David Beckham among its regular patrons. Despite its unassuming appearance, the restaurant transforms into a hotspot by 8 pm, drawing in a crowd of nearby hilltop denizens, including aging celebrities and individuals with intriguing tales. The intimate setting, reminiscent of a longstanding hometown eatery, takes on a lively atmosphere, where Martha Stewart discusses animal urns, and patrons may encounter people living in airstreams who also happen to own movie studios. As the valium-infused circus unfolds, it's easy to forget that Giorgio Baldi is primarily a place for excellent Italian cuisine, but the unforgettable encounters and good food make it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of both culinary excellence and Hollywood allure.
Montana Avenue, with its array of over 150 boutiques, restaurants, yoga studios, and retailers, offers a laid-back yet upscale alternative to the glamour of Rodeo Drive. Despite the exclusive nature of many of the boutiques, celebrities find this street appealing, leading to frequent A-list sightings. Notable personalities like Steven Spielberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lea Michele have been spotted casually strolling along this fashionable avenue, adding a touch of star-studded allure to the chic and relaxed atmosphere that Montana Avenue provides for both locals and celebrity shoppers alike.
The Santa Monica Farmers Market offers a vibrant tapestry of California's finest produce and culinary delights, drawing not only food enthusiasts but also a sprinkling of Hollywood's glitterati. Amidst the bustling stalls brimming with fresh meats, cheeses, and flowers, celebrities like Tori Spelling, Owen Wilson, and esteemed chefs are often spotted indulging in the market's offerings. Beyond the allure of farm-fresh goods, families revel in the lively atmosphere with kid-friendly activities like face-painting and pony rides. With four weekly markets scattered across Downtown, Main Street, and Pico neighborhoods, the Santa Monica Farmers Market not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a captivating setting for chance encounters with stars like Elliot Gould, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Lisa Marie Presley, Phil Collins, George Hamilton, Belinda Carlisle, and Beverly D'Angelo, making it a quintessential Southern California experience.
Hot 8 Yoga stands out as the epitome of hot yoga studios, often referred to as the 'Rolls Royce' in this realm. Its state-of-the-art facilities and warm temperature-controlled rooms have attracted an impressive roster of celebrity clients, with regular sightings of stars like Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston, and Pink. With over 100 classes offered per week, the studio provides a range of opportunities to heal, detoxify, and invigorate the mind through various yoga practices. To complement the holistic experience, Hot 8 Yoga includes an in-house cafe serving rejuvenating tonics by Pressed Juicery, offering a complete wellness package for both yoga enthusiasts and celebrities seeking a balanced and revitalizing workout routine.