Walking down the stretch of powdery sand and feeling the golden, Californian sun—it’s hard to remember that this scenic beauty is only about 30 miles west of electric Downtown Los Angeles. The crashing waves serve as a serene escape, if only momentarily, and offer an opportunity to reconnect with simpler surroundings.
About
Malibu Beach Inn captures and preserves the iconic essence of its surroundings with an added flair of luxury. The inn was a labor of love by hospitality veteran and general manager Gregory Day, and the proof is definitely noticeable in the details. In his short five years with the property, he has transformed what was once a roadside hotel on PCH into an opulent getaway, voted by Conde Nast Traveler in 2020 as the No. 1 hotel in Southern California, among other accolades.
Hotel Overview
With the world evolving rapidly, Malibu Beach Inn has shown that its innovative accommodations are far beyond just the typical vacation, but also optimal for a workcation. Now, some have the unique opportunity of working from anywhere, and there simply is not a better location.
From the outside, the vintage-chic appearance gives a warm boutique feel. The interior’s high-end renovations include a lobby that invites a year-round summertime escape to stay, work, indulge, and explore. This coastally inspired downstairs shared space is ideal for work or just hanging out in the soothing ambiance met by refined design. Eclectic art sourced from local artists fills the walls above vast, comfortable seating, adept to socially spacing. Not to mention the natural lighting from the floor-to-ceiling windows, a bonus for Zoom meetings.
The lobby’s low traffic can be credited to the strategically placed separate check-in area, which is a cabana outside. Here, you are welcomed by friendly smiles from the staff as they assist with hotel details and insider tips, like directions to little-known restaurants. The cordial staff are certainly an added gem to the experience. As time passes during your stay, you’ll notice the same staff on rotation, and perhaps can’t help but think that being recognized and addressed by name is a type of comforting and unique personalization.
COVID Protocols = Innovative Partnership
Masks are still required during this COVID-19 era, but the inn has prepared all protocols to ensure the utmost satisfaction and ease. An impressive step toward this is the inn’s partnership with Bellino Fine Linens to create custom face masks—half are utilized by staff and the rest were donated to local Malibu charity, Boys & Girls Club.
Room Touches
This seaside inn makes it easy to cocoon in comfort. Each of the 47 rooms offered at Malibu Beach Inn faces the ocean like an oasis for self-care surrounded by community. Inside are carefully thought-out amenities and personalized touches that complete the home-away-from-home feel. Sink into the couch, open your laptop, and knock out emails alongside the soothing sounds of the Pacific in the spacious living area that acts as the perfect, secluded, remote office. In fact, the inn’s YouWork program was conveniently crafted with just that in mind. This package comes with everything you need in a traditional office, yet better, complete with high-speed Wi-Fi, lunch from the resident restaurant, a sit-down and stand-up desk, bottled waters, Nespresso, and more.
Malibu Beach Inn room 317 in Malibu, CA. Photographed by Lisa Romerein
In-room digital entertainment is abundant, with music, games, Spotify playlists, and two flat-screen TVs in the living area and the bedroom, as if you would even feel the need to use them with everything that surrounds this location. However, the quaint fireplace alone is almost enough to encourage a cozy night of downtime with one of the provided shelved books and items from the mini bar that is well stocked with an impressive selection of the most popular brands, such as Dom Pérignon. Stepping outside on the extended balcony you are greeted by not only jaw-dropping panoramic views of the powerful ocean and mountain line, but also an overhead view of lively local treasures and hot spots—this is Malibu after all.
Location
The accessibility is really what makes the Malibu Beach Inn’s location key. Everything is within short walking distance, so even if you bring a car, you’ll probably rarely use it. Directly below is the private Carbon Beach with guest-only access, adjacent to Malibu Pier, where the seaside atmosphere is always festive. Watch surfers from around the world shred the famous waves below at Surfrider Beach, and if you’re feeling adventurous, even participate in the fun from any of the rental kiosks. Nearby restaurants offer classic seafood dishes complementing the beautiful coastal location and rich history, with a variety to choose from.
Just an easy 10-minute walk away you’ll find the members-only Soho House’s Little Beach House Malibu and Nobu Restaurant. These esteemed spots are superb settings for arranging advantageous meetings for business or with friends. Collectively they are distinguished dining options, with a relaxed atmosphere and impeccable seating options from bar to inside nook to terrace or lounge space, so it’s easy to tailor the experience for exactly the type of meeting you need—and most spaces have an ocean view.
Carbon Beach Club
Easily reachable inside the hotel is the highly rated Carbon Beach Club Restaurant, where dinner can be had alongside a killer sunset. The exceptional menu is specially curated from only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Inspiration from the Pacific and Mediterranean coasts is infused into each dish, creating an array of both seafood and land options. The hand-picked selection of award-winning wines can be expertly paired with each dish, setting the stage for a culinary masterpiece. Not ready to leave your room? No problem. Private Dining Suites are now available, creating the ultimate, socially distanced culinary experience for travelers looking to celebrate special occasions or escape home.
After a revitalizing yet somehow incredibly productive stay, all great things must come to an end. Checking out is always a bittersweet feeling, heading home from what now feels like another home. The car ride home offers one last scenic glimpse of winding white caps and mountain bases. Fortunately, the online beach webcam is a sweet reminder of top-tier hospitality and an unforgettable memory.
