Located at the foot of the iconic Santa Monica Pier, this 7-story hotel features views of the Pacific Ocean and the pier’s boardwalk and amusements. However, the guests’ first impressions of the hotel upon arrival left something to be desired. The views from the lobby were chiefly of the adjacent freeway. The lobby itself was outdated and small for a hotel of its stature. Low ceiling heights made for a dark and cramped space.

We removed the drop celling, and exposed the concrete structure and HVAC systems for greater head height. Key features were accented by wood ceiling treatments, invoking the wave forms of the nearby ocean. We created a feature wall of translucent panels behind the registration desk which maintains light levels while also obscuring the views of the freeway. The result is a stylish and contemporary hotel lobby befitting this high profile property.