Newly opened hotels and transformed coastal fixtures are beckoning
Words by DAVID NASH
PALM SPRINGS
Thompson Palm Springs
Live like a snowbird — even if only for a long weekend — at the newly opened THOMPSON PALM SPRINGS, a modern two-and-a-half-block oasis along Palm Canyon Drive downtown. The 168 bungalow-inspired guest rooms, including 18 suites, feature private balconies with sweeping views of the skyline and San Jacinto Mountains. Soft natural hues, pops of green, and woodlike textures bring the awe-inspiring landscape inside as envisioned by SMS Architecture in Irvine and B2 Design of Dallas. The lobby’s open-air design beckons guests with lush pathways and one-of-a-kind artworks marking the way to their accommodations, each of which is outfitted with amenities like Italian-woven SFERRA linens, flat-screen TVs, curated minibars, and D.S. & DURGA bath products. The second floor of the hotel is home to Lola Rose Grand Mezze, a Levantine-inspired restaurant that celebrates sophisticated Mediterranean style with an all-day dining experience led by executive chef Quentin Garcia. Coming soon are the HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge, a cozy cocktail spot called Bar Issi, and another 42 guest accommodations. From $550. 414 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-778-1234; hyatt.com/thompson-hotels.
Pops of green and woodlike textures bring the awe-inspired landscape inside.
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LONG BEACH
Fairmont Breakers
Owing to a firm belief in reincarnation, the FAIRMONT BREAKERS LONG BEACH continues to reinvent itself. Conceived by Long Beach capitalist Fred B. Dunn as one of Southern California’s preeminent luxury hotels — and designed by renowned L.A. architecture firm Walker & Eisen — the hotel opened in 1926 to rave reviews, but it has changed ownership, purpose, and name more than a dozen times. The picturesque coastal property has finally reclaimed its original glory and is welcoming guests with accommodations and amenities not seen on that stretch of East Ocean Avenue since Rita Hayworth and Clark Gable frequented its Sky Room restaurant with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The design collaboration between HBA and L.A.-based RVD Associates showcases the property’s meticulously restored 1920s architectural features and sumptuous contemporary interiors. All 185 guest rooms, including 22 spacious suites, exude coastal elegance with a palette anchored by deep blue tones and pops of gold echoing the sun’s reflection on the ocean. Several on-site food and entertainment concepts — like Italian coastal-themed Nettuno, upscale jazz bar Alter Ego, and the city’s only rooftop bar, Halo — are poised to become popular SoCal destinations. From $349. 210 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 562-317-1000; fairmont-breakers.com.
The picturesque coastal property has finally reclaimed its original glory.
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laguna beach
Le Petit Pali
What began as a run-of-the-mill Travelodge in 1967 — later known as the Laguna Beach Lodge — has been transformed into LE PETIT PALI LAGUNA BEACH, the newest property in Avi Brosh’s Palisociety portfolio, which opens in April. Situated at the southern end of the town’s sinewy and fabled Coast Highway, the oceanside fixture has been reinvented as a two-story 41-room hotel by Brosh’s design team. The charming European-inspired interiors of its public spaces and accommodations include layered textures and patterns, a weathered coastal palette of soft blues and grays, reclaimed wood flooring, and a mix of curated art and decor. The property is steps from Goff Cove and Treasure Island Beach, two of the area’s most iconic beachfront destinations. Guests may also opt to take advantage of the centrally located pool surrounded by palm trees. Ranging from 230 square feet for a Le Petit King to 600 square feet for the LPP Suite, every guest room includes Diptyque bath amenities, Bellino linens, Marshall speakers, a 50-inch flatscreen TV, a mini Smeg refrigerator, a Grind espresso machine, and a well-stocked minibar. Guests receive a complimentary Champagne continental breakfast with locally made pastries and other seasonal offerings. From $320. 30806 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; lepetitpali.com.
The oceanside fixture has been reinvented as a two-story hotel.
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coronado
Hotel del Coronado
What began in 2018 as a $550 million multiphase renovation of the iconic HOTEL DEL CORONADO reaches its completion this spring with the revitalization of the original structure established in 1888. Known as The Victorian — one of the resort’s five “neighborhoods” — the historically landmarked structure includes 404 reimagined Victorian guest rooms, a stunningly visual garden courtyard, and event spaces like the Crown Room. Led by Wimberly Interiors, in collaboration with WATG’s California architecture studio, the final phase of the redesign celebrates the property’s legacy and highlights its Queen Anne architecture. But it also enhances the guest experience with contemporary updates to bathrooms, furnishings, and artwork, along with the addition of state-of-the-art technologies. The Del’s catalog of accommodations across its other neighborhoods — The Views, The Cabanas, Beach Village, and Shore House — includes another 467 rooms, suites, villas, and cottages that have also been thoughtfully revived (or newly conceived), along with many amenities and dining venues. And, after much anticipation, Nobu also opens at the San Diego resort as the newest culinary hot spot. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619-435-6611; hoteldel.com.
After much anticipation, Nobu also opens at the San Diego resort as the newest culinary hot spot.
Feature image: The THOMPSON PALM SPRINGS is a year-round splash pad.
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of C Magazine.
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