Hotel Shangri-La, hotel in Santa Monica, United States
Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica is a beachfront hotel built in the Streamline Moderne style with smooth curves, rounded corners, and shiny surfaces typical of the 1930s. The building features spacious rooms, some with small kitchens and large soaking tubs, plus a pool and hot tub with ocean views from upper floor balconies.
The hotel was approved in 1939 and opened in 1940, designed by architect William E. Foster to embody a new way of living with thoughtful ventilation instead of air conditioning. During World War II, it served the US Army Air Forces as a recovery facility for injured soldiers.
The name Shangri-La refers to a mythical paradise, reflecting how the hotel's developers positioned it as a seaside escape. Visitors today notice the bright pink towels around the pool and cheerful colors that give the place a playful, optimistic character reflecting leisure ideals of its era.
The hotel provides on-site parking and sits within walking distance of public transportation, beaches, and local shops. Many visitors prefer exploring the coast on foot or by bike, and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a small breakfast area.
The hotel features a small museum corner with old photographs and memorabilia showing its connection to Santa Monica's growth. It was renovated in 2008 but retained its Art Deco look with shiny surfaces and symmetrical lines, balancing modern comfort with historical character.
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