From humble beginnings as the quintessential SoCal beachside bungalow town, Manhattan Beach has gone upscale. Expensive homes, swanky restaurants, luxury retailers, and now, a boutique hotel. Though just three blocks from the beach, Shade is about interiors; these spaces, by the Discovery Home Channel’s Christopher Lowell, are designed to appeal more to this new generation of aspirational travelers than to the surfers and beach bums who once made up the bulk of Manhattan Beach’s population.

As you’d expect, then, they’re cosmopolitan, urbane, a touch minimal, and more than a touch luxurious — rooms are packed with creature comforts like goosedown duvets, flat-screen TVs (some rooms) and Lavazza espresso makers. Two-person spa tubs and private balconies are ideal for lounging, second-floor rooms come with fireplaces, and the lighting cycles through the color spectrum — call it chromatherapy, or just do-it-yourself decorating.

Shade’s owner, Michael Zislis, is a successful local restaurateur, so it’s no shock that there’s an emphasis on eating and drinking. The Zinc Lounge serves small plates and fine wines by the glass, and the Skydeck offers cocktails with a view, beside a small dipping pool. Spa services are available in-room or at the Trilogy spa next door — it’s enough to qualify as a genuine escape, in spite of the fact that you’re still in Los Angeles County, and just ten minutes from LAX airport.

How to get there: Shade hotel is a 10-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport. Parking is available for $15 USD per night.

Style: Modern Design

Atmosphere: Lively

38 Rooms - Rates start at US$ 204