[Images: Courtesy of Hotel Californian]One of Santa Barbara’s most anticipated luxury properties, the Hotel Californian, has announced a summer 2017 opening. Nearing completion in the heart of the city, the Hotel Californian is located adjacent to the city’s vibrant Funk Zone and steps from the Pacific Ocean and the Union Station. The bespoke coastal retreat combines quintessential California Spanish Colonial architecture and interior designs from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
Meticulously crafted by developer Michael Rosenfeld on the site of the original 1925 Hotel Californian, the “new” 121-room Hotel Californian at the intersection of State and Mason Streets features paseos, gardens, fountains, open plazas and unparalleled venues, including a rooftop pool and event deck, ballroom and a variety of meeting and event spaces, together with a Turkish-inspired spa and salon, fitness center, fashion boutique, and a myriad of distinctive dining options. The Hotel Californian will redefine the Santa Barbara waterfront. Surrounded by tasting rooms from some of the area’s top wineries, together with eclectic restaurants and boutiques and the newly opened MOXI (The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation).
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Named one of 2017’s world’s top 100 interior designers by Architectural Digest, Bullard’s portfolio includes work for Hollywood celebrities and creatives ranging from Tommy Hilfiger, Eva Mendes and Edward Norton to Cher.
“The property’s design is Moorish-inspired with a modern twist,” said Bullard. “I wanted to preserve the history of Hotel Californian and pay tribute to Santa Barbara while also making it relatable to the Funk Zone crowd – young, hip and fresh. Guests will find Moroccan and Spanish Colonial influences throughout the property with indigenous tiles, terra cotta and pops of color.”
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- The Californian building. Preserving the facade of the original 1925 Hotel Californian, the Californian building is a four-story structure including 62 guest rooms beneath a unique 1,300 square foot rooftop pool and event deck which will provide guests unparalleled panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountains. The Californian also include the resort’s Turkish-inspired spa and a state of the art fitness center, surrounding a ground-level relaxation courtyard.
- The Mason building. Guest will arrive at the Mason building’s elegant Porte cochere. Comprised of two three-story structures, the Mason building includes the hotel’s lobby and library, together with 58 guestrooms and five meeting and executive board rooms. The Mason building is also home to the property’s signature restaurant, showcasing Mediterranean and contemporary American cuisine from Chef Alexander La Motte. Curated by the Maris Collective, The Entrada Boutique, will feature luxury fashion, swimwear and jewelry and accessories.
- The State building features a unique and flexible event and social catering venue. The 4,200-square-foot plaza lawn, together with the 3,000-square-foot ballroom and a 3,500-square-foot rooftop event deck will provide an exquisite venue for weddings and group events for up to 300. The State building includes a street-level gourmet café and market offering craft coffee, fresh pastries, salads, sandwiches and personalized picnic baskets for beach and wine country outings. The State building is also home to the hotel’s signature 1,700-square-foot presidential suite.
