Viceroy Santa Monica

Santa Monica, California

- John Brandon

In 1783, King George IV visited Brighton on the south coast of England under a physician’s advice to breathe salty ocean air. A similar prescription could lead you to the Viceroy Santa Monica with epic views of the famous shopping strip and amusement park – not to mention Pacific Ocean grey whale migrations. Every room is based on British Regency period décor with stout leather furniture – in parrot green and driftwood gray -- and ornate custom-made armoires. Noted LA designer Kelly Wearstler should be crowned for her regal accoutrements through the hotel, including an eye-catching 14-foot entryway sculpture and an elaborate fine china display. The on-site restaurant – named after the British game of Whist – serves a splendid crab croquette. Other hotels may offer an in-room spa, but the Viceroy can arrange a hair and beauty treatment by a celebrity stylist. For techno-geeks, there’s wireless access by the pool, lobby, and in every room. One meeting room even has a massive 6-foot LCD. But the real draw? Seeing George Clooney sip wine with his agent at a poolside cabana -- where mere mortals can watch one of the hotel’s vintage films on a widescreen display -- or chatting with, say, Kirsten Dunst at the trendy Cameo Bar. Egads! That’s worth every penny.