The Beacon Hotel (Santa Monica)
Hotel Shangri-La is a full-service boutique hotel located at 1301 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California. It is an example of Streamline Moderne architecture and Art Deco design. The Hotel Shangri-La is family owned, and is currently run by Los Angeles businesswoman Tehmina Adaya, who took over in 2004. Her late father, distinguished business and real estate tycoon Ahmad Adaya purchased the hotel in the 1983. The hotel reopened in October 2008 following a $30 million renovation.
Design
The hotel is an example of Streamline Moderne architecture. Despite its extensive renovation, the hotel’s interior design maintains the original design of the Art Deco time period. All 71 rooms have views of the Pacific Ocean.
In May 2009, the Shangri-La was recognized in TIME as the 4th Greenest hotel in the world.[1] The hotel utilizes many energy saving features, such as a solar powered pool, Natura Green toiletries, low-flow dual flush toilets, and an onsite water filtration system.
Restaurant
The Dining Room at Hotel Shangri-La opened in June 2009 and is owned by Los Angeles restaurateur Marc Smith.
The style of cuisine can be described as “California French”. The Dining Room supports a “farm-to-table” philosophy, with all ingredients coming directly from the nearby Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.
Notable People and Events
Hotel Shangri-La has been host to many celebrity guests, including Cyndi Lauper, Diane Keaton, Bill Murray, Matthew Broderick, President Bill Clinton, Madonna, and Tom Cruise.[2]
The Shangri-La has been a backdrop for the filming of many TV shows, music videos, movies, and other film productions, including:
- Randy Newman's "I Love LA" music video (1984)
- "White Men Can’t Jump" with Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson (1992)
- "The Net" with Sandra Bullock (1995)
- The rockumentary "DiG!" (2004)
Most recently,[when?] Melrose Place and reality TV show The Bachelor have featured Hotel Shangri-La.
In August 2012 the hotel was convicted for discrimination against a Jewish group of 18 in 2010 by ending their pool party in July 2010 and ordered to pay damages and statutory penalties.[3]