The La Playa Hotel—a historic former artist retreat in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California—has reopening following a $15 million renovation by design studio Post Company.
La Playa’s redesign bridges generations of creative minds that challenged the status quo—like “King of Bohemia” George Sterling and poet Nora May French—resulting in a warm and eccentric aesthetic that’s deeply tied to the city’s past, while celebrating its present-day evolution.
The lobby and reception area feature dark ceilings, terracotta floors, and clean, bright walls adorned with lush plantings. Remnants of old-world craftsmanship come alive through restored wood box beams and corbels, and the hotel’s legacy is accentuated by a grand fireplace and sculptural staircase.
Each of the 75 guestrooms include contemporary and custom pieces, like tasseled cabinet pulls, solid cast brass doorknobs, and paintings by Virginia Grossman. Clean architectural elements and modern details, such as sconces and original plaster shell pendants, are juxtaposed by curvaceous furniture.
Named after one of Carmel’s most famous residents and the former owner of the hotel, Bud’s Bar has become an institution at La Playa Hotel. The newly imagined space is characterized by a dark and moody interior punctuated by pops of pattern. Amber-toned mirrors and natural wood tones warm up the atmosphere.
La Playa Hotel is owned and operated by Marc & Rose Hospitality, which is also in the process of redeveloping a former motel into Casa Loma Beach Hotel in Laguna Beach.
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