Last weekend while we were savoring the upper deck at the Malibu Pierwe were so enthralled with the areawe decided an impromptu night stay was definitely in order.
Well this sounds simple enoughexcept it was the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend.But Jeff was up for the quest.
After spending an hour checking what seemed every hotel in Malibuhe finally found what felt like the very last room in Malibu.
I'm usually beyond picky when it comes to choosing a place to spend the nightbut heyI'm trying to be more flexible and go with the flow these days.
Jeff showed me a couple of pictures from the booking siteand I decided I could be brave and'give it a try'.
I've been wanting to stay at a mid century 'motel'for a while now.
Or maybe better putI've had a romantic notion of staying at one.
Pulling up to the
Malibu Riviera I must admitI was afraid the glasses of wine on the pierhad dulled my good judgment.And an ... oh no what have I agreed to feelingbegan to seep in.
But walking into the 'lobby'gave me some hope.Maybe this could be the 'cool updated midcentury motel'I had been dreaming of ...
The perfect Road Trip find.
Our last minute
Labor Day Weekend decision
had lead us in a serendipity vibe
to just what I was searching for.
The Malibu Riviera is still just being finished
and
has only been opened a handful of weeks.
When we opened the door to our roomI saw it was
everything I was hoping for in a road trip find!
The new owners of this original 1947 motelhave done a brilliantly designed remodel of what was only last year a run down motel way past it's prime.
"Dutch door with an open breeze"it definitely has ...
'A new modern look has been giveninspired by old paradise charm'
I couldn't agree more with their description!
They have stripped away all excess detail
and
still kept the soul of this mid century gem.
There is a clean pared down elegance in the roomsthat have been white washed to perfection.
Floors have been stripped down to the earthy aggregate which has been polished to a reflective glow.
Light streams in from windows on both sidescreating an airy freshnessthat takes full advantage of the high ceilings.
My new shoes from Need Supply in New Yorkwith my new bag from Clare Vfit right in.
It's definitely a chic mid century retreat.
Affordable luxury with tons of historic character
located a stones throw from Point Dume Beach.
Located on 4.34 acresthe motel is still in soft opening modewith the hopes of a full opening sometime in October.
There are plans to add an Airstream Coffee Bar(which is sorely needed. The long trek to 'find' coffeein Malibu was my only complaint).
They also have plans to add glamping tents on the lower property.
Our lovely outside balcony view.
Before we checked inI made a quick stop at
The Malibu Lumberyard
my favorite shopping center in Malibu
to run into
J Crewto shop for a couple of piecesI could pull into outfitssince we had left home in the morning without a planned overnight stay.
Luckily even on day tripsI pack several accessory choicessince we usually head off in a particular directionrather than a definite destination.
I like to be prepared for a myriad of locations.
So at J CrewI just picked up a new pair of
white Toothpick jeans(which I had needed anyway)and a color blocked striped dress
I wore as a tunic.
I know both pieces will serve me well this season.
My antique silk shawl was the perfect accompaniment for the brisk Malibu morning!
How charming is the dutch door that opens up to the private balcony.
And
note the sublime copper hangers in the upper right corner.
The spare but perfect details
spoke Southern California
Laid Back Luxe
to me.
What a treat the old school motel keys are!I wish they had the key rings for salebecause it was so hard to give it back!
Talk about a beautiful road trip reflection.Waking up to this viewreminded me of all the beauties to be discovered on
the roads less traveled.
The view also had me wondering about the history of this motel.
Urban lore has it Marilyn Monroe has stayed here
and that
Bob Dylan wrote
Blood on the track
in room 10
the very room we got!
When we checked in
we asked one of the owners for a great sunset location.
Their recommendation of The Sunset Restaurant was spot on!
Located right on the beach
it was sunset remarkable!
But I couldn't wait to get back to our charming roomand soak up the charm of this mid century modern retreat.
I am already making plans for a return visit.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy as you style your life
