Los Angeles is a place where I never really considered staying at the beach, especially if it’s not the dead of summer and hot enough for me to get in the water. We tend to want to be where the action is, like Downtown LA, or where we’re most likely to see a celebrity or three, like Beverly Hills. So imagine my surprise when I hopped in my rental car at LAX to head to Hotel Hermosa by Pacifica Hotels, a couple blocks from Hermosa Beach, and the ride took no more than 20 minutes. If I’m not even a full 30 minutes from the airport, then the possibilities of things to do are pretty much endless.
Arriving at Hotel Hermosa
Upon entering the Hotel Hermosa I got beach vibes. Think less surfers and rollerbladers and more Hamptons. That’s it. I’d call the decor calm coastal and Hamptons-esque, which is right up my alley. I immediately scoped out areas in the hotel where, in my free time, I could get work done throughout my stay.
Straying outside led me to the best surprise, a large seating area for relaxing and sunbathing, games, and my favorite view of my entire trip – Hermosa Beach. To this day, I’m missing waking up to the sound of the waves hitting the beach and seeing the actual ocean.
Because I arrived so early, I had ample time to hang out in the common area and enjoy a few activities. I played a couple games of pool and hung out before getting to my room. Because I’m used to there only being one pool table when pool is an option, I’m super glad I didn’t have to wait in line or sign up for the tables they had. We were able to grab the equipment from the front desk and head right out to play.
The Room
Upon entering the room I was greeted with a sitting area near the closet. It was unexpected but great for when you or your travel partner are sleeping in, but you need to get up and get a few things done. Past this area and the closet is the restroom, which is great if you’re a light sleeper like me and need the loudest places to be the furthest from the bed.
Past the jacuzzi (yes, a jacuzzi) was the king bed, 55″ television, and balcony. Each morning I woke up, the first thing I did was go out on to that balcony and spend a few minutes taking in the view. I have to admit that if I didn’t have a jam packed daily itinerary, I would have been perfectly content staying at the hotel or using one of their bikes to ride down to the beach. That’s a thing, you know? They have bikes!
Breakfast at Hotel Hermosa
When I first entered the hotel I immediately commented on how delicious the breakfast options were. I wanted Tex Mex during my stay but didn’t get to have any, so breakfast at the hotel was the next best thing. Their burrito options are not only yummy, but huge! Each day I saved half to have later for a snack or lunch. Weather was in the 60’s (F) so instead of sitting outside, I sat right at the first place and enjoyed my food while washing it all down with a green juice.
The Area
I’m wondering if it’s the time of year I visited, or the area, but it was quite calm and quiet. So naturally, I enjoyed it. I don’t necessarily like to be in the heart of a city due to noise and congestion, and this area was very relaxed and a typical coastal town. Even during the drive to the beach I had to wonder how I’d never stayed near Hermosa Beach before. It fit my personality perfectly. You’re close enough to everything whether you’re hopping on the bus or the freeway, but you’re still far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet.
I’m always up for a visit to Los Angeles and when I return I actually hope to stay at Hotel Hermosa again and this time check out their lofted suites. Due to Los Angeles being known for hours of traffic, I was more happy than anything to have a straight, quick shot from the airport to the hotel. It was beautiful and a stones throw away from everything else.
My stay at Hotel Hermosa was complimentary, however, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.
