A stunning circa-1927 Mediterranean Revival building in West Hollywood

Before it morphed into the intimate Palihouse Santa Monica hotel, part of Avi Brosh’s stylish Paligroup—including a sister property in West Hollywood—the stunning circa-1927 Mediterranean Revival building was the Embassy Hotel Apartments. That Old World spirit thankfully remains alive and well in its new incarnation, still harking back to a time when Santa Monica was the last Los Angeles rail stop and attracted enthusiastic jet-setters from around the world. Although close to the beach and Third Street Promenade, Palihouse Santa Monica is hidden away from the touristy buzz. To heighten that sense of privacy, a residential aura permeates the 38 rooms, with well-preserved Moorish-influenced details and vintage-inspired wallpaper. The courtyard is a delightful spot to while away the day, but it’s the lobby that truly captivates with Malibu tile flooring, blown-glass doors, and a wood-burning fireplace. Lazy-day reading is best savored from a Chesterfield sofa perch underneath an original frescoed ceiling.