The Oceana Hotel in Santa Monica is by far our favorite place to get away for a mini staycation in Los Angeles. Not only is it a phenomenal hotel with a fantastic staff & customer service, gorgeous suites and an amazing view, it’s literally 12 miles from our house. But as you know or may have heard, regardless of how many miles to and fro, getting anywhere nearby in LA is always at least a 20-30 minute drive due to the traffic. So while driving into Santa Monica on an average day is sort of a pain in the arse, booking a hotel room for two nights and three days and walking everywhere within those parameters really makes us feel like we’re on a little tropical getaway.
Los Angeles has so many amazing hotels, it’s kind of a crime to not spend some time in them, even if we do live 20 minutes away. That said, our original 5 year anniversary getaway/stay-cay plan was to spend a night at the Roosevelt Hotel in the Marilyn suite. But because it was Labor Day weekend, they had a minimum 3 day booking rule. So we went back to the ocean like we did in 2009.
Unfortunately a trip to the ocean makes this little lady not want to leave said ocean and force her husband to re-think all future house-buying plans to try to get a more permanent ocean view. Which, as you may also know, is near-impossible in LA unless you’ve struck it rich or are lucky enough to have found a rent controlled apartment or condo.
Blah, blah, blah… here’s a little or a long photo post of our suite & parts of our trip.
I love the decor in these suites {we were in a Signature Ocean View Suite}… and in fact called the front desk to buy the cute Jonathan Adler snail figurine box on our nightstand {yes, everything is for sale ;} but I do wonder about The New Yorker coffee table book in a beach hotel, lol.
We LOVED our little balcony and spent many hours reading and relaxing on it.
View to the left from our balcony down Ocean Ave.
Just to walk down to 3rd Street for some shopping. Dress by Sea NY {same as my leopard print one but cotton}, Kooba “Jonnie” bag in brown courtesy of Kooba, Abarcas sandals from Spain, various bangles & leather lanyard bracelet and Tom Ford cat eyes.
Though after the first day, I really only used my iphone for photos other than outfit shots because I couldn’t be bothered with lugging my Nikon everywhere I still have far too many to fit into one post. Thus, I’ll be posting for the next day or so {dinner/outfit/new rings/pool attire, etc.} and then back to regularly scheduled outfit shots and DIYs. Bear with me 😉
Neris / Fashion Fractions
I love reading your mini gateway posts 🙂 You guys look so adorable and the suite looks so amazing 🙂 Can’t wait for the next one 🙂
xxx,
Fashion Fractions
Anonymous
arse?
Dianna
i adore the pink on your nails!
Gawgus things...
Such a good idea to be able to buy the stuff that’s in your room! I love weekend’s away – sometimes you just need a change of scenery to completely refresh you.
Schnelle Couture
Sounds like a fun staycation! I would love to wake up to an oceanview every day too. I’m hoping one day that will happen. There’s something so relaxing and calming about the beach.
Maria
What a great staycation! The hotel is really pretty. And you guys look adorable! Can’t wait to see the next posts.
Maria @ Green Love Designs (previously @ My current hobby!)
Mrs Spanglish
gorgeous couple. congrats on the anniversary. It looks like you really enjoyed it 🙂
K.M.
looks so nice 🙂
Anonymous
You mean the husband Joe actually went for three whole days straight without watching any sports on t.v???? In Chicago, that’s pure endurance, man! LOL!!! 😉 I need to move to L.A. where men can last an entire weekend without muttering the words baseball, football or basketball. Happy Fifth Anniversary to yas! Tell the hubs you want to spend the next one in Sicily… 😉 Regards,Rita
anhesty
ahhh nice and relaxin eh? i totally didn’t do much on my vacay either.
PinkGlitter
I agree, I love the decor! Looks like a beautiful place for a stay-cation!
Behind the Lashes
What a great hotel. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed in such a great setting, I don’t think I would want to leave the room haha.
Jules
wow that looks so prettty!!
Grace
Gorgeous pictures!
Looks like a lot of fun!
xx Grace
Dream-Boating
Deborah
Okay, I’m catching up on your fabulous anniversary getaway and your new rings which are beautiful. Love your husband’s ring!
The thing I can’t stop thinking about is your vintage (??) luggage! I have a thing for luggage although I own no cool luggage, but own lots of vintage luggage.
What is that luggage? I must search some out. Please share!
seo service
I love the homey retro vibe, and I‘m dying to try the Ritual Cleanse sno cones. I guess as a cocktail, you can retox while you detox. You‘ll get access to personal trainers, yoga instructors, nutritionists, guided hikes, plus massages, a spa breakfast, and free healthy drinks from Ritual Cleanse to sip poolside.