Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, California, Casa Loma Beach Hotel stands as a testament to both the area’s rich history and its bohemian spirit. A $15 million renovation has transformed the former Inn Laguna Beach into a luxurious oceanside retreat that elegantly bridges the past and present. With design spearheaded by Electric Bowery alongside branding agency LAND, the renovation seeks to encapsulate the artistic and countercultural essence that’s long defined this vibrant coastal community.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Interior Design Firm: Electric Bowery
Branding Agency: LAND
Location: Laguna Beach, California
Hospitality Group: Marc & Rose Hospitality
Hotel Name: Casa Loma Beach Hotel
Historically, Laguna Beach has been a magnet for artists, surfers, and free spirits—thriving in its role as a cultural enclave since the days of prohibition. Marc & Rose Hospitality, the visionary force behind Casa Loma’s metamorphosis, deliberately chose partners who resonate with this creative ethos. “We sought not only partners but like-minded friends,” says John Grossman, President of Marc & Rose Hospitality, reflecting on the collaborative spirit driving the boutique hotel’s transformation. The design theme revolves around a narrative of life’s journey, echoed throughout the hotel’s interiors with a nuanced blend of familiar comfort and imaginative flair.
Electric Bowery’s Lucia Bartholomew describes the design approach as creating a destination inspired by the natural world, aiming to harmonize a sense of well-being with the oceanic energy that Laguna Beach is known for. This intent is mirrored in the hotel’s architecture and decor, which features bespoke elements like towering relief sculptures casting dramatic shadows, screen-printed artworks, and woven throws, all contributing to the hotel’s folkloric charm and relaxing atmosphere.
The holistic design philosophy extends to every facet of Casa Loma, with LAND curating an immersive art experience. From the lobby mural to hand-painted tapestries in guest rooms, the hotel is a canvas that celebrates craftsmanship and local artistry. Furnishings are thoughtfully integrated with the space’s organic ambiance, with handcrafted wooden furniture and a vintage sound system in the lobby that harkens back to another era. The architectural design often echoes the coastal forms of the Pacific, enriched with sandy, clay, and seaside hues that pay homage to the surrounding landscape.
The public spaces at Casa Loma exude a timeless elegance, particularly evident in the lobby bar and lounge. Here, a sculpted mural of a sun-worshiping goddess serves as a focal point, symbolizing the natural beauty visible through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The curvilinear main desk is crafted from fired clay tiles, complemented by custom-designed lights that add warmth and sophistication. This seamless blend of aesthetics spills over into the hotel’s food and beverage offerings, offering a nostalgic nod to beach clubs of yesteryears, with culinary inspirations drawn from Mexico to the Mediterranean.
Casa Loma’s 70 guest rooms, which include 38 with private balconies or patios, carry forward the theme of personal retreat. The interiors work harmoniously with Laguna Beach’s natural palette, with custom furniture and accessories crafted in gentle, flowing forms. Vanity fixtures and textiles incorporate organic elements, punctuated with playful touches like checkered benches and striking throw blankets. Altogether, Casa Loma Beach Hotel is not just an accommodation option but a thoughtfully designed experience—a sanctuary that marries the historical with the modern, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the captivating soul of Laguna Beach.
