If you want to experience an upscale version of the quintessential Southern California surf culture, you have to spend a night or two at the Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach.
With its sophisticated surfer vibe, this signature Kimpton boutique hotel does what Kimpton does best — it captures and celebrates its local neighborhood while offering impeccable service and lots of amenities.
Be prepared for a lot of photos because when Michael and I were invited to stay there a couple of months ago, I couldn’t stop snapping away.
From the minute you step into the lobby, you know you’re in Beach Boys territory.
There’s unique art everywhere, and it’s all about the surf.
Just check out the blackboard by the desk: it tells you the times for sunrise and sunset, high tide and low tide and it lets you know how high the waves are.
With the Pacific right down the street, this is a beach lover’s paradise.
The vibe was so chill (yes, I have turned into a Southern Californian) but the digs were so luxe, we felt at home right away.
I love interesting art and design, and I was smitten by everything here, like this biker dude
and this little surfer girl
and I enjoyed checking out who graced the door of each guest room. This was our patron saint:
I got a kick out of this couch in the lobby, inspired by pool noodles
and this piece of art made of boating rope.
Of course, there was a water station in the lobby
and if you didn’t bring your own surfboard or bike,
you can borrow them from the hotel.
We, of course, knew we were at a Kimpton because of the dog-friendly welcome
and, when we got to our room, our robes awaited.
We could see the beach luring us from our room
so we headed out, and got a chance to watch the pros play beach volleyball.
We took a walk along the boardwalk, where we got lots more information about the surf conditions
and, when we walked back to the hotel, we got to see some of the surfers who have been named to the Surfing Walk of Fame.
Of course, all of that sea air made us hungry so we stopped in across the street at Bruxie
for an amazing, chocolate-filled waffle. Or two.
Back in our room, we took showers — look at the double shower heads! —
and had some fruit to offset the waffles.
Just like all Kimptons, they had a great mini-bar and if you’re a Kimpton Karma member — which you should be — you always get a $10 credit to use it.
After a spectacular dinner at Zimzala, which I will have to tell you about separately because it totally deserves its own post, we checked out the games in the hotel lobby. There was a ping pong table
and my favorite childhood game, Connect Four.
We had a great sleep, lulled by the sound of the ocean, and were sad to have to check out the next morning.
Just looking back at these photos, I’m already feeling a wave of nostalgia and can’t wait to go back and see this sign again.
P.S. This month, Shorebreak and fellow SoCal Kimpton hotels, Palomar and Solamar in San Diego, are offering special “Flash Yo ‘Stache” rates to raise awareness for Movember. Post photos with your ‘stache — don’t worry, they’ll give you one if you don’t have your own — on Instagram and Twitter, tagging the respective hotel, #flashyostache and #Movember. “Flash Yo ‘Stache’ rates start at $179 at all three hotels, with promo code PSTCH.
That sounds like a lovely hotel. It looks comfy and clean 🙂
This looks like a great place to stay. I will keep it in mind if I am ever in the area.
Wow, that looks like such a unique place to visit! Great photos.
Oh wow what a fantastic looking place to stay – I love the fact it is so quirky looking. x
I love that it is pet friendly! And those waffles are seriously calling my name.
I would never travel with my dog, but I know people that would never leave home without theirs.
The hotel definitely has a cool and unique look to it. I really love the beach theme they have going.
I agree, it does have a cool look. It is a place I would want to stay.
Looks like a cool place. I like the boating rope decor
The shower heads (and water pressure) are one of the top indicators to me of a room I am happy with… or not. Those look fabulous, as does every other inch of the place. Fun!!
What a great shower! The artwork is so interesting and I love the way they blend their décor in with the area. I really need to eat before I read your posts. I am going to Google how to make chocolate filled waffles. WTHeck!
I love when hotels go out of their way to make themselves more interesting in decor and art. We all know that Kimptons are fabulous hotels and this one is no exception. So glad you guys had a wonderful stay! Of course the chocolate waffles would be enough for me.
You had me at chocolate-filled waffles and double shower heads. When can I go????
That looks like such an fun place to stay! I love that you can borrow a bike and play games!
That is really cool! I’d definitely have to have bike ride around the area.
I’m a Kimpton fan, and your post on this one didn’t disappoint. I think it sounds like a fun place to stay!
Love the sound and look of this! Must go! Kimptons are always fun and funky.
Beautiful! I love how Artsy the place is .. I would love to stay here for a Weekend or for the Summer
What a fun place to stay! Love the beachy theme they stuck with. Looks like a great stay!
OMG. The waffles!!!! But besides that, so fun and funky. My brother lives to surf, butI don’t know if he could take all this luxury! I wanna be you, Lois Alter Mark when I grow up!
I am totally digging the vibe here! What an awesome place to stay!
I have never been to Huntington Beach before. It looks like a lot of fun- I haven’t played Connect Four in forever!
We don’t live very far from Huntington Beach and I would love to spend a night or two at the Shorebreak Hotel. I just might have to make some plans for that.
Such great pics! I’m staying at the Polamar here in Chicago in a few weeks and the mini-bar credit is good to know!
I have driven by it a million times, thank you for showing me the inside. Isn’t Bruxie delicious? Sounds like a wonderful stay.
They’ve really thought of everything. Looks like a blast!
That shower looks awesome! What a fun vibe at this hotel.
Wow this looks like a fantastic hotel. It’s lovely, and clean! I am really loving all your photos. Looks like theres something for everyone!
What a neat hotel. I’d love to stay there the next time I’m in CA.
Did you say chocolate filled waffles??? Oh yes, that does sound really good to me. 🙂
This hotel looks so nice. I love that they offer a lot of amenities. How cool that you can borrow a bike or a surfboard from them.
What a fun and creative themed hotel! Love all the little surf details they put into everything. – Katy
This looks like a great place to stay. I love the casual surfer decor.
I really like the retro feel of this place. I think my family would really enjoy the location and all of the amenities.
This is such a beautiful place. I would love to spend some time there near the beach.
This looks like an amazing place to stay. I love the decor. The couch in the lobby is so cool. The food looks so delicious.
This is close enough for the hubby and I to take a mini vacation. I like that there are so many things to do/visit nearby.
This looks like a wonderful hotel to stay with lots of fun all around. The pictures are so exciting that I would want to visit it sometime soon with my husband. The bike ride is something he would love so much.
What a unique hotel! I love the pool noodle couch and the great artwork. (I want the painting of the surfer girl for myself!) Huntington Beach is one of my favorite places and I will need to try out this hotel next time I am that way.
🙂
Traci
We stumbled upon Huntington beach back in ’13 when we took the kids to Disneyland and I loved it! What a beautiful location.. **happy sigh** at least now I know where we are going to stay the next time we go to Californai!
Love the decor!! We have a hotel in Denver that is similar. Very fun place to stay!
gotta love bruxie!! 🙂 living in san diego has made us fall in love with surf culture for sure. this would be right up our alley.