As the sun started to set, shades of pink and purple began to hug the sky. It was at this same time that a pod of dolphins and two curious sea lions poked their heads from the gentle ocean and played in front of our balcony. We clinked our glasses of champagne, enjoyed the crashing of the waves and enjoyed this incredibly blissful moment. It appeared that we had found heaven by staying at Malibu Beach Inn.
I grew up in Southern California, specifically the Conejo Valley. It’s a small town in the burbs about 20 minutes East of Malibu, California.
That meant visiting Zuma Beach or Malibu Beach was a pretty standard activity for us, be it summer or winter. But in all of my years living in such proximity to Malibu, never had I ever actually stayed in this famous beach city overnight. It seemed appropriate that the Malibu Beach Inn should be the first (and now, probably the only) experience.
The Property
Locals know that Malibu Beach Inn has been around for a long time. Recently, this property built in 1989 was transformed by hotelier Gregory Day into a chic, ocean hideaway.
All 47 rooms contain private terraces with views of Carbon Beach and an unforgettable sight of the Pacific Ocean. The rooms, hotel restaurant and bar are decorated in a Scandinavian modern vibe with hints of Southern California design. If you can’t quite imagine it, think modern art paired with cozy fireplaces and plush bedding.
My personal recommendation: depending on the weather/temperature, keep your balcony door slightly open at night so the gentle crashing of the waves can lull you to sleep!
But what really sets this hotel apart is the Carbon Beach Club! Stunning views aside, the hotel’s luxury restaurant, CBC (Carbon Beach Club), offers the finest quality locally sourced ingredients along with an impressive wine collection. A cocktail served by a famed mixologist or a wine pairing by an award-winning sommelier will make this one of the most luxurious vacations you will ever experience!
The Amenities
Malibu Beach Inn combines the comfort of the beach with modern technology. And if you’ve never experienced a Toto toilet where motion sensors open the seat upon your arrival, you’re in for a real treat!
My best friend and I walked into our King Premier Ocean Front room and were greeted with European Oak flooring, raw rift White Oak paneling, two televisions, a small living space, a fireplace, and one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept in (including my own) with soft, luxurious natural fiber bedding sourced from Belino in Italy.
To me, the best amenity at this property was the incredible ocean views from the balcony. Whether you’re staying in the King Pier View or One-Bedroom Ocean Suite, each room as an ocean view with an unforgettable sight.
If that didn’t make you immediately book a reservation, you can also expect:
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Expansive Dean & Deluca mini bar
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Nespresso coffee brewer
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Smeg tea kettle
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Custom-made pillow-top mattress
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Queen sofa sleeper
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In-room fireplace
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Ergonomic chair and custom-design work station
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Private balcony with ocean views
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37* LCD HD televisions
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Digital in-room entertainment system with 73 high-definition channels, HBO Pay-Per-View movies and music channels
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Bose Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
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Complimentary highspeed internet
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Dual-line telephone with voicemail
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In-room safe
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Ironing board and iron
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Bamford hair and skin care products
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Custom robes
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Hair dryer
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Walk-in shower
And while this property does not have a gym, they have partnered with a local gym across the street.
Things to Do
Honestly, staying at Malibu Beach Inn is like staying at a big fancy spa! You’ll find it incredibly difficult to leave your balcony or your extremely comfortable bed.
As mentioned above, there is more comfort in your room than you know what to do with. From unlimited movies and television to ocean view to movie cocktails in the lobby, there’s almost no reason to go out.
If you’re looking for even more relaxation, the hotel has a small, single-person room spa located on the 2nd floor. Services include facials and massages with Veronica Skin & Body Care products.
Of course you can’t have a trip to Malibu without a little sun time! The hotel’s beach service has several ocean-front sun beds with the best views of the Malibu Pier.
Should you decide to leave your beachside sanctuary, there are plenty of things to do in Malibu. Check out the pier, Paradise Cove, El Matador State Beach, Nobu, Solstice Canyon and Malibu Wines. All of these spots are within 5 miles of the property, though you might need a Lyft to get there!
The Staff
One of my favorite parts of my experience at the hotel was interacting with the staff. When staying at Malibu Beach Inn, you’re not only treated like a luxurious guest; you’re treated like family.
From the moment valet greeted me to the service we received during turn down service, everyone was incredible warm, welcoming and even happy to see us!
But it was my experience at Carbon Beach Club that left a lasting impression. We had the pleasure of sipping specialty cocktails with the hotel’s marketing manager at CBC. Instead of talking about the hotel’s accolades or amenities, we chatted like old friends! We swapped stories, enjoyed each other’s company and watched tourists taking pictures on the beach below (the very same beach and ocean I would be falling in hours later).
It’s easy for a hotel to become so exclusive, that it creates an atmosphere of arrogance and elitism. Somehow, Malibu Beach Inn has been able to combine luxury service with a down-to-earth staff to leave an inviting and wonderful memory!
