Seaside Stay
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- 4 min read
Malibu Beach Inn captures the essence of coastal California and community.
By Nathalie Tovar
Despite living in Southern California my whole life, my visits to Malibu have always been fleeting. The first time, I was too young to remember, but the printed photographs of myself, a toddler giggling and digging in the sand, are proof that I was there. Subsequent visits were memorable yet always day trips, and I often found myself wishing I had a little more time to linger and soak it all in. So on my most recent return, I checked in to Malibu Beach Inn for the time I had been longing for.
Located on the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Beach Inn is the only hotel in Los Angeles County with direct beach access. With just 47 guestrooms, the property offers the rare opportunity to slow down and experience Malibu in its truest form, where guests can leave their room and find themselves right in front of the ocean within moments. That sense of place is central to the hotel’s experience. Upon arriving at Malibu Beach Inn, I instantly felt the natural charm that set the property apart. The exterior is inviting, featuring soft neutral tones and breezy palm trees. Check-in was seamless, with an enthusiastic welcome that set the tone for the rest of my stay. The contrast to the day’s drive through Los Angeles was striking; no car honks or rush of the city, just the sounds of the waves crashing along the shore and distant conversation of guests gathered over dinner at the hotel restaurant just steps away.
After receiving my key, I made my way to my room on the third floor. Each room at Malibu Beach Inn faces the Pacific Ocean, featuring a private balcony and a handful of carefully curated amenities that elevate the stay. From the Bellino robes hanging on the bathroom door to freshly baked cookies waiting upon arrival, the understated details embodied the hotel’s approach of combining its iconic beachfront setting with genuine, personalized hospitality. It’s that connection that defines the Malibu Beach Inn experience. For Gregory Day, Managing Director at Malibu Beach Inn, the property’s appeal lies in its ability to truly immerse guests in the destination itself: “What surprises people most is that Malibu isn’t an extension of Los Angeles, it’s a destination with its own rhythm, culture, and identity,” he explains. “People often compare it to the Hamptons in relation to New York City, but I don’t think that’s the right analogy. To me, Malibu has always felt more like Montauk: laid-back, authentic, and effortlessly beautiful.”
As the sun began to set, I stepped onto the balcony to admire the beautiful pink horizon, a sight that left me in awe as I settled into my first night along the Malibu coast. The peacefulness of the evening carried into the next morning, where I began the day tucked into cool, crisp sheets before enjoying a room service breakfast of a soft scrambled egg sandwich paired with crispy breakfast potatoes. My morning unfolded slowly as I took my time getting ready, doing simple makeup and slipping into a comfortable pair of jeans and a flowy blouse, feeling at one with the ease of the beach town. The afternoon was spent wandering through boutiques and shops in Malibu Country Mart for a few hours, with a stop at Alfred Coffee for their famous vanilla latte and, later, lunch at Scott's Malibu Market, a local favorite that I discovered the last time I was in Malibu. I ordered a cold caprese sandwich layered with fresh mozzarella, tomato, homemade pesto, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze served on ciabatta, savoring each bite. Returning to these local spots, I’m reminded that Malibu isn’t only special because of the scenery, but because of the community that make the town so welcoming to be in, a sentiment that’s also echoed by Gregory: “We’ve all made a point of supporting and promoting neighboring businesses because we understand that when Malibu thrives, we all thrive,” he states. “At the end of the day, every hotel, restaurant, and local business represents people whose livelihoods depend on this community. There’s a saying I come back to often: a rising tide lifts all boats. I think that's exactly how Malibu has approached this past year, and it’s been inspiring to be part of.”
With a few hours of sunlight still ahead, I made my way back to Malibu Beach Inn, deciding to finally check out the beach. Next to the main entrance of the hotel, there is a corridor that leads directly down to Carbon Beach. The sound of the waves grew louder and before I knew it, I was standing in the warm sand with a soft breeze brushing against my face. Aside from myself, there were only a few other people lingering around, some tanning in the sun with a cool drink in hand and others strolling along the coastline, occasionally getting too close to the water and laughing as the waves rushed over their feet. I stayed a little while longer, until eventually I felt myself growing sleepy from the rhythm of the waves and headed to my room for a shower before curling up in bed.
The next morning, I made an early start to my day, packing my bags and savoring my final moments at Malibu Beach Inn. After years of only passing through the town briefly, Malibu Beach Inn was the perfect home base to appreciate a more authentic side of Malibu, filled with stunning ocean views, a lively community and a slower pace of life.
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