Shade Hotel

The industrial and sleek exterior of the hotel with concrete and blue/gray siding sets the upscale, relaxed tone of the Shade Hotel. The contemporary lobby has wood and tile floors, comfy pale green seating, and big windows that provide a lot of natural light. Free newspapers are also available. In the same area is the Zinc Lounge and Bar, which includes neo-modular furniture designed by Christopher Lowell along with a large gray granite bar, colorful mood lighting, and a unique Heat & Glo Cyclone fireplace. A beautiful rooftop deck area has more pale green armchairs and green/brown tiling in addition to a big outdoor shower and speckled granite countertops in the bar area. Lounge chairs and metal tables provide comfortable hangout areas, with plants providing welcome greenery.

The Shade Hotel is in a clean and safe area with Manhattan Beach Pier, Vons grocery store, Trilogy Day Spa, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. Redondo Beach Pier and Los Angeles International Airport are about 15 minutes away by car (each in opposite directions) while Loyola Marymount University is about a 20-minute drive north. Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica are both around 30 to 45 minutes north and northeast, respectively.

Guest units here are big, modern, and comfortable with floating shelves, bright windows, and pale blue/green color palettes. Gorgeous wood furniture and molding decorates the space as does blue swirled carpeting and Tempur-Pedic beds. Snacks, fully stocked minibars, and flat-screen TVs are tucked away in furniture while Heat & Glow Cyclone fireplaces add a cozy touch. Rooms also have Keurig coffeemakers and free Fiji bottled water, the latter residing on bedside tables. Executive Studio Suites also offer wet bars, refrigerators, and microwaves. Many rooms have balconies with black wicker seating while all units have house-made cake pops left after turndown service. Some rooms, however, get loud noise from the rooftop area during weekend events.

Large, stylish bathrooms include gray tile work as well as speckled granite countertops and Sanijet jetted tubs. Gorgeous walk-in showers have pebble floors, glass doors, and recessed lighting, and some units also have steam showers. Lather toiletries and bath salts are included as well along with makeup mirrors.

The hotel’s magnificent rooftop deck with outdoor pool and bar is a highlight for most guests. Tons of seating is provided throughout the space, and a DJ is on hand for the weekends. Keep in mind, however, that the pool is tiny and, with underwater seating, can only be used for lounging. On-site Zinc Lounge and Bar offers small plates, wine, and live music on certain days and receives wonderful reviews. There’s also a free breakfast buffet with LavAzza coffee, cereal, pastries, bagels and lox, and fruit.

Free bike loans are available for guests and free yoga classes are offered on specific days. A business center has two Apple computers and a printer in addition to free computer loans. 24-hour room service is on hand as well. No fitness center is available at the hotel, but guests have free access to a branch of Equinox Fitness, just a 10-minute drive away. Parking also has a daily fee.