Huntington Beach, California
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
Laid-back surf clubhouse
Huntington Beach, California
Renovated
2017
Price
$$$
Rated for
Social Design LocalOutside the door
The house
IHGLaid-back surf clubhouse
The hotel runs like an unpretentious beach club, where dogs, sandy feet, and shared courtyard firepits set a friendly tone.
“the bright and airy lobby feels more like a boutique hotel, filled with bikes, rustic, wood-hewn furniture, and leafy green plants.”
What it’s good at
Listed
Dedicated surfboard lockers and loaner beach cruisers beside the Huntington Beach Pier.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The Shorebreak is free to fully inhabit its niche as a laid-back coastal escape, all sunny charm without a hint of pretension.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Huntington Beach Pier sits directly across Pacific Coast Highway, and Main Street's surf shops are steps away.
The rooms
Every bedroom has a vinyl record player supplied by the lobby library, and many open onto balconies facing the ocean.
The gym
A 40-foot-wide indoor climbing wall spans the fitness center, and cardio zones are equipped with Peloton bikes.
Bar
Pacific Hideaway
Bartenders shake flaming craft cocktails along a hand-carved wooden bar, and roll-up garage doors open to the ocean breeze.
The lobby and adjoining courtyard were almost always lively with guests – and their pets – which made it easy to strike up a conversation, especially during daily wine hours or s’mores sessions by fireside.
At the table
An outdoor balcony counter looks across palm trees to the pier, and a private dining room opens onto the terrace.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.