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Leila Najafi; Samantha Lee/Business Insider
Malibu Beach Inn is one of the few luxury hotels in Malibu and is situated directly on a private stretch of Carbon Beach, also known as Billionaire’s Beach, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The laid back but upscale hotel is positioned next to multi-million dollar celebrity homes and the iconic Malibu Pier, and oozes California coastal vibes. A recent renovation added custom furniture, a fresh color palette, and a new look for the Carbon Beach Club restaurant.I stayed in a King Premier Ocean Front room which was comped for review, but typically runs $755 a night. The more accessible King Pier View room offers the same features but with a view of the Malibu Pier and starts closer to $545.Read all Business Insider hotel reviews here.A note from your Insider Reviews travel editor: Coronavirus has interrupted travel on a global scale forcing travelers to cancel and reassess plans in the coming weeks and months. We understand that right now is a challenging time to plan travel. But when this time passes and things return to normal, we know you’ll be eager to explore the world again.Whenever that happens for you, and we know it will, we hope our travel content helps you make informed, useful, and inspiring choices on the best places and hotels to book. So whether you use our reviews now, bookmark them for the future, or simply need an escape from the news, we’ll continue to share the world with you. In the meantime, we encourage all travelers to stay safe, follow guidelines from the CDC website, and take precautions.It’s not hard to see why Malibu is a world-famous coastline destination. Both locals and tourists flock to the bohemian beach town to surf the crystal blue waters and savor a taste of California dreaming.It’s also a tight-knit community that has become a home for celebrities and the filming base for countless films and TV shows. As such, it’s become a poster child of sorts for upscale beach living. Yet, there is a surprising shortage of fitting hotels in this coveted stretch along Pacific Coast Highway and the surrounding area.Malibu Beach Inn was one of the first, originally built in 1989 and underwent it’s first multi-million dollar renovation in 2007, making it the only luxury resort in Malibu at the time. Later in 2015, the hotel saw another transformation overhauling all guest rooms, public spaces and the on-site restaurant, Carbon Beach Club.It now feels contemporary and refined, injected with a neutral color palette that reflects the earthy tones of the outdoors, complemented by custom-designed furniture, and natural materials to create an inviting, relaxed vibe. Visiting Los Angeles? Read our list of the best hotels in LAI decided to visit Malibu Beach Inn on a girl’s getaway to experience this newest iteration. We stayed in a mid-tier King Premier Ocean Front room which typically costs $755 nightly. The pricey rate is certainly a nod to the posh clientele that frequent Malibu. Standard King Pier View rooms, however, are a bit more accessible at $545 with all the same amenities, just a different view.With only 47 guest rooms, the hotel feels intimate and draws an older crowd and some families, all seeking a sophisticated quiet weekend staycation or well-appointed beachside break.The first impressionThe roomOn-site amenitiesWhat’s nearbyWhat others sayWhat you need to knowThe bottom lineBook a room at Malibu Beach Inn starting at $549 per nightKeep reading to see why I was so impressed by Malibu Beach Inn.
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The small hotel check-in area.
Leila Najafi/Business Insider
The cramped hotel entrance lacked much character and only included elevators and a set of stairs immediately to the right, and Carbon Beach Club, the seaside restaurant with a beautiful terrace just a few steps ahead.Check-in was less than genial and instead, I was hastily asked for a credit card and photo ID. A staff member then walked us to our room to ensure the keys worked properly.
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The open-air hotel corridors that faced busy PCH were at odds with what was hidden on the other side of the guest rooms.
Leila Najafi/Business Insider
One side of the building housing rooms faced busy Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and the sound of traffic was audible. I was beginning to wonder what all the fuss was about at this hotel to warrant such rates, but as soon as I entered my King Premier Ocean Front room, it became clear.The 350-square-foot room felt incredibly spacious and overlooked stunning Carbon Beach. I immediately felt relaxed and soothed by the sounds of smooth jazz playing from one of the two LCD televisions and tranquil views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean.The guest room was rustic but chic with high wood-beamed ceilings, a fireplace, hardwood floors, and a living area with white oak furnishings that made me feel like I was nestled in a cozy beach house. Warm colors and wood details ran throughout the space giving the California coastal decor a homey vibe.
I loved the personalized details like the pillow with my initial on it.
Leila Najafi/Business Insider
The hotel clearly pays close attention to little details. My bed was outfitted with a personalized bed pillow emblazoned with my initial, as well as decorative sea creature figurines, binoculars to spot marine mammals, and a luxe backgammon set to play by the fireplace.I was delighted to find a well-stocked minibar with healthier than usual snack options like popcorn, Popchips, assorted nuts, and fine wine from the Central Coast including one of my personal favorites, a DAOU Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. The bar was also outfitted with appliances like a Nespresso coffee machine and Smeg kettle.I also appreciated the carefully curated seaside-inspired book collection, which included “Beaches” by the famed photographer Gray Malin, and other visual page-turners like Pamela Fiori’s “In the Spirit of St. Barths.”
The double-sink bathroom with Toto washlet was definitely a highlight.
Leila Najafi/Business Insider
The double-sink bathroom felt indulgent thanks to a walk-in shower and sleek Toto washlet, accompanied by an elaborate control panel. A pair of waffle weave robes hung on the bathroom door but were too thin for my liking.I was, however, interested in the unique choice of amenities that included thoughtful beach essentials like chapstick, moist toilettes, and energy supplements in addition to Bamford hair and skincare products.
The private balcony offered lovely ocean views.
Leila Najafi/Business Insider
I enjoyed the oceanfront balcony and found myself easing into the lounge chairs throughout the day to feel the warmth of the sun’s rays on my skin and listen to the meditative sounds of waves crashing in the background.Back inside, the custom-made pillow-top king mattress was plush, comfortable, and conducive to a good night’s sleep. However, the humming sound of traffic coming from PCH made it a bit difficult. It’s worth noting that I am a light sleeper and my accompanying friend had no problem sleeping through the sound. If you’re like me, you’ll want to pack earplugs as there’s no changing the fact that the hotel faces PCH on one side.
A partial view of the King Premier Ocean Front room.
Leila Najafi/Business Insider