LE MERIGOT SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL: SANTA MONICA’S NEWEST LUXURY PROPERTY
First Beachfront Property Built in Six Years Houses Large Spa, Fine Dining Restaurant, Expansive Meeting Facilities and 175 Rooms of Luxury Accommodations.

September 22, 1999
SANTA MONICA, CA -- Le Merigot Santa Monica Beach Hotel comes at a time when there is much anticipation about the revitalization of Ocean Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. The first hotel to be built from a vacant lot in Santa Monica in over six years is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Under the direction of General Manager Sig Ortloff and a talented staff procured from some of Los Angeles’ and the nation’s premiere hospitality venues, Le Merigot is poised to deliver an unparalleled experience of European elegance at the beach.

Literally and figuratively, Le Merigot is positioned between its neighboring competition of Shutters and Loews Santa Monica Beach hotels. It boasts a relaxed atmosphere in a more formal setting while avoiding convention-style mentality. It retains a fresh boutique-business feeling. The Spa Le Merigot, on the Pool Terrace, is twice the size of any other day spa in the area at 5,500 square feet. Le Merigot’s atypical hotel spa experience provides a melding of mind, body and spirit designed with life-enhancing treatments as "necessity not amenity." The relaxation and rejuvenation continues poolside with myriad services to include kick-boxing, personal training, Pilates, massage, full-body facials by Nerida Joy, special menus and Ole Henriksen skin care products.

At Cézanne, Le Merigot’s fine dining restaurant, Executive Chef Chris Blobaum promises a health-conscious approach to a classic French offering with Pacific Rim touches. A member of Slowfood and the Chef’s Collaborative, Blobaum takes a pro-active approach within the community he serves and proudly implements a "field to table" philosophy. He will also oversee Café Promenade’s casual fare and all other food and beverage operations at the hotel.

Le Merigot’s guestrooms and suites are well equipped with up-to-the-minute amenities, plush appointments and ultra-comfortable surroundings. Two stunning deluxe suites, with double balconies each, are located in the penthouse and on beach level. Ocean view and superior ocean view rooms take full advantage of the blue Pacific just steps away.

There is over 12,000-square-feet of meeting space available, accommodating up to 220 guests in a single location (Pacific Room) and two levels poolside which can accommodate over 600: the Courtyard Terrace and the Pool Terrace. An elaborate boardroom (Directors Room), banquet suite and meeting room (Santa Monica Room and Pacific Room) which are located on different levels and can be configured into a variety of spaces, allow for event exclusivity at all times. Leather blotters and coasters, imported candies in silver caddies, and complimentary Evian in marble chillers add prestige to the business suite booking. Café Promenade, open for breakfast and lunch, is also available for special functions in the evenings. Of the 13 ocean view suites, many are equipped with over-sized balconies ideal for corporate entertaining. A self-service business center, conference-style concierge desk and Butler Express (a one-stop shopping department which guests can use for all requests), round out premier attention to guest services.

The contemporary maroon-trimmed crème structure exudes clean lines and is a welcome and distinct addition to the Santa Monica beach skyline. Le Merigot’s Mediterranean detail becomes evident as guests pass a large bank of windows opening onto the lobby after entering from the porte cochere. European flair executed in alternately sleek and overstuffed furnishings is warmed in earth tones of beige, olive and sage that continues throughout the hotel. Guests congregating in the lobby will be served cocktail and tea service from Le Troquet, an intimate walk-up bar directly across from the reception area. Venetiart walls, natural materials of granite, slate and fine wood continue the temper of European sophistication as guests are drawn through the lobby. Gurgling fountains and waterfalls open onto the multi-level courtyard overlooking the pool and cabanas facing the ocean beyond.

Le Merigot Santa Monica Beach Hotel, located nine miles north of Los Angeles International Airport, is scheduled to open in October 1999. The hotel features 175-luxury guest accommodations, including 13 superior deluxe suites; a 5,500-square-foot spa and health club; the Cézanne restaurant offering fine dining at every meal; the Café Promenade offering casual dining in an elegant setting; and 12,000-square-feet of social and meeting space complete with video-conferencing capabilities for conferences, board meetings and banquets. The hotel is located at 1740 Ocean Boulevard in Santa Monica, California. Reservations can be made by calling 800/926-9524.