Huntington Beach bears the nickname “Surf City USA” and for good reason: Bordered by 8.5 miles of the coastline, the seaside city is a well-known destination for surfers, swimmers and lovers of the ocean. Soaking up the sights and the sun right on the coast is the Paséa Hotel & Spa.
Debuting on the waterfront back in 2016, the 250-room hotel channels the energy of the ocean. The hotel underwent a massive $5 million dollar renovation starting in the fall of 2023 and overhauled its food and beverage programs to stay up to date with changing tides. With a new restaurant and refurbished rooftop that opened in May of 2024, the Paséa Hotel & Spa remains a glittering gem on the coast.
From the first few steps inside the lobby, I immediately fell for the hotel’s coastal calm. Greeted with sky-high ceilings lit with lanterns wrapped in sailors knots and textured white walls, the room seemed to go on and on, likely due to the windows that teased the infinity pool and the ocean blue beyond. Among plush white couches and wicker chairs, the vast entryway was peppered with coastal art pieces, from a colorful wave made entirely of flip-flops to an undulating wooden sculpture that ran behind the concierge’s desk. Even the hotel key mimicked a small wooden surfboard, to my excitement.
Zooming up to my room, I discovered that each floor of the hotel corresponds to the various colors of the ocean, from “denim” and “cobalt” all the way to the top level, “sky.” Staying on the “azure” floor, the elevator doors opened to a deep blue and sandy colored carpeted hallway, the floor pooling in places just like the waves outside. Once finding my room, I tapped my key to the Ocean Front suite, and was welcomed with elements of blond woods and white marble and seafoam pillows resting on the king bed, all channeling the California coast. But the real thing lay just beyond the balcony.
Drawing back the sheer curtains, I actually gasped at the 180-degree views of the beautiful Pacific Coast before me. Throughout my three-night stay, I always found time for the balcony, stealing a quiet calm among the sounds of the beach or cheering to the night sky with a glass of wine. And while I reasoned I couldn’t spend all of my time out on the balcony, I could spend plenty of it with the view as the sliding door took over an entire wall. Even while in the bathroom I could take in the sights, thanks to the glass-walled shower. While the bolder among us could towel off with a view, I figured it was best to slide the wooden door closed when showering for a bit of privacy.
More relaxation can be found around the property, in particular, the Aarna Spa located on the ground floor. The spa can be found down a long hallway that slowly transitions you from the coast of California to the far reaches of Bali. Pushing past the ornate doors imported from India, the 5,800-square-foot spa features eight treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt room that hosts weekly yoga classes and sound baths and an outdoor relaxation garden to find a quiet peace. After a relaxing massage, I took my time enjoying the facilities, finding quiet in the steam room and sauna.
But with new dining digs to discover, I showered up and found myself at Lōrea. The coastal-inspired restaurant welcomes guests with a 77-foot long stone bar, an open kitchen and several walnut dining tables to gather around. The largest part of the renovation? Actually seeing the ocean. Retractable windows and doors bring the outdoors inside, allowing for sea-salt air to waft around while you eat. But for me, the best seat in the house was on its covered, heated patio, the ocean only a head turn away.
Chef Scott Rackliff runs the kitchen here, and he too takes cues from the land and the coast. The menu plays it relatively safe, as “Land” based entrées are heavy on steak with one lamb option flown in from New Zealand, while the “Sea” plucks salmon, cod and yellowfin tuna from the water. But that isn’t to say that safe isn’t done incredibly well, as the massive, 32-ounce Tomahawk Steak gave both dinner and a show with the cleaned bone hanging above the meat. Hints of his background working under David Burke and a stint at Eleven Madison Park come out to play here and there, as Parker House Rolls come with a Turkish-chili lime butter and the deconstructed Pavlova is made more eyecatching with the addition of dry ice.
As for early birds, breakfast is served during the weekdays, brunch during the weekends. I appreciated that healthy options could be here, as breakfast included a full list of cold pressed juices and a very refreshing Pineapple Green Smoothie with a base of coconut water. However, the “Lighter” entrees are good if you plan to share, overwhelming if you didn’t as portion sizes for both the Smoked Salmon Flatbread and the Avocado Toast can easily feed two. But if you come with a group, then, I reason, sharing is caring.
But any visit to Pasea Hotel & Spa would be remiss without a visit to the outdoor Treehouse on PCH. As I climbed the stairs to the second floor, the life-sized tree sculpture came into view, fashioned with wicker basket lights that hovered over the bar. I’d recommend enjoying one drink under the “shade” before taking to one of the many cabanas and sofas to take in the 360-degree views. And if the weather is on the cooler side, the bar has firepits and blankets to keep you toasty. Keep in mind, the rooftop can turn into a bit of a party with a live DJ on the weekends, so come ready with dancing shoes or arrive earlier if a night of relaxation was planned.
But if I had to redo it again, I’d head to the rooftop during the sunset hour, order the thyme and tarragon-infused Lorea-tini with fresh flowers floating on the top and say farewell to the sun as it dips over the horizon.
Neighborhood
Paséa Hotel & Spa is at the heart of Huntington Beach, its property only a short walk away from the shore and the Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest piers in the West Coast. Only an hour drive away from Central Los Angeles (depending on traffic, of course), this coastal town is all about taking it easy over sand, surf and sun.
Nearby
Go to the beach: With 8.5 miles of uninterrupted coastline, a trip to the beach is an absolute must, whether you go for a swim, host a bonfire on the sand or bike down the paved stretch that is Huntington Beach Bike Trail. But since Huntington Beach holds the title of Surf City, USA, picking up a board and riding the waves is a must. Don’t know how to surf? Pick up a lesson from one of the area’s many local teachers, including Corky Carroll’s Surf School, founded by one of the first professional surfers.
Visit the Old World Village: A slice of Germany can be found in California. Modeled after a Bavarian village, Old World Village is known for its shops, beer halls and eateries from strudel shops and German delis. If you happen to visit around fall, follow the sound of polka music for an Oktoberfest experience like no other.
Snap a shot of the world’s largest surfboard: What better way to welcome people to the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum than with the world’s largest surfboard on display? Rightfully nicknamed “Megalodon,” the 42-foot, 1,350lb board took its first and only surf on June 22, 2015. Sixty-six people rode the wave for 12 seconds, breaking two Guinness World Records: one for world’s largest surfboard, and the other for the most people riding a surfboard at once. You can find it anchored like a billboard right outside the museum, truly, the best way to advertise.
Time Out tip
The hotel’s Ninth Island Pool Bar offers weekday pool passes so all can unwind in the hot tub and relax in the cabana. Poolside snacking is most definitely a thing here, just flag down a server for cocktails by the water.