TL;DR

Beachfront: Directly across from Malibu Pier and golden sands
Design: Earth-friendly minimalism with natural textiles
Views: Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Pacific
Ambience: Just 20 rooms & a palm grove buffer create a calm hideaway
Check prices here

This refurbished boutique hotel along Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway is clearly perfect for surfers, though anyone who likes a beach is going to find something to like.

You’ll be nestled among a small grove of palms that create a buffer from the main road, and beyond that Malibu Pier, golden sands and the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

The Surfrider sports an earth-friendly minimalism, covered in natural textiles and floor-to-ceiling windows that let the California sun pour in.

What are the rooms like?

Comfort: Teak beds, Bellino linens, spa rain showers
Amenities: Minibars, Grown Alchemist toiletries, Parachute robes
Outdoors: Balconies/terraces with hammocks or dining furniture
Unique: Surfer’s Hideout room with private entrance and tub
Design: Live-edge desks and linen couches in select rooms
See each room in detail here

All rooms and suites have gorgeous teak beds, spa rain showers, Bellino linens and minibars.

The bathrooms are fully stocked with Grown Alchemist products and Parachute robes to relax in.

Some rooms will have balconies or terraces with breezy hammocks or dining furniture, the only instance where we would recommend room service instead of visiting the rooftop restaurant.

Others have one-of-a-kind furnishings like live-edge wooden desks and linen couches.

The most unique is ‘The Surfer’s Hideout,’ a 250 square foot ground-floor unit with a private entrance that looks out to the mountains instead of the sea.

You’ll get two free beers when you arrive, and can enjoy them in the properties only bathtub, but be aware that the hideout is intended for the all-day surfer types.

It’s located under the kitchen, and the cooks can start moving around pretty early.

What are prices like?

> Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Dining: Guests-only rooftop bar & restaurant with local cuisine
Drinks: Organic wines, Ayurvedic teas, specialty coffees & cocktails
Surfing: Free locally made surfboards, wetsuits for rent, storage available
Wellness: Paddleboards, yoga, horse riding, and in-room massages
Extras: Complimentary umbrellas, towels, and beach baskets
Convenience: Order picnic baskets to take onto the sand

The guests-only Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant offers the best local cuisine, incredible views, and a laid-back atmosphere.

The menu choices are inspired by organic produce sourced from local farms.

There’s no skimping on beverages, either. From sunrise to sunset, you can enjoy exceptional coffees, Ayurvedic teas, organic wines and unique cocktails.

As you might imagine, beach activities is where The Surfrider really shines.

It’s a surfer’s paradise, with locally crafted surf boards free to use and wetsuits are available for rent.

If you prefer to bring your own gear, they can store it.

Those who aren’t confident surfers are also well-cared for. Talk to the front desk about paddleboards, surf lessons, beach yoga, and horse riding.

After these adventures, talk to them again about an in-room massage.

Or just take complimentary umbrellas, beach baskets, and towels out to the sand.

You can even order a picnic basket from the on-site restaurant.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Location: Peaceful spot on the Pacific Coast Highway
Nearby: Walking distance to Malibu Pier shops & dining
Transport: Complimentary Mini Coopers available for guests
Culture: Short drive to the Getty Museum
Outdoors: Hiking trails, state beaches & coastal viewpoints nearby

The Surfrider gets a lot of its peaceful, laid-back ambience by being outside the main bustle of LA, but if you feel like a break from the beach there’s still plenty to do.

Malibu Pier is walking distance, with some shopping and dining options, but for a real treat we recommend taking one of the complimentary Mini Coopers out for a spin.

If you are thinking to move towards central LA, the Getty Museum is not far and is easily one of Southern California’s best art spaces.

If the goal is to stay out of the city, check out the many hiking trails, state beaches, and viewpoints along the PCH, a stunning drive along an iconic highway.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“The rooms are modern and clean (and looks great). The rooftop experience with the view on the surfer beach is one of a kind experience and the restaurant extremely good. On top, the hotel offers many perks like in room complementary freshly brewed coffee, surf boards and other services. The staff is very professional and super friendly. We definitely recommend this hotel if you want to experience the Malibu surf vibe!.…”

“Location was perfect. Walkable to so many things, especially the beach right across the street. The hotel design was very tasteful, simple, sleek–total Pacific coastal vibes.….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Nothing can be done about this point…but just realize that this isn’t a remote beachfront retreat…it’s right alongside the highway and on a tiny stamp of land, so you can’t meander about. Still a great choice, all things considered. Simply, not a “resort” or a larger property like Laguna’s Hideaway….”

”No fridge to actually use or closet to put bags. My car was hit in the parking lot and the staff could not locate on the cameras who did it. That left me pretty upset….”

> Read all the reviews right here