Name: Shade Hotel
Address: 1221 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, California, 90266, USA
Telephone: 1-310-546–4995
Price range: $$$

Fodor's Expert Review

Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach aims to keep you cool while having fun in or out of the sun. Located only two blocks from the beach, and right in the heart of the bustling MB nightlife scene, Shade is a great boutique spot for LA staycationers, ocean lovers, and even small groups looking for a weekend party scene.

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Room

Nautical themes bathe the hotel in teal shades and the rooms are no different. Here you’ll find balconies with ocean views (ask for these), Keurig coffeemakers, free water, and for fussy sleepers--a pillow library to ensure your neck is in a perfect position.

Tip The hotel is partners with Plants with a Purpose and for each night that you forgo housekeeping, the hotel plants a tree in your honor.

Bathroom

Every room in the hotel has a giant Jacuzzi tub – some open to the rest of the room (don’t worry if you’re shy, you can close the bathroom off). Lather and Anderson Lilley products adorn the countertops and if you book a suite, you’ll be encased in chromotherapy lighting, which for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder can help with both physical and mental symptoms.

Lobby

There isn’t much of a separate lobby--basically where you check in is also where the bar and restaurant reside. So, with that said, the lobby is a bumping bar and restaurant in the late afternoon.

Pool

Technically there is a pool, but it’s more the sit on the side and dip your toes in type, since it’s pretty much as small as a pool can get. Dubbed the Skydeck, there is full service for food and drinks and once a month, there’s a wet and wild pool party that’s open to the public.

Spa

There’s no dedicated spa here, but the hotel teams up with Trilogy Spa, which is practically next door in case the chromotherapy lights aren’t doing their job in your suite.

Gym

While there’s no gym on the property, the hotel has free passes to Equinox.

Tip The hotel offers complimentary yoga on the Skydeck every Monday and Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

Dining

Zinc at Shade is the hotel’s signature restaurant with plush seating inside and a patio that looks out on a vast Manhattan Beach courtyard filled with restaurants and shops. The modern American cuisine is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a free breakfast buffet for guests.

Drinking

Zinc Lounge is part of the restaurant and has a wicked good happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with half priced beers, wine, appetizers, and more.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

This area is incredibly walkable, but if you want to get out and about, we would actually suggest renting a car. Parking at the hotel is only $20 a night (cheap for LA), and will give you access to the entire South Bay, Venice, Santa Monica, and even Malibu. An ideal location, Shade is walking distance to the Manhattan Beach pier, restaurants, bars, shopping, and more. The area is safe, bustling, and ideal for beach-lovers.

Restaurants

Next door to the hotel is the groovy café Lemonade (1-minute walk) with great salads and sandwiches. For some fine Italian fare, check out Love & Salt (2-minute walk).

Bars

There is no shortage of bar options in this Manhattan Beach neighborhood. Walk towards the pier and bar crawl along Manhattan Beach Blvd. Start at Simmzy’s (2-minute walk), make a second stop at Brewco (5-minute walk), and end things at Shellback Tavern (6-minute walk).