Paradise Found: Chic Coastal Hotels

From sunny Southern California to uber-hip Miami and tropical Key West, the design world's brightest stars are giving high-end hotels looks worth stealing. Bring coastal hotel style home with ideas inspired by their designs.

By: H. Camille Smith

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Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Fla.

Opened in 1920, this historic hotel was planned by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler as a tropical destination for well-to-do passengers of his Overseas Railroad. Designed by famed architects Thomas Hastings and John M. Carrera (who also designed the Metropolitan Opera House and Public Library in New York), the hotel's classic Spanish revival exterior and lush grounds have earned it acceptance into the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel has hosted presidents and celebrities, such as Cary Grant, Gregory Peck and Rita Hayworth, and has served as officers' quarters for the U.S. Navy during World War II, then later as home base for the Army's Sixth Missile Battalion during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

Designed by tastemaker Kelly Wearstler, the hotel's suites are certainly cosmopolitan, blending her signature Hollywood regency style with a watery color palette and a touch of Asian influence. Image courtesy of Viceroy Miami

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica Calif.

Definitely a spot to see and be seen, the hotel's pool area is as renowned for celebrity sightings as it is for its timeless Old Hollywood look. Designer Kelly Wearstler oversaw every detail, filling the outdoor space with comfortable chaise longues for sun seekers and luxurious sheltered pavilions for guests desiring a bit of privacy. Image courtesy of Viceroy Santa Monica

Four Seasons Maui, Maui, Hawaii

Sitting oceanfront on calm Wailea beach, this impeccably landscaped 15-acre resort has become a favorite getaway for celebs and well-to-do families alike. The property's three saltwater pools, illuminated fountains and cascading water features are just some of the hotel's many draws. The property also houses an extensive contemporary Hawaiian art collection and an outpost of celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica Calif.

Epitomizing Southern California's indoor/outdoor lifestyle, the patio dining area at the hotel's award-winning restaurant, Whist, boasts upholstered wingback dining chairs and a feature wall covered in vintage English transferware. Image courtesy of Viceroy Santa Monica

The Setai, Miami, Fla.

This award-winning hotel blends Asian Zen principles with a decidedly modern aesthetic. Lead designer and architect Jean-Michel Gathy created this peaceful outdoor water garden where guests can sit quietly at one with nature or enjoy sophisticated nibbles in sunken dining areas. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

The Kahala Hotel and Resort, Oahu, Hawaii

Built in 1964 by hotel magnate Conrad Hilton in Kahala — a secluded and exclusive residential area 10 minutes away from touristy, bustling Waikiki — the property has hosted a who's-who of celebrities, royals and presidents since its opening. In fact, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton spent their first honeymoon here soon after the resort's opening. The guest rooms have since undergone a massive renovation to create one of the largest deluxe rooms in Hawaii, each with his-and-her bathroom vanities, walk-in closets and a traditional-meets-tropical aesthetic. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

Designer Kelly Wearstler fearlessly used a color palette of spicy orange, slate gray and chartreuse to create a dramatic backdrop for restaurant Eos's acclaimed Mediterranean menu of sophisticated health-conscious bites. Image courtesy of Viceroy Miami

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Unlike South Beach's glitzy art deco hotels, the design aesthetic at the W is thoroughly modern. Designer Anna Busta gave the lobby's "living room" an art-gallery-meets-hip-nightclub feel with soaring dark marble walls, deep Italian leather sofas and massive tufted benches. A nearby bar serves signature cocktails, or guests can grab a bite at Mr. Chow's outpost eatery. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Calif.

Mirrored panels behind the bed create a decorative architectural element that functions to make the room appear both larger and brighter. Sand-colored grass cloth on the walls and between the ceiling's coffers adds a warm tone that helps to break up the room's cool white, gray and black color scheme. Image courtesy of Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

The hotel's bathrooms are a spare-no-expense spa-like experience with Sferra linens, Neil George toiletries and Kelly Wearstler's glamorous design touches. She combined sleek modern fixtures with black, green and white marble, wall-to-wall mirrors and Asian-inspired screens. Image courtesy of Viceroy Miami

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

Located on the hotel's fifteenth floor, this rooftop eatery offers spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and scores of scantily clad beautiful people sunning themselves around what many consider the best pool in Miami — a 300-foot-long infinity pool that's the largest in the state. Image courtesy of Viceroy Miami

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Large and luxurious, this bathroom feels spa-like with dual sinks, wall-to-wall stone surfaces, a walk-in shower with body jets and clear glass panels that let in lots of light. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica Calif.

Guests of the hotel can enjoy a romantic dinner alfresco at one of the private cabanas located outside the hotel's restaurant, Whist. Cast-iron horsehead hitching posts stand sentinel while the cabana's black-and-white color scheme, massive shield mirror and Chinese Chippendale chairs evoke the glamour of Hollywood regency style. Image courtesy of Viceroy Santa Monica

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Truly a room with a view, each of the hotel's 312 rooms boasts an oceanfront balcony. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with sunlight and allow you to take in the view even while lounging indoors. W Hotels' renowned modern styling is evident in the sleek faux-bois ceramic tile floor, sculptural acrylic room divider and mirrored headboard. Two flat-screen TVs (one in the bedroom, another in the living room), 310-thread-count Egyptian linens and a stocked bar area make this suite a cut above the rest. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

Sheraton Delfina, Santa Monica, Calif.

Just minutes from the Getty where art lovers can lose themselves in the museum's world-renowned collection, the hotel's soaring lobby features a display uniquely its own: vintage shell lithographs hung gallery style to create an attention-grabbing grouping. Image courtesy of Sheraton Delfina

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

For a fee, guests can enjoy a private poolside cabana complete with a mini-fridge and a deep, cushy sectional. And because pets are welcome at all W hotels, your best friend can curl up on the sofa with you while you enjoy one of the hotel's signature cocktails or just enjoy the scenery. Image courtesy of Oyster.com

Paradise Found: Chic Coastal Hotels

Related To:

Shop This Look

Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Fla.

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica Calif.

Four Seasons Maui, Maui, Hawaii

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica Calif.

The Setai, Miami, Fla.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort, Oahu, Hawaii

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Calif.

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

Viceroy Miami, Miami, Fla.

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica Calif.

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Sheraton Delfina, Santa Monica, Calif.

W South Beach, Miami, Fla.

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