California Dreamin’ at Hotel Casa del Mar
Max Jonas, the General Manager at Hotel Casa del Mar has held various positions within Firmdale Hotels for the past 17 years. Jonas hails from the UK and lived in New York for 11 years, where he discovered an unexpected love of baseball. Along with his wife and 2 children, he looks forward to absorbing all the cultural elements that the West Coast has to offer.
Max Jonas — General Manager, Hotel Casa del Mar
You’re from the UK, lived in NY and moved about a year ago to California. What surprised you most about life in Southern California?
Having spent my entire life between London and NYC, I welcome the balanced energy of life and the kind hospitality minded people here in Southern California. The climate plays a major role in providing the luxury of being able to spend so much time outdoors. With our wonderful weather, you cannot help but feel relaxed, healthy, and happy.
What makes Casa del Mar so special?
Casa del Mar has had a headline role in Santa Monica’s history for nearly 100 years and stands as proudly on the beachfront now as it did as a private beach club all those years ago. As a setting for a luxury hotel, it perfectly straddles the feel of both grand and intimate in equal measure.
Where is the postcard shot on property?
The view from the 5th Floor Palm Terrace pool, across the beach to Santa Monica Pier, with the mountains in the distance is stunning. Exclusively reserved for our hotel guests, there is nowhere better to watch the sun setting, cocktail in hand!
What’s your favorite room at the hotel and why?
The Pacific View Suite, a triple aspect two-bedroom suite on the 7th floor is spectacular. As you enter, the arched windows draw your eye to the endless view of the ocean ahead, there’s even a telescope to help pick out the boats on the horizon. The two master suite sized bedrooms face up and down the California coastline, with the expansive living and dining room bathed in light, and plenty of space for the whole family to put their feet up and relax.
What should guests do beyond the beach?
Hit the road! Head north out of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, and you are hugging the coast with Malibu just 25 minutes away, and Santa Barbara beyond. The Getty Villa is only 15 minutes away from Casa del Mar, an extraordinary collection of ancient artifacts and beautiful gardens.
Which dishes should guests not miss experiencing at Catch?
It is all about the seafood at Catch, and I love the Salpicon, a Spanish style ceviche with octopus, mussels, shrimp and calamari. So light and fresh, and a perfect appetizer before the Chilean sea bass with clams and parsley sauce.
What are you most proud of at Casa del Mar?
I am immensely proud to be part of a team that cares so deeply about all that they do. We have a number of staff that have been with us since we opened more than 20 years ago, and who are as passionate about driving the highest standards of product and guest care as I am. It is rare that you find a team that is so invested in bringing the best out of each other, and for whom nothing is too much to ask.
How are guest stays made memorable?
Casa’s location and coastal décor are simply stunning; however, it is our staff who create the lasting memories. We strike to make every guest feel comfortable and at home with us. We uphold our company values every day, affirming that every stay is handled with a great deal of care. Each guest deserves to be understood and taken care of in an individually tailored way.
What do you want Four Hundred members to know about the property?
Hotel Casa del Mar and our sister hotel next door, Shutters on the Beach are the finest boutique hotels in Santa Monica and the only ones located directly on the sand. Guests of either hotel enjoy easy access and charging privileges for each hotel’s spa as well as a plethora of culinary options at all of our ocean view restaurant and lounges, including Patio del Mar, Casa’s new ocean front bistro. We are the consummate Southern California experience as our hotels are designed for luxurious coastal living with our gorgeous pools, beach activities concierge and al fresco dining options. Our nightly entertainment showcases the best acts on the local music scene and our sunsets are picture perfect!
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design
