We’ve spent more time at the new Proper Hotel in Santa Monica than just about any place but home this past year. While the design-forward hotel opened just months ago, our team has been taking everything from meetings to first dates inside the epic lobby and we just can’t quit.

Santa Monica may be famous for it’s iconic beach-side hotels, but The Proper brings a modern, design-forward presence to the Westside unlike anything we’ve experienced — and we’ve just short of moved in. Here’s what you need to know…

What It Is: The Santa Monica Proper is part of a boutique collection of hotels we’ve already come to adore. The Proper in San Francisco is a charming favorite and there are several new projects in play by the hospitality group that have us totally thrilled (hello, DTLA!).

The key to these ornately-furnished, yet subtly-designed properties is interior designer, Kelly Wearstler, one of our longtime favorites and a former TCM Guest Editor (lucky for us, Wearstler is a total health nut!). Kelly is responsible for the micro/macro, New York-meets-Tulum look of the Proper’s very specific and well-styled lobby. Everything in the space is art — from the fresh florals to the sculptural seating. And yet, the space manages to feel light, effortless and comfortable.

Why We Love It:The Santa Monica Proper offers 271 guest rooms and suites inside a winding concrete building. One of our favorite Ayurvedic spas promises to open there later this year and the much-anticipated Onda restaurant overseen by Sqirl’s Jessica Koslow and award-winning Mexican chef Gabriella Camara has already bloomed within it’s walls. The Proper also features a rooftop pool and sprawling lobby that could make any design-nerd drool.

The Proper’s monochromatic palette is peppered with funky modern-minimalist furniture and eclectic art from around the globe. Stay in one of their plush suites for the ultimate 2020 treatment or simply bask in the lobby as we do, tucking under giant arches or within alcoves layered in art to bring a bit of inspiration to Monday morning meetings.

Why You Should Visit: If it’s not obvious from our gushing review, The Proper is one of L.A.’s must-visit properties this year. There’s simply nothing like it in the city and yet, beyond the sweeping scale of the place, the dramatic florals, and wild art pieces, The Proper still manages to envelop us in a sense of total tranquility. Slip in for a visit now before the hype gets totally out of control. To be honest, we’ve delayed our review as long as possible so that we can savor the place all to ourselves!

Take a peek inside our very stylish weekend at The Proper hotel up in San Fransisco.