The funky Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort with its idyllic seafront location and surfer-style vibe located almost opposite the iconic pier, exudes an appealing sense of casual, stylish yet playful decorum.
You will find it at a sensational location on the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. It is a side entrance via a flight of stairs or a lift to the reception and a colourful check-in desk behind which stand a team of highly motivated and intelligent reception staff. It’s efficient, seamless stuff.
Kimpton Shorebreak colourful reception
The area is flanked by an open-plan restaurant to one side and an area with ping-pong tables which leads to a courtyard. You can just relax in the courtyard or play giant chess and other games. At night the fire pits are lit mainly to enjoy bottomless S’mores – biscuits chocolate and marshmallows cooked over the ‘beach’ fires. These are supplied at reception and you can go back as many times as you can handle.
Incidentally, they love dogs here and they get to eat for free. It’s so popular with pet owners that at times the lobby and communal areas can look a little like a pampered pooch catwalk.
Who for
Anyone would enjoy a stay at this community-minded, upbeat hotel dressed in sunny colours and plenty of luxury trimmings.
Accommodation
Kimpton Shorebreak bedroom
Spacious rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy beds, flat-screen TV, a balcony and massive bathrooms. Everything you need for a good night’s sleep.
Food and Drink
The hotel has its own Pacific Hideaway Restaurant which offers American-style food, with large portions served by smiling staff. It has a bar too, with plenty of cocktail options.
In the morning, it’s free coffee in the lobby and every afternoon between 5-6pm there is a wine hour, with all you can drink in that time. After nightfall it’s all you can eat S’mores around the fire pits in the courtyard – bet you can’t eat more than one portion.
Enjoying S’mors by the fire pits after nightfall
Facilities
There’s no pool but who cares when there’s a fantastic beach right opposite. Watch the surfers or join in. You can hire a bike (cruiser) from the hotel to check out the seafront scenery. And if you fancy lazing in the sun, you’ll get free towels and even a beach chair to take with you.
The gym has everything you need from kettlebells and even a challenging 40ft climbing wall. Other services include surfboard lockers, bike racks and golf club storage.
Wi-FI
Yes, its free.
How much:
Rooms from: $201 / £152 per night plus a $30.00 daily resort fee plus tax
What’s nearby
The beach is opposite, just steps away. You can also walk along the pier, passing the fishermen, and have breakfast in the restaurant at the end of it. Or stop and stare at the early morning surfers. About a quarter of a mile away (easy walk) is Pacific City – a buzzy complex of shops, bars and restaurants.
For more information check out www.surfcityusa.com