Casetta Group’s Casa Cody
One of the most popular hospitality groups in California for travelers seeking hotels that tell a story is Casetta. Their team has been providing Californians and those visiting the Golden State, with personalized leisure experiences, elevated service, and appealing design elements. Their ultimate getaway properties include Casa Cody in Palm Springs, The Pearl Hotel in San Diego, and The Surfrider in Malibu.
With their success, they have been taking over other iconic properties to install new life into the structures. They are building new dining concepts and renovating the grounds. With an art-focus approach, the Casetta team embraces localization in design elements and culinary offerings. By preserving the historic integrity of each property, they modernize each one with a focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability.
Casetta in Italian translates to ‘Little House’ or ‘Lodge’ and Casa Cody in Palm Springs is the quintessential Casetta. Known as the oldest operating hotel in town, this property was founded by female pioneer, Harriet Cody, in the 1920s. Her legendary cousin, celebrity William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody, helped put this place on travelers’ maps. Guests will see historical family photos and artwork enhancing the desert storytelling ambiance.
Casseta’s Casa Cody. Photo Jill Weinlein
This property feels like a private desert estate on almost two acres of verdant lawns, citrus trees, and ranch-style guest rooms and stand alone cottages. This has become a popular wedding destination for couples inviting up to 220 guests.
Each morning guests recieve a complimentary light breakfast to enjoy by the pool or in their spacious guest room or patio area overlooking the stunning San Jacinto Mountains. Throughout the day, guests enter the Marketplace for local fare and periodic pop-up food and beverage activations.
Guests lounge by the two swimming pools during the day and visit the private hot whirlpool in the evening. The hotel provides bicycles for a spin into Palm Springs for shopping, touring museums and dining under the stars.
The Pearl in San Diego. Photo by Jill Weinlein
The Pearl in San Diego is a fabulous mid-century, two-story hotel with a sparkling blue outdoor pool. Guests relax in lounge chairs on the deck space to soak up the California sunshine during the day. In the evening this area becomes a poolside dining and drinking venue.
The name of the hotel The Pearl pays homage to female Japanese pearl divers who can hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time. In-room artwork of these remarkable women are displays, as well as ceramics by Wood Metal and Mud, and block prints by Natalie Bessell.
Guests receive a complimentary breakfast spread in the morning at the new dining concept Ponyboy bar.
The Pearl and Ponyboy. Photo By Jill Weinlein
Ponyboy is the brainchild of Ian Ward, the former Bar Director of 3-star Michelin honored Addison for the last 8 years. As Creative Director of ‘Service Animals’ and General Manager of Ian works with Danny Romero, Culinary Director for Service Animals.
Executive Chef Josh Reynolds works with local fishermen, farmers and ranchers to bring the best ingredients onto guests’ plates. Sommelier Kyle South rounds out the dining experience with an impressive array of rare and vintage wines to complement each dish. South is a wine expert and lead sommelier of Addison.
Menu highlights take guests back to a simpler time with Waldorf and ambrosia salads on the menu. Interactive dining includes dipping long and thin metal skewers of fruit, veggies and bread into a cheesy fondue. On some evenings guests can watch a movie on the pool deck as the restaurant is turned into a social club for hotel guests and locals.
The hotel offers guests complimentary bicycles to explore nearby Shelter Island’s waterfront and overlook San Diego Bay and Harbor.
The Surfrider in Malibu. Photo courtesy of Casetta Group
One of the most epic beaches in Malibu, CA is Surfrider Beach. It is located directly across the street from Casetta’s California Beach House-style boutique hotel, The Surfrider.
There are 20 guest rooms and suites in this two story hotel designed with a modern luxe California cultural vibe. Couples staying in one of the two 500-square-foot suites will never want to leave. The Surfrider Suite is ideal for couples seeking a good night’s sleep on a custom designed California King four-poster bed. This luxury suite also has a spa like rain shower, ensuite kitchenette and double-size outdoor terrace with ocean views. Hang out during the day on one of the lounge chairs in comfy Parachute robes, and in the afternoon move onto the hammock.
The only reason to leave the property is to walk across the street to surf, take a walk out to the end of Malibu Pier or stroll on the golden sand as waves tickle one’s toes.
There is also the vaulted ceiling, two-room Malibu Suite with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Malibu Pier and Santa Monica Bay.
The Exclusive Deck Bar and Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Casetta Group
Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant is only for guests staying at the hotel. Soak up the dazzling views of First Point Malibu and beyond while enjoying culinary items and beverages throughout the day.
Farm, ocean and garden to table menu items are complemented with local coffee, Apres surf smoothies, house-made tonics, and chamomile and Manuka honey Hot Toddy’s by the flickering fire pit in the evening. Wines and spirits served in the afternoon and evening are curated from natural and organic vineyards and distilleries.
Music is important at The Surfrider, and sometimes it’s live. The staff compiles worldly favorite music tracks by in-house and internationally acclaimed surfers to add to the coastal ambiance.
Hotel Lucile in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Casetta Group
With the success of these properties, Casetta Group has been busy expanding their portfolio of boutique properties. There are three new properties due to open before the first quarter of 2025.
The Hotel Lucile is located in the hipster neighborhood of Silver Lake. This newly renovated 25-room boutique hotel was once a church built in 1931. Casetta Group has reimagined this space to include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, plus a rooftop lounge offering spellbinding views of the city.
Hotel Marina Riviera. Photo courtesy of Casetta Group
Casetta Groups first boutique mountain retreat is Hotel Marina Riviera along the shores of Big Bear Lake. The cabins at this stellar location property are ready for guests right now, however the team is still building out the new lobby, restaurant and outdoor amenities. Check on their website for availability and the grand opening.
Guests will appreciate the ski-lodge design and views of Big Bear Lake. The vintage style guest rooms have nature inspired art hanging on the walls among warm textiles. Similar to all Casetta properties, comfortable dreamy Parachute Home bed and bath linens add a touch of luxury, as does Aesop bath amenities.
Beyond The Trail is the new bar and intimate lake view dining concept that is scheduled to open hopefully before the end of 2024.
Hotel Marina Riviera provides the charm of the 1960s, with modern cabin design of nostalgia and contemporary comfort. Boating, fishing, skiing, hiking and dining adventures are just outside to experience. Alo Moves provides fitness programming to guests.
Hotel Willa in Taos, New Mexico. Photo courtesy of Casetta Group
Casetta Group has branched outside of California to Taos, New Mexico. Their new art-forward Hotel Willa is in the heart of Taos, providing an intimate Southwest design perspective and modern travel experiences.
The 51-room motel built in the 1940s, offers guests connections to the vibrant cultural landscape of this architectural landmark. A fresh new perspective of this art-filled hotel in Taos’ historic district, celebrates both local culture and memories of the past.
Inspiration from The Taos Pueblo to The Taos Society of Artists, in addition to influential residents, past and present, all have weaved the texture, culture and fascinating scenery. The immense outdoor space overlooks Couse pasture and nearby mountain ranges.
This property is scheduled to open the first quarter of 2025.
Hotel Willa. Photo courtesy of Casetta Group
