Despite serving as a coastal enclave for the top one percent, Malibu is—at its core—a surf town. Take Hotel June Malibu, a collection of 13 interconnected bungalows tucked away just off of Pacific Coast Highway that speaks to the city’s bohemian origins. Originally built in 1949 as the Malibu Riviera Hotel by newlyweds Wayne and Helen Wilcox, this PCH fixture was one of the very first motels built in Malibu and has remained in operation since opening.
The hotel’s current owners purchased it in 2015 from Wayne and Helen’s son, Gary after the property had fallen into disrepair, vowing to restore and preserve the mid-century modern icon. Now, guests can experience this slice of Malibu history in all its nostalgic glory.
Each of the 13 bungalows comes with a king-size Casper bed, Aesop bath products, a walk-in shower, and private patio with garden views and a hammock. The walls are painted a crisp shade of white, but warm accents like original photography by Wayne Wilcox and wooden furniture infuse the space with vintage sensibilities.
A heated swimming pool and deck is available exclusively to guests and open year-round. And while there’s no on-property restaurant, takeaway bites for breakfast and snacks are on offer. (You can ‘build a board’ from their pantry with provisions like meats, cheeses, and dips—a stellar idea for an afternoon spent by the pool.)
Hotel June Malibu is situated at the Kanan-Dume junction in the Point Dume neighborhood of Malibu. It’s quieter than other parts of town, such as the country mart or Surfrider Beach (where the pier is located). As such, a stay in one of the bungalows lends a calmer Malibu experience, the way it was before celebrity culture moved in and luxury brands flooded storefronts.
If you’re lucky enough to land in bungalow 13, you’ll be sharing the same digs that Bob Dylan stayed in for over a month during the 1970s. It’s within this same bungalow that the musician began writing Blood on the Tracks (widely considered his greatest album, and more broadly speaking, one of the greatest records of all time).
Top Takeaways
Location: Malibu, California
Address: 28920 Pacific Coast Highway
The Vibe: An intimate collection of interconnected bungalows with a mid-century modern feel in a quiet pocket of Malibu.
Food + Drink: There’s no on-property restaurant but the hotel offers a menu of takeaway bites that are well-suited for breakfast (pastries, overnight oats, greek yogurt) or a light lunch (greek salad, meats and cheeses, crackers and chips).
Amenities: Outdoor pool, Linus bikes, surfboards, yoga mats, Open Mindfulness Studio subscription, in-room Soothe services, Casper beds, Aesop bath products, private patios with hammocks. Â
Any personal neighborhood recs? Grab a breakfast burrito and coffee at nearby Lily’s Malibu and take it to Point Dume Beach for a laidback start to the day.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: Despite being equipped with contemporary amenities, there’s a sense of nostalgia that hovers over the property grounds. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and feels distinctly Californian. Also, the private hammock is pretty glorious for a sun-dappled afternoon nap.
What’s nearby? The hotel is located near several beaches and hiking trails. A few standouts include Escondido Falls trail and the Point Dume Cove trail. If you need to grab some provisions for a day at the beach, head to nearby Trancas Country Market. And don’t miss out on El Matador State Beach for its striking sea stacks or Neptune’s Net for their burgers and beers overlooking the ocean.
Rooms: 13 bungalows
Pricing: Rooms start at $356 per night
Closest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
