By Laura Eckstein Jones By Laura Eckstein Jones | November 1, 2022 | Lifestyle, Migration,
The moody entry and library at Orli, a new boutique hotel in La Jolla PHOTO BY JASON SPETH
Integrating bold design with seamless technology, Orli—a new boutique hotel in La Jolla—brings five-star service and a chic sensibility to a reimagined historic property.
One of 13 bespoke guest rooms on-property PHOTO BY JASON SPETH
“The origins of Orli were born out of years of traveling, staying in every manner of hotel or homestay and everything in between,” says Hailey Waitt, who cofounded Orli—a new boutique hotel in La Jolla—with her brother Maxwell Waitt. “We often felt like something was missing, whether that be the amenities offered, the technology (or lack thereof) or even in the rooms themselves. Orli is here to bridge that gap—to offer the discerning traveler a new way to stay, combining unfettered independence, absolute autonomy and exceptional design.”
Co-founders—and siblings—Hailey and Maxwell Waitt collaborated with Axon Architecture and ML Design Co. to transform and restore the property, a 1910-era private residence originally designed by California modernism leader Irving Gill PHOTO BY JASON SPETH
An eye-catching design moment in the penthouse. PHOTO BY JASON SPETH
Located a block from the beach and across from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the 13-room guesthouse was formerly a private residence designed by Irving Gill, who many call the father of California modernism. The siblings worked with Axon Architecture and ML Design Co. to carefully reimagine the landmark residence, which now boasts an art deco-meets-modernism look and feel, with layered, moody shared spaces and lighter, brighter guest rooms. Gill’s influence can be seen throughout. “Most notably, we drew inspiration from his use of arches and repeated that motif in different mediums throughout,” says ML Design Co. principal designer Maddie Lord. “We also focused on iconic elements of the beaches, including the tide pools, which inspired the handblown glass custom chandeliers in the lobby and front entrance.”
A richly layered corner of the entry and library area beckons guests to sit and stay awhile. PHOTO BY JASON SPETH
Service-wise, the Waitt siblings took a streamlined approach. “Your entire stay is managed through the Orli portal, which includes self-check-in, curating your perfect stay, communicating with the Orli concierge, accessing our local guidebook, viewing local offerings and checkout,” says Maxwell. “We want to be there when you need us and not when you don’t.” stayorli.com
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