Case Study: Corner Suite Renovations
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, Huntington Beach, CA
The Challenge
Overlooking Huntington Beach’s surf and sand, these corner suites had a wonderful setting, but their interiors offered little connection to the vibrant coastal life outside. After approximately 40 years without renovation, the spaces felt dark and tired, with heavy furnishings, dated finishes and an enclosed layout that concealed their potential.
The bedrooms were particularly disconnected, feeling like dark storerooms despite the beach views available from the adjoining living room. Existing wall furouts occupied valuable space, while the furniture arrangements did little to encourage relaxed conversation or make the suites feel comfortably to settle in.
The bathrooms shared the same dated character. Dark cabinetry, brown countertops and extensive beige tile created a heavy very dated atmosphere, while bulky built-in whirlpool surrounds dominated the bathing alcoves.
Our challenge was to reveal the possibilities within the existing suites, improving their comfort and functionality while giving them a fresh personality rooted in Huntington Beach’s light, landscape and playful surf culture.
The Solution: A Story Drawn from Surf and Sand
The design required more than a new palette and furniture selection. We looked closely at the architecture, identifying where a carefully placed opening or a reworked wall could improve the experience of the entire suite. One of the most effective interventions was creating an opening between the bedroom and living room, fitted with a sliding barn door. With the door open, the bedroom gained a visual connection to the beach view beyond; closed, it retained the privacy guests need.
We also lowered portions of the existing furred-out walls to create a luggage bench and window seat, turning previously underused areas into useful, inviting features. These changes made the rooms feel more connected and gave guests greater flexibility in how they occupied the space.
The interior palette takes its cues from salty air, waves and sandy beaches. Soft ivory and warm neutrals establish a light, restful foundation, complemented by wood, cognac leather and vivid ocean-inspired artwork. Sheer drapery softens the daylight, while textured upholstery and rounded furniture forms give the suites a welcoming residential quality. The coastal character emerges through color, material and atmosphere, allowing the rooms to feel closely connected to their coastal setting.
We selected furniture to create a playful dialogue between different pieces, balancing sculptural shapes with familiar comforts. Low-profile swivel chairs bring flexibility to the living areas, allowing guests to turn toward one another, enjoy the view or settle into a quiet moment of their own.
Dining spaces invite shared meals and leisurely mornings, while the bedrooms offer a calmer setting for rest. Each area has its own purpose, contributing to a suite that guests can comfortably inhabit throughout their stay.
The bathrooms deserved the same attention. Dark cabinetry, brown countertops and bulky built-in whirlpool surrounds gave way to open wood vanities, pale surfaces and sculptural white basins. Rounded illuminated mirrors and warm metallic accents bring softness, while freestanding sculptural tubs against shimmering mosaic walls create an inviting place to unwind after a day at the beach. The coastal story now carries through the entire suite.
The Transformation
The completed renovation gives the corner suites a fresh coastal personality and a stronger relationship with Huntington Beach. Brighter interiors, thoughtful architectural changes and inviting furniture arrangements reveal qualities that had long been overshadowed.
For us, the project demonstrates how much possibility can exist within an established hotel. By reconsidering the way guests see, move through and spend time in a room, renovation can create a richer experience from the space already there.
Together, these changes give the corner suites an inviting residential quality and a stronger sense of place. The renovation reveals what was already special about their setting, creating fresh, comfortable coastal retreats where guests can gather, recharge and enjoy Surf City - Huntington Beach at their own pace.
For hotel developers and managers, this is the opportunity in renovation: looking closely at what an existing room could become. An awkward wall, an isolated bedroom or a tired bathroom may hold the possibility of a much better guest experience - and a more compelling suite to offer.
Large developments take years to realize, often with confidentiality agreements that keep the work out of sight. Within a few months, a renovation can reveal an entirely new character, ready for guests to enjoy.
What potential is hiding in your existing guestrooms?
