Talk Shop: Aileen Carreon // Shutters on the Beach & Hotel Casa Del Mar
ABOUT AILEEN
Aileen Carreon is the VP of Sales & Marketing at Shutters on the Beach, the iconic Santa Monica beach hotel. Previous to this, Aileen culled over two decades of hospitality experience with roles at some of the chicest hotels in LA, like The West Hollywood Edition, The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, and The Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Hills. She specializes in hotel opening strategy, managing accounts, and directing sales teams for major luxury business hotels. Her extensive hospitality experience has led her to lead Sales and Marketing for Shutters on the Beach and its sister property Hotel Casa del Mar. She is a true expert on the LA area, and cultivating sanctuaries for jet-setters, celebrities, and stylish locals. We hope you enjoy this interview with Aileen!
Describe your style in three words or less.
Timeless but edgy.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life?
My career in the hospitality industry and my passion for design.
How did you find yourself in the luxury travel space and what is your favorite thing about what you do?
I love how luxury travel is bespoke. If you can imagine it, a true luxury hotel can deliver it.
What does your home say about you?
My home fits my lifestyle and reflects who I am. Everything is curated and with a purpose. I truly believe clutter is noise, so I avoid it at all costs. I find it distracting. Simple with clean lines help me stay zen and focused.
Where do you find inspiration?
Travel, of course.
Who are your style icons?
I really admire Maria GraziaChiuri and Virginie Viard.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining?
Great cocktails! I can always rely on the team at the hotel to share their cocktail recipes.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken?
White is not seasonal in LA. I break this rule all the time. I don’t like to mix metals. I like the continuity of the same metal finish.
What are you working on right now, both professionally and personally?
I’m currently renovating parts of my home. While living at home during a renovation can be stress inducing, I am actually really enjoying it. My home was built in 1920, so integrating some of its original features with my love of simple aesthetics is fun for me and is a rewarding creative outlet.
Wardrobe staples?
Gianvito Rossi classic pumps and Tom Ford sunglasses. I have them in nearly every color.
Favorite travel destinations?
Anywhere in Italy.
Best interior advice you ever received?
I once read a quote from Jean-Louis DeNoit “Luxury is when it seems flawless, when you reach the right balance between all elements. Understated theatricality . . . “
Types of home purchases you invest in and save on?
Splurge on the best rug I can afford.
Your greatest extravagance?
Barbara Barry dining table and chairs. So luxe.
Favorite places to shop for home?
ABC Home in New York and the PDC in LA.
Your interiors motto?
Clutter is noise, so I keep things simple.
Advice for someone interested in luxury hospitality design?
Visit as many luxury hotels as you can, even if you can’t afford to stay in them. If possible, take a walk around, ask the front desk to show you a room (they’re usually very happy to do this). Take note of all the details and maybe even enjoy a drink at the bar to experience the atmosphere.
Take Ten: My Favorite...
Food: Sushi
Drink: Billecart Salmon Champagnes
Film: Il Postino (1994)
Hotel: Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, of course! But my favorite international hotel has got to be The Peninsula Hong Kong
City: San Francisco
Bedding: Restoration Hardware Italian Heritage Washed Linen
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Matcha or nothing!
Playlist: Depends on my mood – from House to Pop
Weekend Activity: Learning to play golf
Design Book: Annie Leibovitz Sumo Book