After More Than 6 Decades, Casa Malibu To Close Doors

MALIBU (CBSLA.com) — After more than six decades on the beach, the iconic Casa Malibu Inn will close its doors next week.

"It's the end of the era," said Richard Page, who operates Casa Malibu with his wife.

Since the 1950s, the 21-room beachfront hotel has hosted families and celebrities alike, including Robert DeNiro, Susan Sarandon and Tony Orlando, among others.

Unlike its neighbors on the Pacific Coast Highway, the facade of Casa Malibu has not changed much over the years.

"They just enjoy coming to where it's fresh and unpretentious," said Page.

Longtime guests came to say their goodbyes to the iconic hotel, which will close its doors for good Sept. 10.

"This was our home away from home," said Melony Jorenson, who first honeymooned at the Casa Malibu with her husband Scott 34 years ago. "We would come two or three times a year, and we would walk in and say 'we're home'."

"It hurts really to see corporate guys come in here and wipe everything out," said Scott Jorenson.

In an interview last month with lifestyle magazine Haute Living, the chef of neighboring restaurant Nobu Malibu discussed plans to develop a Nobu Hotel.

The current property will be demolished, according to Page.

"We had been trying to buy it for a number of years," said Page. "A fellow came in and offered so much money that the property owner couldn't pass it up."

Page and his wife plan to retire, but say they will stay in touch with longtime guests.

"Everyone's in favor of tear down the old and build the new, and it's just a lovely, lovely throwback to another time," said hotel guest Serena Duff.

"It's sad," another guest said. "There will never be another Casa Malibu."