Motel Opening in La Salsa Building

"La Salsa Man" is staying.

Holly Bieler · July 27, 2026

One of Malibu's most beloved landmarks is getting a new life.

The old La Salsa property near Broad Beach, home of the 22-foot fiberglass [“La Salsa Man”](https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/16209), will become the site of a small motel, after a 5-0 [City Council vote](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0-cU7O98Ls) on Wednesday.

Called the Malibu Suites, the motel will operate 9 suite-style rooms out of a shuttered apartment building next to La Salsa, with the old restaurant set to become a manager’s office.

At an average rate of $415 per night, the motel will be one of the city’s cheapest accommodations.

“Only in Malibu would a $600 hotel room count as a low-cost option,” said council member Doug Stewart.

That “low-cost” price tag will mean less amenities. The new motel won’t have a lobby, nor will it maintain staff on-site full-time.

This fact drew some ire from local resident advocacy group the Malibu Township Council. Members argued the property would in essence operate as an unstaffed short-term rental compound, under the motel label.

The City Council approved the new motel nonetheless, with an important caveat.

The project's signage condition was amended so the “La Salsa Man” cannot be altered without a city permit.

We don't want the guy to disappear," said councilmember Haylynn Conrad.