Santa Monica is one of Los Angeles, California’s most popular beachside cities and home to one of the most visited piers in North America. This stretch of sand is dotted with eclectic restaurants, lively bars and trendy shops – not to mention the Ferris wheel on its famed pier – lending it a perpetually hip vibe. Think rollerblades, food trucks and cocktails in bikinis.
Accommodation in Santa Monica runs the gamut, from budget bungalows to regal, five-star resorts, all within a few blocks of the sprawling beachfront and vibrant boardwalk.
Hotel Casa Del Mar
You’ll get the best view in town at Hotel Casa Del Mar. Right at the sand’s edge, this beautiful hotel affords uninterrupted ocean views and feels far away from the urban heart of Los Angeles.
Guest rooms are ideal for those seeking classic luxury in a relaxed setting, and there’s fun to be had in the pool and fitness centre, too.
Spectacular ocean views from the Hotel Casa Del Mar (Image: Hotel Casa Del Mar)
Loews Santa Monica Beach
The recently redesigned Loews Santa Monica is modern, bright and airy. The hotel boasts excellent seafood, a fitness centre right on the beach, pampering wellness treatments and a pool that looks straight out on the grand Pacific Ocean.
Just minutes away from also-iconic California beaches Venice Beach and Malibu, Loews is the perfect base from which to explore this picturesque part of California’s coastline.
Shutters On The Beach
If you’re after a hotel right on the beach, Shutters on the Beach ticks that box and more. Nothing stands between the hotel and the sand at this iconic spot in the centre of Santa Monica, which feels just the way you’d expect a California beach house to feel.
As if the idyllic location is not enough, Shutters on the Beach also serves up fresh seafood, relaxing massages and evening cocktails by the sea.
What you can expect from your Ocean View Room (Image: Shutters On The Beach)
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Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel
With stunning ocean views, inspired interior design, and stately guest rooms and suites, the Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel is an impressive place to lay your head.
Classified as the chic beach hotel in Santa Monica, the Huntley provides premium guest room amenities, a private car service, nightly turndown service, a health and fitness facility, daily laundry service and two restaurants.
Viceroy Santa Monica
A classic Californian hotel, the Viceroy oozes relaxed luxury. The hotel provides guests with two bikes per room – perfect for pedalling down famous Santa Monica Boulevard.
When you’re back from your bike ride, cool off in one of two outdoor plunge pools, find a good beach read in the guest library, continue your exercise regimen with an on-site fitness class or check out the seasonal and family-friendly entertainment on offer.
Make use of the complimentary bikes to explore Santa Monica (Image: Viceroy Santa Monica)
Wyndham Santa Monica At The Pier
Right in front of the Santa Monica Pier, this relaxed hotel exudes cool California charm. Hotel amenities include a heated outdoor pool, valet parking, a fitness centre and a classic Californian cafe.
When you’re ready to venture out, relax on the beach, sample the local cuisine or indulge in retail therapy on the nearby Third Street Promenade.
Hotel Shangri-La By The Ocean
Just across the street from Santa Monica Pier, the Shangri-La by the Ocean is a local icon that opened its doors in 1939. Set in a magnificent Art Deco building, the hotel’s interior is reminiscent of an opulent ocean liner and evokes all of the apt Golden Age of Hollywood nostalgia.
The exterior of the Hotel Shangri-La draws inspiration from an ocean liner (Image: Hotel Shangri-La By The Ocean)
Ocean View Hotel
Wake up to sunny Southern California and a view from atop the bluffs over the Pacific Ocean at this aptly named hotel. From here, take a walk to Santa Monica Pier for a memorable ride the Ferris wheel, to the beach to catch a California sunset or to Santa Monica Place Mall for a bit of shop-till-you-drop action.
Best Western Plus Gateway Hotel
This modern hotel right on Santa Monica Boulevard offers simple and understated comfort in its 123 spacious guestrooms.
Complimentary underground parking and a free shuttle service to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade make it easy for you to take in all the local fun. What’s more, kids under 18 stay for free with an accompanying adult.
