The 6 Best Santa Monica Beach Hotels

Santa Monica's beautiful wide beaches and iconic pier complete with a Ferris wheel and roller coaster are arguably its primary draw. Therefore, for that classic Californian stay, it makes sense to pick an oceanfront hotel. However, you will find on your search that you are spoiled for choice. With options ranging from family-friendly resorts to chic historic stays, there is a wide range to choose from. With this in mind, our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best Santa Monica Beach Hotels selected on their service, design, views, and amenities. Whether you are planning a beach holiday with friends, a couples' getaway, or a break with the kids — there is something to suit most occasions. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next getaway.

For luxury

• Shutters on the Beach is a stylish beachfront property providing the ultimate low key luxury stay in Santa Monica. Elegant rooms have a New England feel and boast balconies and fabulous beach views. With three gourmet restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, pool and private beach you'll want for nothing here.
• Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is an uber-luxury historic beach resort. This grande dame has been around since 1921 and knows what it's doing. Rooms, suites and bungalows are spread over five acres of lush palm-filled grounds with ocean views everywhere you look. Five-star amenities complement the pared-back classic luxury aesthetic.

For a historic stay

• The Georgian is an iconic hotel dating back to 1933, fondly known as Santa Monica’s First Lady. Well positioned on Ocean Avenue several of the elegant suites and rooms boast beach views. With the pier just a stroll away and Venice's shops nearby too, this is a convenient choice.

For couples

• Casa del Mar is a luxury hotel with a fabulous oceanfront position. Elegant and airy rooms and suites feature enormous windows, wonderful views, and are furnished with antiques. Couples should choose one of the romantic suites complete with a whirlpool tub. With a spa and fine dining, this is a spoiling choice.

For an active stay

• Oceana Beach Club Hotel is a classic California beach hotel with bedrooms with large balconies centred around a kidney-shaped pool. While the feel is from the1950s, the interiors are contemporary and bright. With direct beach access, daily yoga classes, surf lessons, and guided hikes — this is a good option for those who want to keep busy.

For families

• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is an idyllic coastal stay located right on Santa Monica beach. Light and spacious rooms all have private balconies and there are two pier facing restaurants. With poolside games, the beach right there, and a number of kid-friendly sights nearby, this is a good option for families.

Still not sure which to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Santa Monica.
• Look at our collection of the best value hotels in Santa Monica or the best family hotels in Santa Monica.
• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Los Angeles.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Shutters on the Beach Santa Monica (California) 186 rooms from £443

    
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    Beach Life  -  With its stunning beachfront location, you can't be better placed to enjoy both city and beach.

    Great walks  -  Grab a gelato and take a stroll down the popular Third Street Promenade.

    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    

    A stylish beachfront property providing the ultimate low key luxury stay in Santa Monica. With three gourmet restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, pool and private beach there is no end to the ways you can relax and unwind. Rooms are classic California cool design with nautical colours and balconies. See More

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  • The Georgian Santa Monica 84 rooms from £201

    
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    Local exploring  -  Perfectly located on Ocean Avenue, just steps from the beach and a short stroll to the iconic pier

    Local markets  -  Sample local produce at the Santa Monica Farmers Market

    Full of character

    Traditional

    

    An elegant hotel boasting an Ocean Avenue postcode, just a stroll from the iconic pier. Rooms are classically designed but the feel is clean and contemporary. A sophisticated restaurant serves simple, yet well executed, dishes. With on-point service and wonderful ocean views, this property is a hit. See More

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  • Casa del Mar, Santa Monica Santa Monica 129 rooms from £334

    
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    Local exploring  -  Wander down to the Santa Monica pier or into the city, with lots to explore close to the hotel

    Beach Life  -  Set on the seafront in Santa Monica, this hotel makes a great option for a luxury beach break

    Romantic Break  -  The bright and airy suites are perfect for a romantic getaway, with a spa bath in every room

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the neighbouring Santa Monica pier, featuring a classic seafront amusement park and aquarium

    

    This stylish hotel is located on the oceanfront in Santa Monica, California. Airy guestrooms create a luxury Mediterranean feel with white linens against oyster accents and dark wood furniture. Meanwhile, the suites feel homely with eclectic objets d'art. Head to the chic Terrazza for nightly music. See More

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  • Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts Santa Monica (California) 70 rooms from £200

    
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    Active Holiday  -  Swim in the heated outdoor pool, take surfing lessons, try yoga, explore the hikes in Temescal Canyon- a perfect active holiday

    Beach Life  -  This hotel sits on Santa Monica Beach, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. A shuttle service or bikes take you to the beach.

    Local exploring  -  This bright and colourful hotel is only 1 mile from the shopping on Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.

    Total relaxation

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    Bright and lively hotel by Santa Monica Beach with wonderful Pacific views. The rooms colourfully create a sense of sunny optimism, with homely, comfortable features in large contemporary rooms. With a heated pool and only seconds from the beach, it's perfect for both relaxing and active trips. See More

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  • Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Santa Monica 297 rooms from £389

    
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    Beach Life  -  The Beach Club covers a private area of white-sand Santa Monica beach. Enjoy butler service, beach volleyball and boogie boards

    Families  -  Kid's will feel pampered with children's bathrobes, buckets & spades at the beach club, special minibar items & toys on arrival

    Sights nearby  -  Head into central LA for the day and visit Universal Studios, Melrose Avenue and Dolby Theatre

    Great walks  -  Stretch your legs in the gorgeous 26 acre Palisades Park, just next door

    

    Uber-luxury historic beach resort. This grande dame has been around since 1921 and knows what it's doing. Rooms, suites and bungalows are spread over five acres of lush palm-filled grounds with ocean views everywhere you look. Five-star amenities compliment the pared-back classic luxury aesthetic. See More

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  • Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel Santa Monica 347 rooms from £267

    
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    Families  -  With poolside games, the beach right there, and a number of family-friendly sights nearby

    Beach Life  -  Offering a perfect setting on Ocean Avenue just steps from Santa Monica beach

    Restaurant  -  Choose between Ocean & Vine or Blue Streak for the best in Californian cuisine

    Local markets  -  Sample local produce at Santa Monica Farmers Market

    

    An idyllic coastal stay located right on Santa Monica beach. Light and spacious rooms all have private balconies and large rain showers - suites come with free-standing bathtubs. Both restaurants boast iconic views of the pier. As suitable for families as it is for couples. A luxury escape. See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Wednesday, 9th February 2022