Palihouse Santa Monica

As Los Angeles' hippie-chic little sister, Santa Monica draws a cool crowd. With its gorgeous beaches, exciting restaurant scene, farmers' markets, and watersports — the city has obvious lures. Over the years, a wide selection of good hotels have popped up across the city. However, our Hotel Gurus always favour a boutique for their sense of place, personalised service, and unique design. With this in mind, our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best boutique hotels in Santa Monica. Whether you want a truly luxurious stay or perhaps something a little more low-key, there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break?

For luxury

Ambrose Hotel

  • Ambrose Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel with laid-back California charm. Expect Art Deco glamour in the public areas while light-filled rooms are more minimalist in design. There's no restaurant but you'll find plenty to choose from nearby. A smart city base.

For city style

Viceroy Santa Monica

  • Viceroy Santa Monica is a luxury boutique hotel with the feel of a members club. Well-positioned by the beach and with the pier within walking distance. Interiors are eclectic and chic with stylish rooms offering fabulous views. With an internationally inspired menu in the elegant restaurant and a hip pool area, this is a good choice for the young and trendy.

For contemporary design

Santa Monica Proper

  • Santa Monica Proper is a contemporary design hotel located close to Santa Monica beach. Spacious rooms are designed with natural materials. With excellent bars, restaurants and wellness facilities, this is an undeniably luxurious destination in its own right.

For a home-away-from-home

Palihouse Santa Monica

  • Palihouse Santa Monica is a 1929 Mediterranean inspired hotel in residential Santa Monica which offers chic one-bedroom residences complete with kitchenettes. Each space is individually styled and features large windows, local artworks, and plenty of space. A good choice for independent travellers.

For an active stay

Oceana Beach Club Hotel

  • 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 couples

Casa del Mar

  • Casa del Mar is a luxury hotel with a fabulous oceanfront position and a stroll from the pier. 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 proximity to the beach

Shutters on the Beach

  • Shutters on the Beach is a stylish beachfront boutique hotel 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.

Still not sure which to book?

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica

Santa Monica

A glossy beach boutique hotel with a colonial atmosphere and cutting edge designs. Chic white furniture and beautiful sea views. Luxury pool area with private cabana lounging. Smart cocktail bar and elegant lounge. A lively destination near the beach - the hotel bar is a hotspot.

  • City Style - The chic choice- champagne upon arrival, in room spa services, avant guarde interiors, hip bar and penthouse suites.
  • Chic - Trendy-chic with cutting edge designs.
  • Swimming Pool - Luxury Outdoor Pool
  • Lively
from $544 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Shutters on the Beach

Santa Monica (California)

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.

  • 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
  • Views
from $568 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Santa Monica (California)

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.

  • 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
from $254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palihouse Santa Monica

Santa Monica (California)

A cool country house-style hotel in residential Santa Monica offers both long-stay and weekend break suites. Welcomed by a roaring fireplace at reception the rooms mirror this essence of home. Spacious, contemporary and comfortable. It's perfect for local exploring, doing some work and relaxing.

  • Great walks - Santa Monica Pier is great for an evening stroll or Palisades Park in the day time.
  • Sights nearby - Third Street Promenade is lively and promises to always have something going on.
  • Fishing - Just off Santa Monica Pier try your hand at catching some fish.
  • Local markets - Check out the locals farmers market during your stay.
from $317 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Casa del Mar, Santa Monica

Santa Monica (Santa Monica)

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.

  • 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
from $428 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Santa Monica Proper

Santa Monica (Santa Monica)

A chic contemporary design hotel located close to Santa Monica beach. Spacious rooms are designed with natural materials and indulgent bathrooms benefit from Aesop products. With excellent bars, restaurants and wellness facilities, this is an undeniably luxurious destination in its own right.

  • Foodies - Award winning chefs at the on-site Onda restaurant serve up a range of local produce in Mediterranean and California style
  • Designer - Rooms plush with Aesop amenities, Parachute robes, custom throws and Egyptian cotton linens, designed by Kelly Wearstler
  • Beach Life - A short walk or drive away from the world famous Santa Monica and Venice Beaches
  • City Style - Located in stylish Santa Monica with great links to downtown LA and Hollywood
from $400 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Ambrose Hotel

Santa Monica (Santa Monica)

Luxury boutique hotel in Santa Monica with laid-back California charm. Public areas ring with Art Deco glamour while 77 light-filled rooms feel zen with minimalist decor and soft palettes. The terrace is a great place to spend evenings. Free rides in the electric car up to 3 miles are complimentary.

  • Business meetings - Stylish meeting spaces, vibey outdoor terrace, proximity to the airport and great local area make this perfect for team meetings
  • Local exploring - A calm and quiet base for exploring all Santa Monica has to offer; beach, restaurants, shopping, arts and culture
  • Sights nearby - Explore Santa Monica's famous pier and acquarium or head into Los Angeles for the day
  • Great walks - Go for a stroll in the famous Palisades Park
from $364 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

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