The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Santa Monica.
• Look at our collection of the best Santa Monica beach hotels or the best luxury 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.

  • Ambrose Hotel Santa Monica 77 rooms from AU$534

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • Viceroy Santa Monica Santa Monica 170 rooms from AU$798

    
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    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  -  Hip and happening.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Mr & Mrs Smith

    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. See More

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  • Santa Monica Proper Santa Monica 271 rooms from AU$586

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • Palihouse Santa Monica Santa Monica (California) 38 rooms from AU$470

    
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    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.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts Santa Monica (California) 70 rooms from AU$376

    
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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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  • Casa del Mar, Santa Monica Santa Monica 129 rooms from AU$628

    
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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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  • Shutters on the Beach Santa Monica (California) 186 rooms from AU$833

    
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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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Written by Katie Harris

posted Wednesday, 1st February 2023