Santa Monica Proper

While Santa Monica's vibe is laidback, it still pulls a high-class crowd from Hollywood producers to celebrity chefs. Here days are spent sunning at the beach, surfing, exploring farmers' markets, and dining out at the area's exciting restaurants. Unsurprisingly there are a world-class selection of hotels to choose from. So to make picking your next stay a quick and convenient choice, our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best luxury hotels in Santa Monica. Whether you are looking for a chic design hotel, an oceanfront stay or somewhere suitable for families — there is something to suit most tastes and occasions. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next luxury getaway?

For contemporary style

Santa Monica Proper

  • Santa Monica Proper is a chic 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 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 a resort

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows

  • 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 families

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

  • 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 luxury option for families.

For a boutique

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.
  • 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 proximity to the beach

Shutters on the Beach

  • The Huntley is a stylish luxury hotel that blends breezy Southern California surroundings with modern décor and playful design. Positioned within walking distance of Santa Monica's beaches and the pier, the hotel boasts panoramic ocean vistas. Completed with a trendy bar and a fabulous rooftop restaurant.
  • Shutters on the Beach is a stylish beachfront property with beach and pier views 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 8 Best Luxury 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 CA$763 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 CA$796 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Huntley

Santa Monica (California)

The ocean views and top location matched by the lively atmosphere make this a great hotel. Rooms with all mod-cons, marble bathrooms and spa baths. Restaurant offers contemporary Californian dishes and unique crafted cocktails in the skies. Venice beach has water sports, the pier for fishing and LA.

  • Sights nearby - Santa Monica Museum of Art is worth a visit.
  • Sailing
  • Lively
  • Designer
from CA$561 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 CA$600 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 CA$561 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Santa Monica (Santa Monica)

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.

  • 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
from CA$480 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 CA$510 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

Santa Monica (Santa Monica)

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.

  • 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
from CA$700 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

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