One of California’s most famous coastal cities, picture-perfect Santa Monica is nestled just a few minutes’ drive west of Los Angeles. Popular with a mix of Hollywood celebrities, surfers, hippies and the super-rich, this is a fascinating destination for a stylish beach break. Accommodation options range from charming B&Bs to swish seaside hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Most of the best places to stay in Santa Monica boast spectacular Pacific Ocean views — and some are set right on the sand.
A huge golden stretch, Santa Monica Beach has long been the community’s main attraction. Spend your days strolling along the sand, honing your surf skills, swimming or sampling an array of water sports. Much of the action is centred around the Santa Monica Pier. Built in 1908 and marking the end of Rotue 66, the pier is home to a fun fair, arcades, bars and restaurants aplenty. Cruise along on skates, pick a perch to people watch, or visit the aquarium, the outdoor cinema and the original ‘Muscle Beach’. Active visitors can also explore Tongva Park — good for families — or Palisades Park, which offers impressive views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Venture beyond the city for horse riding, mountain biking and hiking galore.
For great shopping, head to Third Street Promenade or the excellent farmers’ market (Wednesdays & Saturdays). Come evening, feast at a chic eatery, catch a show at the Aero Theatre or dance to live music at McCabe’s — there’s always a party in Santa Monica! Some of the best places to stay in Santa Monica even have buzzing venues of their own.
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Santa Monica (California)
A tasteful renovation of this shingle-clad Colonial Revival home makes this an enchanting seaside base. It sits on a peaceful residential street, just 2 minutes from Santa Monica beach. Light rooms with warm, simple but luxurious decor. Free afternoon wine, tea & snacks are the cherry on top!
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.
Santa Monica (California)
A hip hotel boasting a Venice beach address. Vibrantly styled rooms feature bright colours, clean lines, contemporary art and luxury bathrooms. A pool, ping pong tables and terrace complete with fire-pits encourages socialising. The perfect base for the young and trendy.
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.
Santa Monica
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
