![Palihouse Santa Monica](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/70/a8/70a8d269f45fd19516d5096183f21cc1/600x422.jpg)
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](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/6a/e9/6ae99399b668f76d97694480e161f061/600x422.jpg)
- 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](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/7c/42/7c42fe0a8d96b093ce3f24413823b8a1/600x422.jpg)
- 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](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/6d/99/6d99d2fc536b9233eca980b02f3e9471/600x422.jpg)
- 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](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/af/34/af340b8161bb8ac284d6cb8a840ec191/600x422.jpg)
- 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](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/ef/f5/eff50cf302ed2cba6eb3244f7f8b24b1/600x422.jpg)
- 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](https://www.thehotelguru.com/_images/a6/fd/a6fd251ad4840c16d70f8f5113979a51/600x422.jpg)
- 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?