7 Best Hotels in Santa Monica

Rach and I visited Santa Monica for the first time in 2014 and since then, I’ve been wanting to go back. We just love Santa Monica’s vibe

We stayed there for 4 days as part of our honeymoon grip, driving down from San Francisco. 

It was amazing, we had hired a red convertible mustang.

I was gutted when I had to give the car back. 

Santa Monica drew me in the second I saw it, with its sandy beach, the chilled atmosphere and the amusement park right on the pier.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or solo, Santa Monica is a city with plenty of options. 

Here are my picks for the 7 best hotels in Santa Monica…

1) The Georgian Hotel

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My wife and I chose The Georgian Hotel for part of our honeymoon, and it was an unforgettable experience.

I can still remember having a coffee and breakfast on one of the tables outside, looking across at the views of the pacific ocean.

The building itself stands out with its striking blue facaded, making it stand out as a Santa Monica landmark. 

In fact, I even managed to find a digital version of the Georgian Hotel whilst playing GTA 5.

It felt that the Georgian Hotel really matched the vibe of Santa Monica. 

The rooms are spacious and I love the balance of vintage and modern, the retro decor reminded me of the 1930’s. We had the suite, which was very spacious and incredibly comfortable. 

This hotel really has character, so if thats something you look for then you’ll love this hotel. 

The restaurant in the hotel is called The Georgian Room and its a real treat. Pricing wise its pretty expensive compared to alternatives but if its a special occasions then its worth it. The fillet steak was cooked perfectly and had tons of flavour. 

We had a few drinks at the bar called the Sunset Terrace to finish our days of exploring Santa Monica. It was a very relaxed bar and the cocktails that I had were very nice. 

The Georgian Hotel is an amazing hotel and one that I know I’ll got back to at some point. 

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2) Casa del Mar

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Sometimes when you pick a hotel, you want a bit of historic charm but also want a bit of luxury. If this is you then a good choice would be Hotel Casa del Mar.

I love the vibe of this hotel, its designed with inspirations from the Mediterranean.

Not only does it have its own pool, its built to take advantage of the amazing ocean views. 

The perfect place for you to just relax. 

You couldnt go hungry or thirsty here. First you have the Lobby Lounge where you can enjoy a few drinks and some light snacks.

Then there are two restaurants to enjoy. 

The first of the two being Terrazza Restaurant, where you can enjoy an ocean view whilst tucking into Spanish and California inspired dishes. 

If you fancy a dinner whilst you watch the sunset then Patio Del Mar would be perfect.

It’s literally steps away from the beachfront, an amazing way to finish the day. 

One of the things I love about this hotel is that it feels special but not stuffy or to snobby. 

Location: 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Contact: (310) 581-5533

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3) Shutters on the Beach

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Shutters on the Beach is just something different and special, often described as a boutique hotel. You get a beach cottage feel from it, from the decor to the Pacific views right outside the window. 

The decor just screams relaxation. With soft tones and white linens.

It has a nautical design which I personally love. 

The restaurant is very bright and really adds to the atmosphere with the sound of crashing waves in the background. 

You’d really want to take your time with breakfast and dinner, to make the most of it. 

I love being able to sit with a black coffee in the morning and not think about anything, I can do just that at Shutters on the Beach. Grabbing a table outside the cafe and watching people along the boardwalk go about their day. 

If location is a big factor for you, this hotel is perfect. You’re just a few steps away from the beachside, shops, restaurants and even the Santa Monica Pier. 

I get a very relaxed vibe from this hotel, yet its refined enough for you to get that luxury feel. 

Shutters on the Beach is perfect for anyone that wants to experience Santa Monica in style.

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4) Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

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Fairmont Miramar mixes classic Santa Monica style with modern luxury.

The lush grounds make it easy to forget you’re in the city, strolling through the gardens between the historic Palisades Building and the Ocean Tower.

Each hotel room has thoughtful touches—a Keurig, Le Labo bath products, and a comfy vibe that makes mornings lazy in the best way.

Who wouldn’t want a balcony with an ocean view?

If you want to be tucked away a little more in the gardens, you need to get a bungalow. 

They’ll give you a little extra privacy and a nice little patio to enjoy a morning coffee or evening drink. 

Let’s not forget the pool, even though your close to the sea. Ideal for families and couples, perfect for that afternoon dip.

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5) The Pierside Santa Monica

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The Pierside Santa Monica has a relaxed, beachy vibe that fits its where it is. Many of the rooms come with ocean views and handy perks like loaner beach gear.

So if you can on heading to the beach, you’ll have everything you need.

The hotel has a restaurant called the Surfing Fox. Such a cool name for a restaurant by the beach! 

There you’ll be able to enjoy SoCal inspired dishes or get on terrace to enjoy some cocktails whilst watching the sunset.

One of the stand outs are the staff, super friendly but at the same time laid back. 

I love the complimentary access to The Board Shop. You can grab a surfboard and  explore the coast. Weekend yoga on the beach and late check-outs make any stay flexible and easygoing.

They offer nice perks for locals and members, like discounted rates and food credits. Being just steps from the Santa Monica Pier means you’re right in the middle of everything.

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6) Santa Monica Proper Hotel

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The Santa Monica Proper Hotel just screams Santa Monica beach vibes, with its modern design, natural textures and warm coastal tones. The interior was designed by Kelly Wearstler.

One of the great things about the hotel is the amount of natural light it lets in. The Santa Monica Proper Hotel is all about wellness, it has a calming vibe as soon as you walk in. 

A unique aspect to the hotel is its roof. You can enjoy Mediterranean dishes at the rooftop bar & restaurant Calabra. 

Whats unique is that you can also do Yoga on the roof, whilst enjoying the views of the city and the Ocean. 

As well as rooftop Yoga, you can also take advantage of their fitness centre which is fully equipped with gym equipment. Fancy something a little more relaxing, why not have a treatment at the Surya Spa. 

When the sun starts to go down and you fancy a rest from walking the city or want a lively vibe, head to Palma in the lobby.

Here you can get yourself some drinks and enjoy some tasty light bites.

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7) Viceroy Santa Monica

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Finally we have the Viceroy Santa Monica hotel. This hotel is perfect if you want something as close to the beach as you can get. Its just steps away from the sand, perfect if you fancy an early morning dip in the ocean. 

You can even even take advantage of the two outdoor pools, or relax around the outside of the pools with a couple of drinks from the bar.

The hotel rooms have a nice fresh feeling, they’re stylish and very comfortable. 

You know when you want a hotel that is refined and polished but not fussy? Well the Viceroy in Santa Monica is perfect for that. It has a really laid-back vibe. 

Its in a great location as well, with the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd street Promenade within walking distance.