The Hotel Guru
The 8 Best Luxury Hotels in Santa Monica

The 8 Best Luxury Hotels in Santa Monica

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 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 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 & 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 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 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

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?

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 family 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.
- Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel Santa Monica 347 rooms from £267
  
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  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
  
  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. See More
  
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- Ambrose Hotel Santa Monica 77 rooms from £284
  
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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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- The Huntley Santa Monica (California) 204 rooms from £312
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Santa Monica Museum of Art is worth a visit.
  Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  
  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. See More
  
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- Santa Monica Proper Santa Monica 271 rooms from £312
  
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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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- Casa del Mar, Santa Monica Santa Monica 129 rooms from £334
  
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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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- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Santa Monica 297 rooms from £389
  
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  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
  
  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. See More
  
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- Viceroy Santa Monica Santa Monica 170 rooms from £425
  
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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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- Shutters on the Beach Santa Monica (California) 186 rooms from £443
  
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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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