About Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a vibrant, sun-drenched city that blends iconic coastal charm with urban energy—think palm-lined streets, buzzing beach culture, and postcard-worthy sunsets. It's the perfect base for every kind of traveller, especially if you're hunting for the right hotel. From chic beachfront resorts on Ocean Avenue to stylish budget stays tucked near Third Street Promenade, there’s something for every taste. Families love the pier-side convenience, while design lovers gravitate towards Montana Avenue’s boutique gems.

Some of our Santa Monica Collections:

Santa Monica is all about sun, sea, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to resist. Days here are best spent on the golden stretch of Santa Monica Beach — whether you're swimming, surfing, or just strolling along the sand. The iconic Santa Monica Pier, marking the end of Route 66, is a hub of activity with its fun fair, arcade games, restaurants, and even an outdoor cinema. Nearby, you’ll find the original ‘Muscle Beach,’ perfect for people-watching, and family-friendly spots like Tongva Park and Palisades Park, which offers stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains.

When you're ready for a break from the beach, head to Third Street Promenade for some serious shopping or browse fresh local produce at the farmers’ market. As the sun sets, Santa Monica keeps the energy high with chic restaurants, classic movie screenings at the Aero Theatre, and live music at McCabe’s. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or nightlife, this breezy coastal city has something to keep everyone entertained.

The Best Places to Stay in Santa Monica

For a Cosy B&B

  • Channel Road Inn is a shingle-clad Colonial Revival home offering 15 inviting guestrooms just a couple of minutes' walk from Santa Monica Beach. Pick this place for the intimate feel, proximity to the beach and the afternoon wine and snacks. A charming B&B for couples or families.

For Families or Groups

  • Palihouse Santa Monica promises spacious rooms and suites, some of which come with kitchens and sitting rooms. Great for families or groups, this pretty hotel is housed in a Mediterranean-inspired edifice, dating back to 1929. The residential Santa Monica location is very relaxed, yet the beach remains within walking distance. A lovely boutique bolthole.
  • The Kinney is a hip party pad in trendy Venice Beach. Brilliant for a young, sociable crowd, the hotel has bright contemporary bedrooms with space for multiple guests, a swimming pool, ping pong table and terrace with a convivial firepit set up. A very cool group holiday choice.
  • Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a lively hotel with wonderful Pacific Ocean views. Just moments from the beach, the hotel has a heated swimming pool, buzzing bar, restaurant and gym. Great for friends or families, with a laidback feel and quaint, classic beach club interiors.
  • Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows has been a Santa Monica landmark since 1921, with rooms, suites and bungalows scattered across five acres of palm-filled gardens. Five star luxury, with lots of activities for kids — including an outdoor cinema, buckets and spades at the hotel's private beach club (very nearby!), and watersports galore.

For City Chic

  • The Georgian boasts an enviable Ocean Avenue location, just a stroll from Santa Monica Pier. One of Santa Monica's most iconic hotels, this 1933 gem has a sophisticated restaurant, indulgent rooms and pet-friendly policies. For couples, friends or families.
  • Santa Monica Proper is a chic hotel with a focus on natural materials, created by interior designer Kelly Wearstler. The hotel offers excellent eateries, a 3,000 square foot Ayurvedic spa, a rooftop swimming pool and an expansive business centre. Electric bikes are ideal for exploring. Elegant and unpretentious.
  • The Huntley offers 204 guest rooms and 16 suites in a sleek high-rise overlooking Santa Monica Beach. With large event and meeting spaces and swish rooftop dining, this is an excellent choice for well-heeled travellers looking to make the most of the city. The beach is two blocks away and Third Street Promenade is even closer. Luxurious and brilliantly located.
  • The Ambrose Hotel has a glamorous feel, with Art Deco-inspired touches and minimalist, monochromatic rooms. With a swish fitness centre, beach cruiser bikes, daily tastings of local brews and wines and an exceptional meeting centre, this is a great pick for business travellers, active couples or independent explorers. Chic and convivial.

For Beachfront Luxury

  • Shutters on the Beach is a celebrity favourite, known for its discreet service and fantastic attention to detail. A beautiful beachfront hotel with three restaurants, an award-winning spa and refreshing swimming pool, this is a very special place. Interiors feature classic California style, with a soothing palette of whites and blues. Exquisite.
  • Viceroy Santa Monica promises a glossy beachside experience, with white furniture and classic design creating a colonial feel. Marble bathrooms and beds topped with crisp linens are ideal for indulgent couples' escapes, and the best suites have ocean views. The Cameo Bar is one of Santa Monica's hottest spots, and there are two terrific restaurants. Poolside play stations are a fun touch. For couples or families.
  • Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel offers a superb holiday base for families as well as couples. A luxury spot with a big central pool, games, bicycles and direct access to the beach. Both restaurants boast striking views of the iconic pier.
  • Casa del Mar is a stylish oceanfront hotel with an opulent Mediterranean feel. Think dark wood furniture, blue and white details and eclectic art pieces. Perfect for romantic getaways, with spa baths in each rooms and superb ocean views. There's live music at La Terrazza Lounge each evening. Absolute bliss.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR Beach House

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), just 20 minutes' drive away by car or bus.
  • California is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between June and September for the warmest weather, with temperatures peaking at around 28°C. Skip the crowds and travel in the spring (April - May) for cooler weather and great hotel rates.

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The best hotels in Santa Monica

Channel Road Inn

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!

  • Spa
  • Great walks
  • Sea Views
  • Views
from $195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts

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.

  • Active Holiday - Swim in the heated outdoor pool, take surfing lessons, try yoga, explore the hikes in Temescal Canyon- a perfect active holiday
  • Beach Life - This hotel sits on Santa Monica Beach, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. A shuttle service or bikes take you to the beach.
  • Local exploring - This bright and colourful hotel is only 1 mile from the shopping on Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.
  • Total relaxation
from $267 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Kinney

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.

  • City Style - A hip hotel designed for the young and social.
  • Swimming Pool
  • Lively
from $229 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Palihouse Santa Monica

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.

  • Great walks - Santa Monica Pier is great for an evening stroll or Palisades Park in the day time.
  • Sights nearby - Third Street Promenade is lively and promises to always have something going on.
  • Fishing - Just off Santa Monica Pier try your hand at catching some fish.
  • Local markets - Check out the locals farmers market during your stay.
from $333 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Georgian

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.

  • Local exploring - Perfectly located on Ocean Avenue, just steps from the beach and a short stroll to the iconic pier
  • Local markets - Sample local produce at the Santa Monica Farmers Market
  • Restaurant
  • Sea Views
from $258 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 $342 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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 $364 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.
  • Restaurant
  • Fishing
  • Sea Views
from $400 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 $400 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 $428 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 $499 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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
  • Views
from $544 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.
  • Spa breaks - Ole Henriksen’s 'One' spa has an impressive list of celebrity clientele - if it's good enough for them!
  • Great walks - Grab a gelato and take a stroll down the popular Third Street Promenade.
  • Tennis Court
from $568 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia