14 of the Most Stylish Santa Monica Hotels
Geographically speaking, the classic Cali beach ‘town’ of Santa Monica is part of the city sprawl of Los Angeles. In atmosphere however, it’s a little world of its own. Locals cruise the beach on bikes or wander home with farmer’s market hauls, as the neighbourhood’s namesake pier and its Ferris Wheel spins in sparkling circles. It’s where Angelenos come to catch a few of the sun’s year-round rays (and probably buy a green juice, while they’re at it), soaking up the area’s famously laid back aura. Heading to the oceanside suburb? Here are some of the best places to stay in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Proper
1/13The inimitable interior designer Kelly Wearstler is behind the interiors of Santa Monica Proper and boy, does it show. This seaside hotel a few blocks back from the beach glitters with spacious, light-flushed rooms to the palm-fringed all-day eatery. The spa is a sight to behold, too — with an Ayurvedic focus, it’s a calm, holistic space perfect for the wellness-obsessed LA set.
Read our review of Santa Monica Proper and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Shutters on the Beach
2/13Are you on the sands of the Hamptons or the sands of Santa Monica? It’s hard to tell at Shutters on the Beach, a stalwart property right on the sand. With its distinctive grey-slate roof and homestead feel, this luxurious hotel — complete with a homey spa, an Italian inspired, seafood-focused eatery — stands out for its architecture, reminiscent of the relaxed coast north of New York State. Those views over the ocean, however? They’re all LA.
Read our review of Shutters on the Beach and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stayin Los Angeles.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
3/13Even if you missed the chance to stroll down the beachside promenade, you wouldn’t miss out on seeing the famous Santa Monica Pier while staying at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. You can spot its glittering twirl from both the outdoor lap pool and oceanview rooms, the latter of which has the added luxury of in-room coffee makers, breezy balconies and marble bathrooms with deliciously deep soaking tubs.
Read our review of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today
Viceroy Santa Monica
4/13Another Kelly Wearstler masterpiece, the vibrant Viceroy Santa Monica ticks all the boxes for a standout Santa Monica stay. There’s a palm-shaded pool and terrace area, a fleet of free bikes for hire and an onsite fitness centre with twice-daily yoga classes, ensuring a very LA vacay.
Read our review of Viceroy Santa Monica and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Hotel Casa del Mar
5/13There are endless ways to relax at Hotel Casa del Mar, which straddles the beachfront. If it’s with a delectable dinner, the seafood-focused Catch gathers the freshest produce and delivers it to your table. In the market for a more traditional take on wellness? The onsite spa offers it all, from full-body massages to anti-aging facials. Or, you could simply take the two-minute stroll to the beach and dig your toes into the sand.
Read our review of Hotel Casa del Mar and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stayin Los Angeles.
Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica
6/13Everything about Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica on Pico Boulevard gives guests a nudge to take it easy. There are the calm blue-tinged rooms, breeze-catching balconies, a toy and video-game equipped space to keep kids busy, as well as an onsite bar that shakes up delicious craft cocktails for that hour around sunset.
Read our review of Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today
Palihouse Santa Monica
7/13More of a grand homestead than a hotel, Palihouse Santa Monica is housed in a Deco-era building ringed with wrought iron and quiet lawns. Inside, it’s a cosy little spot, with huge open fireplaces and rooms furnished in the utmost comfort: think monogrammed pillows, antique vanity tables and cloud-like beds tempting you into a deep sleep.
Read our review of Palihouse Santa Monica and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
8/13There’s no mistaking where you are at Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites. With sand-hued rooms, an onsite bar serving local beers and a cabana-lined outdoor pool, it’s made for soaking up those Santa Monica rays. (If you do want to see the shores of Santa Monica up close, the beach is just three short blocks away).
Read our review of Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
The Ambrose Hotel
9/13Staying at The Ambrose Hotel feels more like bunking at a private residence than a hotel. In a leafy, residential suburb of Santa Monica less than five minutes drive from the beach, this hospitable home-like hotel is comfortable, quiet and very LA. Did we mention the inhouse Tesla for guest use, as well as the Peloton-equipped fitness centre?
Read our review of The Ambrose Hotel and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today
The Kinney Venice Beach
10/13In the heart of upbeat Venice Beach and just 10 minutes by car from Santa Monica, you’ll have the best of both worlds at The Kinney. This laidback hotel is packed with personality, just like its surrounding neighbourhood: there are punchy colours decorating rooms, ping-pong tables in the common areas and a fun little plunge pool for warm LA days.
Read our review of The Kinney Venice Beach and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stayin Los Angeles.
Hotel Erwin
11/13It’s the rooftop of Hotel Erwin that’s the crowning glory of this fun stay in Venice Beach. Serving decadent deep dish pizza, refreshing cocktails and some serious vibes, it’s the place to be (in addition to the comfy mid-century styled rooms, of course).
Read our review of Hotel Erwin and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica
12/13Spacious and simple suites characterise the rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica; some with sprawling views over the beachside suburb. May we suggest The Pier View room, which has glimpses all the way to the famous landmark?
Read our review of Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica and earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent when you book your next stay in Los Angeles.
Earn or use Qantas Points when you book hotels and accommodation. Visit qantas.com/hotels today