Santa Monica is a haven of Southern California beach culture, complete with more than eight miles of sandy coastline, trendy restaurants and boutique shops that make it the perfect base for a beachy Los Angeles vacation.
With such a gloriously long stretch of the Pacific Ocean in its backyard, you’re definitely going to want to book a room that looks out at all the beauty. Here’s a look at the top 10 Santa Monica hotels with ocean views to book for your next getaway.
1. Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90405
(310) 458- 0030
If there’s one Santa Monica hotel with ocean views that’s most coveted by luxury travelers, it’s got to be Shutters on the Beach. One of only a handful of beachfront hotels in the city that is actually set in the sand, this icon is designed to look like the historic cottages of Cape Cod and is the ultimate Santa Monica beach hotel.
The hotel’s 186 guest rooms are spread out across two buildings and some offer a private balcony that overlooks the sea. The outdoor pool, also offering Pacific views, is not to be missed. Despite the east coast inspiration, it’s all west coast vibes here. Take advantage of the Coastal Concierge package for VIP seating on the beach as well as the use of surfboards and other equipment for ocean goers.
Shutters on the Beach Highlights
- Located right on the sands of Santa Monica beach
- Lobby and restaurants overlook the Pacific Ocean
- Outdoor heated pool with a view of the ocean
- Use of complimentary beach bikes
- Free wifi
- A short walk to the Santa Monica Pier
2. Hotel Casa del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, California 90405
(310) 581-5533
Hotel Casa del Mar serves up a slice of coastal luxury with a Mediterranean flair. Set in a historic brick apartment building, spacious and residential Santa Monica hotel rooms with ocean views are the norm at this beachfront hotel.
The Terrazza is one of the hottest spots for an elevated happy hour. Floor-to-ceiling length glass windows serve up uninterrupted ocean views alongside signature steamed mussels. The hotel’s 129 guest rooms boast Italian linens and hydrotherapy spa tubs. Upgrade to a suite for a private balcony.
Hotel Casa Del Mar Highlights
- Oceanfront location
- Coastal art and Mediterranean-inspired art
- Spacious, residential-style rooms
- A short walk to Venice Beach
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Ocean view pool with poolside dining
3. The Pierside Hotel
120 Colorado Ave.
Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 451-0676
One of Santa Monica’s most famous attractions is the Santa Monica Pier. By day the wooden walkway is full of sunshine and screams from Pacific Pier, the onsite amusement park with more than a dozen rides and boardwalk games. By night the pier comes alive with music and special events. You can’t sleep closer to the Southern California icon than the Pierside Hotel, located just one block directly up from the pier.
The Pierside is also Santa Monica’s newest hotel and has 132 rooms. It also offers a Board shop where guests can rent everything from board games and go-pros to bikes and other beach amenities. It’s also conveniently located next to the metro, giving easy access to Downtown Los Angeles and beyond.
Pierside Hotel Highlights
- Closest hotel to the Santa Monica Pier
- Pet-friendly guest rooms
- Easy walking distance to Downtown Santa Monica’s shops and muscle beach
- Onsite rental shop
4. The Georgian Hotel
1415 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 395- 9945
Santa Monica has a long history of being Los Angeles’ beach escape for celebrities and locals alike. The Georgian Hotel dates back to 1933 and has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.
The quaint art deco ocean-view hotel has 56 guest rooms and 26 suites. The tall building stands out with its bright turquoise color and opulent finish on elegant Ocean Avenue that parallels the city’s bluff, providing uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. The 1930s details in this boutique hotel continue to the rooms, furnished with a modern take on art deco furniture that themes your entire stay with old Hollywood glam.
The Georgian Hotel Highlights
- Historical “old Hollywood” details
- Location along walkable and elegant Ocean Avenue across from Palisades Park
- Walking distance to many of Santa Monica’s best restaurants
- Set across from a bluff that offers uninterrupted ocean views
5. Oceana
849 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90403
(310) 393-0486
One of Santa Monica’s smaller ocean-view hotels, all 70 rooms at Oceana are suites, and most offer ocean views. The boutique hotel is located on the quieter side of elegant Ocean Avenue. Though it’s still only a 10-minute walk from Santa Monica’s hottest restaurants and Third Street promenade, the residential block where it’s set is quiet and the park located directly across the way is usually one of the most peaceful spots in the entire city.
What really sets the hotel apart is its long list of luxury amenities. From yoga classes and surf lessons to guided hikes and a beach butler service, guests here are pampered with the best Southern California has to offer.
Oceana Hotel Highlights
- All rooms are suites
- Quiet location on residential block across from Palisades Park
- 10-minute walking distance from major restaurants and shops in Downtown Santa Monica
- Complimentary luxury amenities including yoga, surf lessons and on-site personal trainers
- Early check-in available
6. Shore Hotel
1515 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 458- 1515
Shore Hotel is one of the leading eco-friendly hotels in Southern California for sustainability. The LEED Gold-certified building’s modern design stands out as sleek along Ocean Avenue, just one block away from the famous Third Street Promenade shopping district.
The 164 rooms all have balconies and were designed for maximum natural light and include features such as in-room climate control and low-flow showers that reduce energy consumption.
Shore Hotel Highlights
- Eco-friendly and sustainable-focused features
- Solar-heated pool and hot tub
- Minutes-walk to Third Street Promenade
- All rooms have private balcony to provide fresh air
7. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, California
(310) 576-7777
Miramar is Spanish for “view of the sea,” and this name doesn’t disappoint with a great location across from Palisades Park. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows feels like a world of its own, with a sprawling private property set directly atop Santa Monica’s ocean-front bluff. With 297 rooms and elegant lawns, the hotel feels like a coastal resort complete with a swimming pool and shopping wing.
The property is known by locals for its nightlife and dining scene. FIG serves up locally sourced ingredients and The Bungalow is one of the hottest spots for trend-setters to enjoy a cocktail with Pacific views.
The bungalows provide an even more exclusive accommodation option, boasting king bedrooms, private patios and pool access. With such luxurious dwellings, it’s no wonder that the property has hosted a range of celebrities in its 100-year history. Famous guests over the years include Jean Harlow, Jimmy Stewart and two U.S. Presidents – John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton.
Fairmont Miramar Highlights
- Sprawling private property
- Bungalows offer a private balcony
- Local shops onsite
- Dining and nightlife
- Heated pool with family-friendly movie nights
8. Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 260-7500
The Iconic Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel recently underwent a mega renovation bringing a coastal color palette and mid-century modern design. The historic property is located on a bustling corner of Ocean Avenue that’s just a few minutes walk from Main Street and Dogtown, the historical neighborhood where skateboarding was born.
With 169 guest rooms in the long building, many have ocean views and balconies. All have comfortable pillow-topped mattresses. The hotel is renowned for its indoor-outdoor public spaces, including a heated pool with vintage cabanas and the wrap-around bar at Sugar Palm.
Viceroy Highlights
- Location on bustling section of Ocean Avenue, just two blocks up from the ocean
- Indoor-outdoor dining options
- Heated pool with vintage cabanas
- Complimentary bike rentals
9. Ocean Lodge Hotel
1667 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 451-4146
In Santa Monica, hotels can be famous from the silver screen too. Ocean Lodge was recently featured close up in Goliath, an Amazon series starring Billy Bob Thornton. Though the hotel may not have quite the same character as shown on the television show, it does have a prime location next to Chez Jay, a historical dive bar that’s a great place to hang with locals at night.
With just 20 rooms, the property is quaint and cozy. No-frill rooms make this institution a budget-friendly option that’s great for families as some rooms can sleep up to five. The beach is just one block away and the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade can also be reached on foot in under five minutes.
Ocean Lodge Hotel Highlights
- Budget-friendly guest rooms
- Great location near Downtown Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier
- Family rooms sleep up to five
- Discount at iconic Chez Jay dive bar
- Complimentary coffee makers
10. Sea Blue Motel
1670 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90401
(310) 393-2363
You don’t have to spend big for Santa Monica hotels with views of the ocean. Sea Blue Motel is one of the city’s budget-friendly options – and set just steps from the beach. The classic-style motel is clean with new hardwood floors and a bright blue exterior that serves as a great Instagram backdrop.
With just 27 guest rooms, the property is intimate and has a private courtyard for guests to soak up the sun. Not only is this motel near the ocean, it’s also just one block from Main Street, a thriving hub of local businesses and restaurants. Positive guest reviews note the value for great location.
Sea Blue Motel Highlights
- Budget-friendly rooms
- Located one block from the beach
- Pet friendly
- Private courtyard
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