Looking for hotels in Santa Monica? We’re breaking down four of our favorite choices across this sunny, beachy suburb of Los Angeles.
Want to VIP your stay? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip. In addition to handling all the troubles of booking a room (so you can focus on your amazing trip), we’ll score you exciting hotel perks — like daily breakfast or property credits you can use for hotel spa treatments or cocktails — along with expert travel suggestions and more.
It’s the best way to travel.
4 of the best hotels in Santa Monica
Read on for four of the best hotels in Santa Monica.
1. Shutters on the Beach: elegant New England cottage vibes right next to Santa Monica Pier
Image courtesy of Shutters on the Beach
Less than a full block away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier — visiting the pier is, of course, one of the best things to do in Santa Monica — you’ll find Shutters on the Beach.
Juxtaposed with the super sleek, trendy hotels Los Angeles is usually known for, this elegant beach resort does a grand impression of a ritzy Cape Cod cottage. The vibe is inherently upscale, but there’s also a delightful coziness. All the rooms here are meticulously designed for a homey feel, with the best rooms offering private balconies and ocean views.
And speaking of the ocean, “Shutters on the Beach” isn’t a misnomer — it’s literally on the beach. But if you’re looking for a more exclusive atmosphere (Santa Monica can get pretty crowded, especially in summer), there’s an elevated pool scene with cabañas, too.
Want more intel on Shutters on the Beach? Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay.
Fora Perks at Shutters on the Beach:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever available.
2. Viceroy Santa Monica: a beachy, contemporary hotel in Santa Monica
Image courtesy of Viceroy Santa Monica
Viceroy Santa Monica takes Shutters on the Beach’s upscale beach cottage theme and injects a healthy dose of youthful, contemporary California into it.
And while Viceroy Santa Monica doesn’t offer immediate ocean access like Shutters on the Beach does, it's only a short walk away from the water. In fact, many of the best rooms still boast great views of the Pacific.
(Wondering what to do around Viceroy Santa Monica? Check out our guide to Los Angeles.)
Fora Perks at Viceroy Santa Monica:
$25 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome treat in room on arrival.
Upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.
3. Santa Monica Proper Hotel: a stylish LA hotel with a focus on wellness & relaxation
Image courtesy of Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Santa Monica Proper isn’t just one of the top hotels in Santa Monica, it’s one of the best hotels in Los Angeles period, especially for travelers who want to relax and recharge.
The in-hotel Surya Spa is one of the top options in the city. All of the offered treatments are created in collaboration with Ayurvedic doctor Martha Soffer. The rooftop pool scene is great, too, with poolside Mediterranean dining and reservable “private hideaways.”
Santa Monica Proper is farther from the beach than our previous two hotels, but still very much within walking distance. On the plus side, there’s typically less foot traffic in the immediate area, offering a quieter stay.
Want to make your say at Santa Monica Proper even better? Plan and book your trip with Fora.
(P.S.: if you’re looking to keep your workout routine going throughout your trip, Santa Monica Proper has one of the best hotel gyms.)
Fora Perks at Santa Monica Proper Hotel:
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows: one of the most luxurious hotels in Santa Monica
Image courtesy of Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows feels like an oasis in an otherwise bustling city. It’s the only hotel in Santa Monica that offers private bungalows, which are surrounded by quaint gardens leading up to a relaxing pool area. Or guests can choose between spacious rooms and suites in the Palisades Wing or Ocean Tower, which both feature distinct but equally lavish accommodations. The former leans into Hollywood’s glamor era — in fact, the rooms were once frequented by stars such as Marilyn Monroe — while the latter features more of a mid-century modern theme.
The resort itself is comparatively removed from the beach, but complimentary jeep shuttles will take you to and from its semi-exclusive Miramar Beach Club, which offers butler service and tons of things to do.
Fora Perks at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever available.
Want VIP perks at the best hotels in Santa Monica? Book with Fora
Ultimately, this is only a snapshot of the best hotels in Santa Monica. When you connect with Fora to plan and book your stay, we can help you find lodgings that perfectly match your budget and travel style. Plus, we can unlock awesome hotel perks and VIP status for you at no extra cost (as in, you’re paying the same as you would otherwise, but with tons of extras and specialized treatment).
Unsure about Santa Monica being the right destination for your next trip? Maybe these West Coast travel guides have the right inspiration: