Santa Monica
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Santa Monica
Sun, sea, sand and city thrills: whoever said ‘you can’t have it all’ hadn’t been to Santa Monica. Begin your LA adventure in this cosmopolitan, coastal city – and stay at the beach.
Seaside Santa Monica has eight distinct neighbourhoods to explore, each with its own character and charm. There’s arterial Downtown Santa Monica; arty Main Street; foodie-centric Mid-City; swish Montana Avenue; indie Ocean Park Boulevard; vibrant Pico Boulevard; the iconic Santa Monica Pier/Ocean Avenue Area, and scenic Wilshire Boulevard.
Put aside fears of LA-style traffic jams, or elusive parking: you don’t even need a car here. Instead, explore Santa Monica’s 8.3 walkable square miles on foot, by bike or like the locals by rollerblading. You can even get around for free by texting Santa Monica Free Ride, an electric shuttle service that will pick you up and drive you to your attraction of choice within the city.
Santa Monica enjoys close proximity to LA’s big-name lures – you could catch a bus to Hollywood or Beverly Hills, or stroll along the beachfront to get to Venice Beach – but it’s also a destination in itself. Spend a few days soaking up its beachy vibes and sunny outlook, starting with Santa Monica Beach.
Highlights
Our Favourite Stays
Hotel CarmelModerateFrom £188 per room per night
A charming European boutique style hotel, just 2 blocks from Santa Monica beach and pier and across the street from Santa Monica Place Mall.
There is on site dining and each of the 97 distinctive guest rooms contain satellite TVs, in room refrigerators, Keurig coffee
machines, safes, iron and ironing board, air conditioning and WiFi.
Wyndham Santa Monica Beach at the PierModerateFrom £210 per room per night
This hotel is adjacent to Santa Monica Pier and just minutes away from the shops and restaurants of Third Street Promenade.
The room amenities include flat screen televisions, coffee makers, air conditioning, hairdryer, safe and some also enjoy ocean views. Onsite, there is also a fitness centre, heated outdoor pool and restaurant.
Hampton Inn and SuitesModerateFrom £240 per room per night
Newly built in 2017, this hotel is three blocks from the iconic Santa Monica Pier and within walking distance of entertainment, dining and shopping. Onsite there is a swimming pool fitness centre and a free hot breakfast is included in the rate.
The room amenities include a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, hairdryer, fridge and free WiFi. Some rooms also come with a balcony.
Huntley HotelFirst ClassFrom £295 per room per night
Located just one block from the beach and 3rd Street Promenade. It offers a modern fitness centre and rooftop dining with 30 degree views of the Pacific Ocean.
The 204 sophisticated rooms are well equipped with coffee maker, spa style bathrooms, iron and ironing board and hairdryer.
The ViceroyFirst ClassFrom £381 per room per night
Ideally situated near the beaches of Santa Monica, this stylish hotel offers two outdoor plunge pools, restaurant, lounge, 24hour fitness centre and WiFi.
The bright and airy rooms come well equipped with in-room safe, TV, private bar and sitting area with ocean, pool or city views.
Shore HotelFirst ClassFrom £278 per room per night
Just steps from world-famous Santa Monica Pier, the Shore Hotel blends coastal California style with earth-friendly sustainability. The bright and airy rooms have unobstructed ocean views from private balconies or patios, plus all the modern-day essentials such as high-speed WiFi, rain showers, hairdryer, coffee/tea makers and HDTVs.
Onsite there is a solar heated outdoor pool and hot tub and 24 hour fitness centre.
Le Meridien DelfinaFirst ClassFrom £365 per room per night
This modern hotel is located just a few blocks away from Santa Monica Beach.
The rooms are stylishly furnished and have private balconies, flat screen televisions, coffee makers and wireless internet. There is also an onsite fitness centre, outdoor heated pool and on site dining serving modern Southern Californian inspired cuisine.
Hotel Shangri-La
DeluxeFrom £252 per room per night
Located in the heart of Santa Monica with a beachfront setting, this luxury hotel offers a fitness centre, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, Jacuzzi and rooftop bar with a terrace famed for its iconic sunset views over Santa Monica.
The rooms themselves some comfortably furnished with air-conditioning, hair dryer, mini bar, safe, TV and internet access. Many of the rooms also come with Pacific Ocean vistas and exclusive terraces.
Courtyard by MarriottFirst ClassFrom £262 per room per night
In the heart of downtown Santa Monica, this Courtyard hotel is just 3 blocks from the Santa Monica Beach and Pier and Santa Monica Place Mall and Third Street Promenade is a short 2 block walk. Onsite there is a fitness centre and swimming pool and free WiFi is offered.
The 118 rooms and 18 suited come well equipped with air-conditioning, coffee/tea maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, TV and in room safe.
Loews Santa Monica
First ClassFrom £380 per room per night
This upscale hotel is 7 minutes from the world famous Santa Monica Pier.
The 371 guestrooms are luxuriously furnished and have step out balconies, flat screen televisions and wireless internet. Onsite, there is also a fitness centre, outdoor pool, spa and fine dining restaurant with ocean views.
Fairmont Santa MonicaFirst ClassFrom £322 per room per night
This centrally located hotel offers an on-site fitness centre, swimming pool, lobby lounge and a fine dining restaurant.
The 302 elegant guest rooms come well equipped with flat screen TV, hair dryer, in-room safe, and high speed Wi-Fi with cribs, coffee/tea makers and mini-fridge available on request. Many rooms also come with a view of the Ocean.
Shutters on The BeachUnique StayFrom £465 per room per night
This luxury beachfront hotel is located just minutes away from the world famous Santa Monica pier.
The rooms are stylishly furnished and have private balconies, marble bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, flat screen televisions and wireless internet. Onsite, there is also a wellness spa, outdoor pool, fitness centre and three restaurants to choose from.
