Hotels in Santa Monica, California
On the Beach by Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, Spas, Historic Lodgings
Aug 9, 2008
Santa Monica in Los Angeles County has 3.5 miles of golden sandy beaches, and is less than 10 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. It's the perfect base if you want to combine seeing the sights of LA, like Universal Studios, with some beachside – or poolside – relaxation. Santa Monica has museums, the Palisades Park, and the historic Santa Monica Pier, on which you'll find the only admission-free amusement park in Los Angeles.
Among the best Santa Monica hotels are:
The Ambrose Hotel
1255 20th Street
The Ambrose describes itself as Santa Monica's only award-winning sustainable boutique hotel. If green issues concern you, take a look at the Ambrose, which has won several awards for its eco-friendly initiatives. Room rates include free guest parking, free wi-fi, free daily paper, and a free gourmet organic continental breakfast. There are recycle containers in every room, too.
Casa del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
This luxury Santa Monica hotel option is right by the beach and close to Santa Monica Pier. It has a spa, pool, health and fitness center, and 129 rooms and suites, with the suites having up to four bedrooms spread over two floors. The Catch restaurant offers Southern California cuisine, with a special emphasis on seafood
Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows
101 Wilshire Boulevard
The Fairmont is one of the top luxury Santa Monica hotels, with a spa, fitness center and even its own barber shop! There are 300 rooms and suites, many with stunning Pacific Ocean views, and 32 secluded garden bungalows with private patios. Guests can also make use of the new, private Miramar Beach Club.
The Santa Monica Hotel Shangri-La
Re-opening October 2008 after a major make-over. Read here about the new luxury hotel Shangri-La.
Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Boulevard
Shutters is the chicest address in Santa Monica, right on the beach with its rooms designed like private beach cottages. The pool's deck has ocean views, there's a spa and a fitness center, and even an art collection with works by artists such as David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg. Now that's class.
Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Avenue
The Viceroy is a boutique-style hotel by the beach, with great views over Santa Monica Bay. There are 162 rooms and executive suites, though not all have beach or bay views, so ask. Facilities include two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa services and beauty bars. The in-house Whist restaurant was recently voted one of the top 50 hotel restaurants by Food & Wine magazine.
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