10 Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Monica with Style
Located along the iconic coast of Southern California, Santa Monica is a charming city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and of course, its unique boutique hotels.
These boutique hotels offer a personalized and intimate experience that sets them apart from traditional chain hotels. The best part is that these hotels can cater to romantic getaways, family vacations, or even solo adventures.
In a city known for its upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment, boutique hotels in Santa Monica offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Each hotel is designed with its own distinct style and charm, providing you with a truly one-of-a-kind experience. From modern beachfront properties to historic buildings with a touch of nostalgia, Santa Monica’s boutique hotels are just as unique as the culture.
Do keep in mind that many of the hotels in Santa Monica are by no means cheap so I would carve out some space in your wallet for these expensive accommodations.
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How to Get to Santa Monica?
- By Air: The closest major airport to Santa Monica is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or ride-sharing service to Santa Monica. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By Car: If you’re driving to Santa Monica, you can take the I-10 freeway, which runs east-west and passes through the city. Keep in mind that traffic in Los Angeles can be heavy, especially during rush hours, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Public Transportation: Santa Monica is well-connected by public transportation. You can take the Metro Expo Line, which connects downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica. Several bus routes serve the city.
- Train: If you’re coming from other parts of California, you can take an Amtrak train to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and then transfer to the Metro Expo Line to reach Santa Monica.
- Bike: Santa Monica is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes and paths. You can rent a bike and enjoy a scenic ride along the beach.
Boutique Hotels in Santa Monica That You Will Want to Stay In
1. Palihouse Santa Monica
Only a 5-minute drive away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Palihouse Santa Monica is a place of historic charm and modern luxury. This pet-friendly hotel has a unique blend of Mediterranean and rustic decor that is captivating and dreamy.
One of the most enchanting parts of the Palihouse is the gardens where you can sit and admire the beautiful plant varieties or sit under the stars.
This peaceful retreat has only a few selections for rooms that sleep up to two people including the classic king and queen rooms. In addition to its charming accommodations, the Palihouse Santa Monica has an on-site restaurant with delicious fare in a relaxed and inviting setting.
Some rooms offer a fully-equipped kitchen if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on dining while in Santa Monica.
2. The Ambrose Hotel Santa Monica
In a quiet neighborhood in Santa Monica, you will find The Ambrose Hotel, a hidden gem that combines elegance with eco-friendliness. From the moment you arrive, you will want to visit the hotel’s beautiful patio boasting a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine during the daily happy hour.
One of the highlights of staying at The Ambrose Hotel is their delicious breakfast buffet, where you can start your day with a meal made from locally sourced ingredients.
The rooms at The Ambrose Hotel are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft beds that provide a restful night’s sleep. Some rooms even have a balcony, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine that Santa Monica is known for.
Located just 2 miles from shops and restaurants, The Ambrose Hotel offers the perfect combination of serenity and convenience. While parking is available at an extra charge, the hotel’s prime location allows you to easily access Santa Monica’s best spots.
3. The Georgian Hotel
The Georgian Hotel is an upscale yet iconic beachfront establishment built in the 1930s. This charming hotel is not only a stunning sight to behold, but a convenient oasis within walking distance of the Third Street Promenade and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
One of the parts of the hotel that you will find unique is the chic restaurant decked out in delicate flowers hanging from the ceiling. The decor is the perfect blend of a vintage paradise, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
The intimate service provided by the hotel staff ensures that every guest feels like a VIP during their stay.
For those seeking a truly luxurious experience, The Georgian Hotel offers a selection of exquisite suites. The Hudson Suite, with its elegant decor and spacious layout, is ideal for those looking for a touch of sophistication.
The First Lady Suite exudes an air of prestige, making you feel like royalty as you enjoy a cup of coffee with a view of the ocean.
4. The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach
The Huntley Hotel offers a luxurious coastal retreat like no other. With its rooftop view of the ocean, you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views of the Pacific that will leave you in awe.
The hotel’s coastal style is evident throughout, from the lobby to the guest rooms. The decor and furniture exude a sense of relaxation and sophistication, making you feel right at home by the beach.
Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Third Street Promenade, The Huntley Hotel is in the heart of all the action. Whether you want to shop ’til you drop or walk along the pier, everything you could want is just steps away.
The hotel offers a variety of rooms to choose from, including king rooms with ocean views and panoramic rooms that overlook the city. No matter which room you pick, the hotel provides top-notch amenities and unparalleled comfort.
So, if you’re looking for a luxurious yet laid-back escape by the beach, The Huntley Hotel is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
5. Hotel Casa Del Mar
Hotel Casa Del Mar beckons with its enchanting blend of coastal charm and Spanish-inspired decor. This oceanfront oasis offers a luxurious retreat where every detail is designed for a world of relaxation.
Unwind in a lavish room with elegant Spanish decor, complete with a hydrotherapy spa tub that promises to melt away your stress and rejuvenate your senses.
Whether you choose to explore the shops and restaurants nearby or simply lay in the sun by the outdoor swimming pool, every moment here is a celebration of coastal living at its finest.
You can enjoy a delicious breakfast spread each morning, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to start your day on a delightful note. For dining options, the hotel has two exquisite restaurants where you can savor cuisine while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
Book your stay at Hotel Casa Del Mar and discover the allure of coastal living, where Spanish decor, oceanfront views, and unparalleled hospitality converge to create a truly magical escape.
6. Santa Monica Proper Hotel
The Santa Monica Proper Hotel has the right amount of luxury and relaxation. You will look forward to trying the comfortable beds after a day of exploring the vibrant streets of Santa Monica.
The Balinese-inspired decor makes you feel like you’re across the world, from the tropical plants to the nude and cream color palette that stretches from the lobby to the rooms.
Make your way up to the rooftop with the large pool. It will take your breath away with the views.
One of the best bars in the area is at this hotel, so you can expect exquisite service and drinks as the icing on the cake for your relaxing vacation.
7. Viceroy Santa Monica
The Viceroy Santa Monica boutique hotel offers a luxurious retreat with its upscale coastal decor that brings elegance and charm. You can indulge in a variety of amenities, including a snack bar perfect for satisfying cravings, a serene terrace and garden for relaxation, and the Sugar Palm Santa Monica restaurant for dining.
The hotel’s rooms have stunning views of the pool, ocean, and city skyline, providing a picturesque backdrop for a memorable stay.
Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the main street, the hotel provides easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Additionally, Viceroy is a mere 30-minute drive from the airport, making travel arrangements easier to plan.
8. Shore Hotel
If you want to stay at a hotel in a great centralized location for downtown Santa Monica, then spending a few nights at the Shore Hotel may be the perfect option. The rooms are just as colorful as the city itself, with blue and orange accents, even spreading to the outdoor pool area.
Depending on the room, you may have a view of the ocean, city, or garden. Don’t forget to check out the amenities like the fitness center and restaurant.
Walk to the Pacific Park or the Santa Monica State Beach Park to soak in the energy and beauty of Santa Monica.
9. The Pierside Santa Monica
Where the tropics meet the arts, The Pierside captures the aura of Santa Monica with a colorful mural on the exterior of the hotel and a poolside lounge area. The pool is not your usual outdoor pool but instead has salt with heat.
Every room is cozy and bright with some rooms having iconic ocean views. Make sure to visit their bar and restaurant.
The Pierside is only 15 minutes away from Beverly Hills where you can snap photos with the long road of palm trees and mansions.
10. Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
Upon arrival at the Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica, guests are greeted with a warm welcome and a sense of sophistication that permeates throughout the property. The hotel’s modern decor and upscale amenities create an atmosphere of elegance, while the friendly staff ensures that you feel right at home.
The highlights of staying at this hotel are the comfy beds with rooms that have a private balcony.
For those looking to explore the surrounding area, the Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica’s prime location makes it easy to discover all that Santa Monica has to offer. From world-class shopping and dining on the Third Street Promenade to outdoor activities on the Santa Monica Pier, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this iconic beach town.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the heated pool and the cabanas.
Final Thoughts: Boutique Hotels in Santa Monica
It’s no secret that these boutique hotels in Santa Monica have their own unique charm from the colorful rooms with views to the intimate service. They also happen to be in a wonderful location for sightseeing.
Make sure to book these hotels ahead of time to receive the best deals for your trip to Santa Monica!
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