Few places capture the essence of coastal California like Santa Monica—where urban edge meets ocean breeze. With palm-lined streets, walkable beach paths, rooftop pools, and standout cuisine, this Westside hub offers travelers a perfect blend of relaxed luxury and vibrant city energy. These top-rated hotels don’t just offer a place to rest—they offer an experience steeped in style, service, and coastal soul.
🏖️ Hotel Casa del Mar
Why Stay: This iconic 1920s beach club turned luxury hotel is all about timeless glamour with a front-row seat to the Pacific. With marble floors, soaring ceilings, and a dramatic beachfront location, it’s the epitome of laid-back elegance.
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Terrazza Lounge – A glass-wrapped lounge with panoramic ocean views. Ideal for small plates and cocktails at sunset.
💡 Insider Tip:
Reserve an Ocean View Room and wake up to sunrise over the water. After dark, order a negroni and enjoy live music in the lounge—it’s a local favorite.
🐚 Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Why Stay: Tucked into a quiet stretch of Ocean Avenue, this all-suite boutique property blends residential-style privacy with five-star amenities. It feels like your own beach house—with room service.
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Sandpiper – An intimate indoor-outdoor restaurant for guests only. Expect inventive, seasonal California fare for breakfast through dinner, plus a craft cocktail list designed for breezy evenings by the firepit.
💡 Insider Tip:
The complimentary beach cruiser bikes and personalized wellness programs (think in-room yoga and sunset fitness sessions) make this a truly immersive coastal escape. Ask about curated picnics by the beach.
🏙️ Santa Monica Proper Hotel
📍700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
Why Stay: Designed by Kelly Wearstler, this hotel redefines Westside cool with sculptural interiors, a wellness-forward vibe, and bold design details that make every corner photo-worthy. It’s the ultimate intersection of bohemian chic and urban sophistication.
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Calabra Rooftop – A Mediterranean-meets-California restaurant and bar with poolside seating, ocean views, and weekend DJs. Expect grilled prawns, flatbreads, and standout mezze.
💡 Insider Tip:
Book a Deluxe Balcony King for light-filled mornings and cool ocean breezes. Don’t skip the Surya Spa—a unique wellness experience that includes dosha-specific treatments.
🌴 Final Takeaway: Sleep by the Sea, Stay in Style
Whether you’re after oceanfront opulence, boutique seclusion, or curated design-forward digs, these Santa Monica stays elevate the beach escape into an urban luxury experience. With top-rated dining, wellness amenities, and sun-drenched vibes, your time on the coast will be equal parts relaxation and inspiration.
🌴 Experience luxury at its finest with Urban Escapes: Top-Rated Places to Stay in Beverly Hills. From iconic hotels to stylish boutique stays, this guide helps you find your perfect place in L.A.’s most glamorous neighborhood.
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