THE SANTA MONICA GUIDE TO OCEAN VIEW HOTELS

An ocean view hotel is atop many travelers’ lists for a Santa Monica vacation. There’s just something about watching the sun set over the waves as you sip on a glass of bubbly. Maybe it just adds a touch of luxury and relaxation to your stay. If you’ve got your heart set on an ocean view hotel in Santa Monica, here’s a quick guide to some of the best hotels and resorts, whether your budget is on the high-end or low-end.

What’s the best luxury ocean view hotel in Santa Monica?

In Santa Monica, the three highest-end beach resorts are Hotel Oceana, Shutters on the Beach, Hotel Casa Del Mar. There are many other luxury hotels on the coastline, but these deliver the 5-star treatment with easy beach access.

While there’s no shortage of beach hotels in Santa Monica, not all could accurately be described as resorts. If you’re looking for a true beach resort, you’re probably looking for a 4- or 5-star hotel with ocean views, spa services, high-end dining, and available extras like surfing lessons, boat tours, yoga classes, etc. Naturally, you’re going to pay more for a resort experience, because you’re going to get more than just a room.

Hotel Oceana

Hotel Oceana is set in Santa Monica’s most prestigious residential enclave north of Montana Avenue. As an all-suite boutique hotel nestled above beachside cliffs, we provide a level of service that anticipates your needs, wants, and desires. Whether that’s a requested juice upon arrival or a seasonal beach tote in your room with your goodies, Oceana is a unique experience. Plus, as an all-suites boutique hotel, Oceana offers some of the largest accommodations in Santa Monica, and our vantage point above the beach makes for breathtaking ocean views. Our smaller size and more private location make it the ideal place for a spa staycation or an intimate couple’s getaway complete with all the luxurious extras and flourishes. Oceana’s location also makes it a great fit for those wishing to visit Malibu during their stay.

Shutters on the Beach & Hotel Casa del Mar

Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa Del Mar are owned by a hotel group, and both are top-tier options. Stylistically, they’re a bit different. With clean white lines and a breezy Cape Cod feel, Shutters on the Beach feels a bit like Martha’s Vineyard on the sands of Santa Monica. Casa Del Mar is a bit older — originally erected in 1926 — and reflects the ornate art deco glamour from that era. On the whole, Casa Del Mar is a bit quieter and more low-key, whereas Shutters has more of a bar scene at night. Both hotels are situated close enough to the main attractions, but without excess noise and crowds.

What’s the best hotel on the Santa Monica Pier?

There are no hotels on Santa Monica pier, but many near it. The Santa Monica Pier is an LA landmark — teeming with excited crowds from dawn til well after dusk, day-in and day-out. The iconic ferris wheel is a must-do for many visitors, and adults and kids alike can enjoy hours of fun playing games, riding rides, grabbing a seaside bite, or simply people-watching.

There are plenty of hotel options if you want to be as close to the Santa Monica Pier, as possible. For those on a budget, the Sea Blue Hotel is very close to the pier, and is one of the least expensive options. You won’t get all the bells and whistles of a luxury hotel experience at the Sea Blue, but you’ll be centrally located. The Ocean View Hotel is a few more blocks away from the Pier, but is similarly priced on the low end. Just be advised that you’re likely to encounter more of a “spring break” crowd at either of these spots. But as long as you’re okay with more noise and bigger crowds, both hotels are affordable options close to the Pier.

For a higher price tag, but more of a luxury hotel experience, The Viceroy and Loews Santa Monica are other choices with close proximity to the pier. At both, you’re going to get something a little closer to a full resort experience, in addition to high-quality accommodations. The Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot next door is similarly priced and similarly close. And lastly, keep in mind that Hotel Oceana is within easy walking distance to the pier, too.

What’s the best ocean view boutique hotel in Santa Monica?

Hotel Oceana is the only true boutique hotel in Santa Monica with an ocean view. Intimate and exclusive, we offer every guest a personalized experience. With only 70 suites, our goal is to make Hotel Oceana feel like your private beach residence. Our guests come back time after time — they know they’re getting an experience they simply can’t get anywhere else in Santa Monica.

Oceana tends to be a special occasion hotel — both for LA locals and out-of-towners. Guests book us for anniversaries, weddings, honeymoons, wellness retreats, writing retreats, etc. There are plenty of other luxury hotels with top-notch service and excellent views of the coastline. They just tend to be larger, the rooms tend to be smaller, and they can’t provide our level of personalized care, simply because they have more guests to take care of. That doesn’t mean they’re not fantastic places to stay! It all just depends on what you’re looking for. Oceana will be perfect for you if you’re looking for an exceptional level of intimacy and privacy during your stay. Our accommodations feel like your own private beach condo, with everything Santa Monica has to offer, right at your fingertips. We’re also closer to Malibu than any other ocean view hotel on the coastline, so you’ll get the best of both worlds.

What are some things to do in Santa Monica?

There are so many fun things to do in Santa Monica, it’s hard to know where to begin! Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your trip:

Santa Monica Beach

This one is a no-brainer, but it’s still a must. Whether you take a dip in the Pacific, grab a boogie board, try some oceanfront yoga, or just lay out and catch some rays, simply relaxing on Santa Monica’s beautiful beaches is a balm for the soul and a great way to pass the day.

3rd Street Promenade

The promenade is Santa Monica’s main shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Here, you can sample some of the city’s finest food, shop til you drop, check out a movie, or go see some live theater or comedy. The talented street performers and musicians are an added bonus.

Malibu Brunch

Many locals take advantage of weekend mornings to visit Malibu. Atop the list of to-do’s are a simple beach day picnic, brunch at Malibu Farms on the Malibu Pier, or a high-end sushi lunch at Nobu. You might also spot some celebs at Malibu Country Mart or on any of the beaches.

Montana Avenue

Full of upscale coffee shops and boutique shopping, Montana Avenue is a popular weekend destination for locals. We recommend a latte at Caffe Luxxe or a healthy brunch at Kreation Cafe before checking in on the latest styles at dozens of privately curated boutiques.

Palisades Village

Still new to the westside, Palisades Village offers some of the biggest names in fashion wrapped up in a family-friendly environment. Stroll casually though high-end boutiques, while the kids dash around on the manicured lawns. In the evening, enjoy a bit of celeb-spotting and fine dining at the Draycott

Surfing Lessons

Santa Monica offers several year-round surfing schools, and it’s home to some of the best instructors in the country. First-timer? No problem. Lessons are available for all skill levels and almost all ages. If you don’t know where to book, just ask your hotel concierge.

Beach Bike Rides

Renting a bike or beach cruiser is an inexpensive and super fun way to spend the day exploring Santa Monica and Venice Beach, to the south. Stick to the promenade and the boardwalk on the 3.3 mile Santa Monica Beach trail, or if you’re feeling ambitious, spend the day doing the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, starting in Will Rogers State Park.

Santa Monica Pier

No trip to SaMo would be complete without visiting the world-famous Pier! Drink in the incredible views of LA from atop the iconic ferris wheel, win your sweetie a stuffed animal at one of the old-fashioned carnival games, gorge yourself on some cotton candy, or grab a table at The Albright and people-watch while enjoying fresh seafood. Animal lovers should also check out the Heal the Bay Aquarium, which features petting tanks that the kids will love.

Whale Watching

Take to the briny seas on a chartered tour into the open Pacific to catch a glimpse of some of the most impressive marine mammals on earth. Depending on the time of year, you can see dolphins, gray whales, humpback whales, and even orcas.

Book your stay at Oceana Hotel

If you’re booking a luxury vacation or staycation in the Los Angeles area, Hotel Oceana is an excellent choice with premiere accommodations. Our all-suite boutique hotel features custom-designed spaces averaging 800 sq. ft., offering guests a truly residential, home-away-from-home experience. Oceana is not just a top-tier hotel, it’s a destination in its own right. With two guest-exclusive restaurants onsite, a full menu of spa services, custom-tailored wellness packages with expert trainers, poolside and in-room dining options, available beach butler service, and a whole array of outings and excursions.

Have questions about Ocean View Hotels in Santa Monica?
Contact Hotel Oceana today

Phone: (310) 393-0486 or 1-800-777-0758
Email: Info_sm@hoteloceana.com

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About Oceana of Santa Monica

Oceana of Santa Monica is not just a world-class luxury hotel — it is a personally-curated experience uniquely tailored to each and every guest who stays with us. As a boutique hotel, we’re able to offer bespoke services and amenities that larger luxury hotels simply cannot, from the latest in private spa services, to A-list personal trainers, to exclusive outings and adventurous excursions. Our cliffside oceanfront location offers both privacy and stunning views, and our lavishly-appointed suites are among the most spacious and high-tech of any resort in Santa Monica. Our award-winning restaurants serve our guests exclusively, offering some of the most beautifully-plated and high-end faire in all of Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for the romantic getaway of a lifetime, a personal wellness retreat to recharge mind and body, or a family vacation that offers something for everyone, Oceana will design a flawlessly-personalized itinerary you just won’t find anywhere else. Call us today and let us know how we can create a truly unforgettable luxury experience for you and yours at our one-of-a-kind paradise-within-a-paradise.