Sun-splashed Santa Monica is the ideal vacation destination for travelers who like the excitement of a city but want to be near the beach. Set on Ocean Avenue, within walking distance of both the Pacific Ocean and the shops and restaurants along Montana Avenue, Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers visitors a desirable location for exploring on foot. Guests who prefer not to walk can make good use of the cruiser bikes or the house car.
But the best part of a stay at this five-star bolthole isn’t the covetable Ocean Avenue address—it’s the polished respite itself. The former 1950s apartment building, which has been transformed into an all-suite boutique hotel, recently underwent a massive renovation that transformed the tired crash pad into one of Santa Monica’s best stays.
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Featuring an ivy-clad facade and a living room-esque lobby crowned by mid-century furniture and a four-sided glass fireplace, it’s a haven of discreet luxury. The vibe is intimate and refined, with residential ease and palpable proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The guests are a mix of out-of-towers seeking sunshine and Los Angelenos who want to escape prying eyes and chill for the weekend. (It’s a favorite of a few A-listers we can’t name—just trust us.)
Featuring a beautifully tiled central courtyard replete with a heated pool and comfy loungers and day beds, plus a fire pit and sofas, the ground floor feels like a cocoon of elevated Southern California living. If you get hungry while catching rays, order a burger and a margarita poolside or grab a table at the beachy all-day restaurant, Sandpiper, which serves fresh, local fare in a pastel-swathed setting replete with an onyx-clad bar. The guest-only terrace lounge is prime for sunset cocktails and appetizers.
The sophisticated suites make a stellar first impression courtesy of French doors with wooden swings out front. Once inside, the sumptuous textures, watery hues, local art, and black-and-white photographs reinforce the SoCal chic aesthetic. Expect four-poster king beds, Loro Piana bedding, hand-tufted rugs, cashmere throws, and bold wallpaper. Bathrooms are equipped with Bottega Veneta products and Frette towels. Some of the larger configurations flaunt walk-in closets, in-room libraries, dining tables, and balconies.
Rounding out the facilities are a fitness center stocked with Peloton equipment and a serene spa for facials and massages. The concierge will gladly set up experiences ranging from oceanfront yoga and guided hikes to surf lessons and beach butler service.
Top Takeaways
Location: Santa Monica, California
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: A contemporary rendition of classic SoCal luxury.
Food + Drink: The ground-floor restaurant Sandpiper, serves Southern California fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Poolside dining is also available, as is a terrace lounge with cocktails, bites, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Amenities: Outdoor heated pool; 2 restaurants; terrace lounge; spa; fitness center with Peloton equipment; complimentary cruiser bikes; house car; airport transfers; 24/7 concierge
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The pool area is a stylish oasis in the heart of Santa Monica.
5 Nearby Attractions: Palisades Park, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica Farmers Market, Montana Ave
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Start the day with the famous oatmeal griddle cakes from Breakfast by Salt’s Cure. While there’s no shortage of spots to get nigiri and sashimi on the West Side, The Brothers Sushi Santa Monica is a standout. Make a reservation at the sushi bar for omakase or opt for a la carte and do a little choose-your-own-adventure with dry-aged tuna tataki, fish bone chips, and lobster tempura.
Rooms: 70 suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $1,000/night
Closest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
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