Hotel Casa del Mar, an eight-story brick mansion located just steps from the shore, looks like a beach house fit for a billionaire. With a history that dates back to 1926, this uber-exclusive Santa Monica property, designed by architect Charles F. Plummer, remains one of the very few hotels in Los Angeles County with direct beach access.
What to Expect at Hotel Casa del Mar
The impressive lobby delivers an Italian Renaissance Revival-meets-SoCal coastal vibe. The first thing you’ll notice is the stately double staircase, coffered ceilings, and intricate mosaic tiled floors. Stroll around the corner and you’ll see indoor palm trees and cozy cabana-style lounges, draped with nautical striped privacy curtains and decorated with plush seats and fresh flowers.
The rooms at this Forbes Four-Star resort mirror the lobby’s yacht club feel. A chic walnut four-poster bed centers each of the 129 guest rooms and suites, many of which boast epic views from Malibu to Palos Verdes. Built-in cabinets in the bedroom display dried coral and conch shells, while the bathroom’s hydrothermal massage tubs come with a cheeky touch: your own rubber duck.
Dining at Hotel Casa del Mar
The resort’s three restaurants specialize in—what else?—perfectly prepared seafood. Floor-to-ceiling windows in both Terrazza Lounge and Catch provide a breezy sense of place as waves lap through the glass. The lovely Terrazza, designed by Michael S. Smith, serves lighter bites with an Italian influence like Dungeness Crab Crostini. Catch is the marquee dinner spot where guests slurp down Kumamoto oysters before tucking into a plate of Seared Chilean Sea Bass or petit filet. The latest addition to the dining options is Patio del Mar, where you can take full advantage of the beachside location to enjoy an alfresco meal of oysters on the half-shell, ceviche, and other delectables, accompanied by local wine or a craft cocktail.
Guests can work up an appetite, or simply catch some rays, at the Pacific-facing pool overlooking the beach. Step onto the sand with a yoga class or personal training session at the surf’s edge before rewarding your efforts at the Sea Wellness Spa. The eco-friendly establishment offers one-of-a-kind treatments like the Vibrational Crystal Facial and three different kinds of CBD massages. Pure bliss.
Things to Do Near Hotel Casa del Mar
In addition to the beach and excellent accommodations, Santa Monica is home to some of the best shopping in the city (the Third Street Promenade is a must-visit), not to mention great dining, an almost festival-like farmers’ market, and a lively pier. For more ideas on how to get the most out of a visit here, check out 5 Amazing Things to Do in Santa Monica.