Ocean Park Santa Monica, California
Renovated
2015
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage DesignOutside the door
Renaissance beachfront citadel
The 1920s beach club balances grand Italianate architecture with relaxed, sun-drenched days right on the Santa Monica sand.
“The airy lobby—with its rattan ceiling fans, wicker furniture, and lots of greenery—feels like a set from a Nancy Meyers film.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Hydrothermal massage tubs, Diptyque bath products, and four-poster beds facing the Pacific surf.
Remarkable
An Italian Renaissance 1926 beach club on the National Register of Historic Places.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Casa del Mar is a period piece, an authentic 1920s Italianate palace that’s played host to Hollywood royalty…
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Santa Monica Pier sits a short stroll up the boardwalk, and the beach lies right outside.
The rooms
Four-poster beds anchor the light-filled rooms, while Italian marble bathrooms hold deep hydrothermal massage tubs.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool and spa
An elevated fifth-floor heated pool overlooks the Pacific surf, and the Sea Wellness Spa offers eco-minded body treatments.
The gym
Peloton bikes and Hydrow rowers fill the gym, with morning yoga sessions held right on the beach.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Terrazza
Floor-to-ceiling windows look out across Santa Monica Pier, setting the scene for handmade pastas and coastal Italian fare.
Mosaic tile work, soft colors and rich woods reflect the historic beach club setting, and the eight-story property features a red-tile roof, wrought-iron balconies and sculptures throughout.
At the table
The Lobby Lounge pours craft cocktails beneath hanging lanterns, and seasonal bistro Patio del Mar sits steps from the boardwalk.
How it began
Before its late-nineties revival, the 1926 private beach club served as World War II military housing for the Navy.
“The Italian Renaissance style is completely unlike other architecture around it and creates an elegant environment in which to meet friends for cocktails...”
Good to know
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Hotel Casa Del Mar
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.