Santa Monica, CaliforniaWilshire Montana
Oceana Santa Monica
Residential seaside retreat
Wilshire Montana Santa Monica, California
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe HeritageOutside the door
The house
HiltonResidential seaside retreat
A discreet, residential coastal retreat centered around an olive-tree courtyard, just across the palms of Ocean Avenue from the Pacific.
“…an unassuming 70-room seaside retreat that attracts a mix of couples, families, and showbiz execs.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Anna Busta coastal interiors paired with a Martin Brudnizki brasserie featuring custom straw marquetry.
Notable
Generous suites outfitted with Frette linens, Loro Piana bedding, Bottega Veneta amenities, and beach butler services.
Listed
Mid-century 1958 apartment-hotel roots, famously serving as comedy legend Stan Laurel's long-term home.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Review
Condé Nast Traveler
2024
Also in AFAR.
It was only a matter of time before the adorable Fifties-vintage Oceana became a hot commodity again. With its mid-century modernist good looks, and its setting on Ocean Avenue, looking out over Santa Monica State Beach, the hotel was, as the saying goes, born on third base.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set in quiet Wilshire Montana along Palisades Park, you can borrow a cruiser bike to reach Montana Avenue boutiques or the pier.
The rooms
Generous suites designed by Anna Busta feature Italian marble baths, soft pastel palettes, and beds dressed in Loro Piana and Frette linens.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated pool sits in the central courtyard, surrounded by daybeds, striped loungers, and multi-level balconies.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
La Monique
Chef David Fricaud serves playful French brasserie classics, from escargot poppers to A5 Wagyu, beneath mirrored ceilings.
At the heart of Oceana Santa Monica is an open-air courtyard with a sparkling pool and black-and-white-tiled deck surrounded by James Perse lounge chairs and lush landscaping, such as lemon trees and lavender.
At the table
The Veranda serves casual meals beside the courtyard pool, and the Sunset Terrace pours evening cocktails over ocean views.
How it began
Opened in 1958 as an apartment hotel, comedy legend Stan Laurel lived in unit 203, regularly hosting friends like Dick Van Dyke.
“The 70 apartment-style guest rooms—most of which feature ocean views—are situated around a heart-shaped pool.”
Good to know
Stay here
Oceana Santa Monica
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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.