Santa Monica, CaliforniaDowntown
The Pierside Santa Monica
Mural-fronted surf lodge
Downtown Santa Monica, California
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Mural-fronted surf lodge
It brings a laid-back surf spirit to the edge of the pier, geared toward breezy beach days and sunset drinks.
“The 132 guest rooms and suites are decorated with Pacific Ocean–inspired blues, floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden floors, and carpeted seating areas.”
What it’s good at
Listed
The Surfing Fox serves coastal cocktails on an open-air terrace facing Colorado Avenue.
Listed
The Board Shop outfits beach excursions with loaner surfboards and cruiser skateboards.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
What’s inside is a hotel that’s modern and visually surprising, but true to its Southern California inspiration.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The front doors open directly onto the Santa Monica Pier entrance, with Ocean Avenue restaurants stretching in both directions.
The rooms
Rooms have light wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Coastal rooms look straight out over the pier and the Pacific.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Heated saltwater fills the courtyard pool, where wooden loungers and wicker chairs sit enclosed by timber trellis walls.
The gym
The fitness center looks out at palm trees, stocked with free weights, workout benches, and a Peloton bike.
Restaurant
The Surfing Fox
Rope-hung booths line the dining room, and folding glass doors open onto a patio serving koji-brined chicken and tacos.
How it began
The building dates to 1966, predating the California Coastal Act. A full renovation stripped it down before its 2023 reopening.
Santa Monica
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The app
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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.