Downtown Santa Monica, California
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe SocialOutside the door
The house
ViceroyModernist coastal retreat
The hotel opens its indoor lounges directly onto a sunlit pool deck, built for easy coastal living by the Pacific.
“Although it opened in 2000 as Viceroy’s first boutique luxury hotel, Viceroy Santa Monica is still a glam and inspiring stay.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Sugar Palm draws evening crowds with poolside cabana service, craft cocktails, and courtyard fire pits.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Fresh off a thorough renovation, the Viceroy’s colonial-style interiors have been replaced by a warmer, more organic look, one that pays tribute to the building’s Modernist heritage.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The front doors open onto Ocean Avenue, placing Santa Monica Beach and the historic pier a short stroll away.
The rooms
Selected rooms open onto private Juliet balconies facing the ocean, finished with Italian linens and down duvets.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Two heated outdoor swimming pools are framed by palm trees and open-air cabanas with cushioned sectionals.
The gym
Cardio machines and weight racks look out through glass walls, and cruiser bikes are on hand for coastal rides.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Sugar Palm Santa Monica
The indoor-outdoor dining room centers on a wraparound bar, serving coastal California dishes beside terrace fire pits.
Walk to the beach, the pier, and other Santa Monica highlights from this intimate hotel, one of the few four-star options in the neighborhood.
How it began
Opened in 2000 as the inaugural Viceroy, designer Kelly Wearstler originally launched the property with a Hollywood Regency aesthetic.
“A late summer 2020 reimagining of this Santa Monica hotel’s chic public spaces…has cemented it as a top pick for both locals and out-of-towners”
Good to know
Stay here
Viceroy Santa Monica
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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.