Steps from Muscle Beach, Pacific Park and the Third Street Promenade, this family-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms and ocean views to travelers looking for an upscale but laid-back beach vacation.
Situated above the Pacific, Loews Santa Monica is an upscale take on West LA’s laidback beach bum culture. The lobby is an airy mix of sandstone and glass, with floor-to- ceiling windows so guests can take in the dramatic ocean views. Rooms are outfitted in sandy taupes and aquatic blues, with sleek amenities including high-pressure shower heads, marble countertops and luxury bedding. The hotel’s proximity to Santa Monica’s many family-friendly attractions make it a smart choice for parents who want a little luxury on their family vacation, but Loews is a prize pick for anyone looking for some serious R&R. You’re invited to spend sunny afternoons enjoying appetizers by the pool, while on chilly nights (yes, it does get cold here) you can dine fireside at one of the rooftop restaurants’ blazing fire pits. A two-level pool deck means you can soak in both the sun and the sights; if you’re feeling motivated, a state-of- the-art fitness suite, complete with iPhone docks and personal TVs, makes working out (almost) a breeze. For the ultimate in self-care, opt for a lava shell massage (think hot stone, but tropical) from the award-winning Ocean Spa.
Location: Loews Santa Monica is literal steps from the sand; across Ocean Avenue you’ll find joggers and dog walkers strolling along the bluffs, and a pedestrian bridge across PCH delivers you directly onto the sands of the Pacific ocean. If you’re looking for a beachside stay, this is it.
Nearby:
Venice Beach Boardwalk: Head to the beach for prime people-watching among Venice’s famously bohemian crowd. Rent skates, grab a corndog or pick up souvenirs in this kitschy beachside marketplace that seems delightfully stuck in the early ‘90s.
Copa d'Oro: This low-lit lounge is a haven for locals looking to impress their dates, tourists who need a break from the melee of the Promenade, and industry folks blowing off steam with a ginger-laced Honey Snap.
Pacific Park: The Santa Monica Pier’s rides and carnival games are geared towards kids, but even the most grown-up of adults can appreciate a romantic ride on the Ferris wheel, or a spin on a restored 1920s wooden merry-go-round.
Father’s Office: A five-minute Lyft will land you at Father’s Office, a tucked-away beer and burger joint on Montana Avenue. The establishment is so confident in its short menu that it offers no adjustments or substitutions to any dish-- not that you’d want to change anything about the supremely savory bacon- and blue cheese-laden Office Burger, anyway.
Good for: Loews Santa Monica’s location makes it ideal for families—sun, sand, and amusement park attractions are steps away at Pacific Park, and the hotel’s friendly and efficient staff are great with kids. That being said, adults-only groups (especially couples) will benefit from the hotel’s extensive spa menu—and cocktail menu, too.
Amenities: Pool, hot tub, room service, free wifi, minibar, restaurant, bar, gym, laundry service, concierge, spa
Time Out tip: Be sure to book a west-facing room for sweeping ocean views. Barring that, make your way to the rooftop at sunset for a picture-perfect moment.