Hotels in Santa Monica

Serenity by the Sea: Discover Santa Monica's Coastal Charm

Nestled along California's stunning coastline, Santa Monica is a vibrant blend of sun, sea, and culture. Famous for its iconic Santa Monica Pier, where amusement rides meet breathtaking ocean views, this beach city invites visitors to stroll its lively boardwalk and explore chic boutiques and gourmet eateries. The golden sands of Santa Monica Beach are perfect for sunbathing and surfing, while the nearby Santa Monica Mountains offer scenic hiking trails. With its laid-back atmosphere and dynamic arts scene, Santa Monica promises an unforgettable getaway for both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. For our best hotel rates in Santa Monica and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Santa Monica

Some of the best places to stay in Santa Monica are Westwood, Westchester and West Los Angeles. Westwood, Westchester, and West Los Angeles offer excellent options for travellers seeking diverse experiences. Westwood is vibrant and close to attractions like UCLA, ideal for first-time visitors. Westchester boasts a quieter atmosphere with easy airport access, while West Los Angeles features trendy dining and shopping. Accommodations vary from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious stays, with options near the beachfront, particularly in Santa Monica, where visitors can enjoy a scenic stay with ocean views. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Santa Monica:

1. WestwoodOpens in a new window: Westwood is an inviting area perfect for families, offering easy access to iconic attractions like Santa Monica Beach and the University of California, Los Angeles. If you're looking for adventure or a family vacation experience, consider staying at Hotel Bel-Air - Dorchester CollectionOpens in a new window, a 5-star hotel that provides a range of adventure sports and business amenities. Another option is Plaza La ReinaOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel allowing pets and featuring excellent business facilities. For an upscale experience, The Beverly Hills HotelOpens in a new window also offers adventure activities along with family-friendly services.
2. WestchesterOpens in a new window: This family-friendly neighbourhood is close to Venice Beach and the Kia Forum, making it ideal for entertainment and outdoor activities. Hilton Los Angeles AirportOpens in a new window, a 4-star hotel, features business amenities and pet-friendly policies, while Hotel June West L.A.Opens in a new window provides direct access to the beach, perfect for adventure seekers. Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles HotelOpens in a new window is another 4-star hotel located in the shopping district, catering to families with great amenities.
3. West Los AngelesOpens in a new window: Known for its proximity to Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach, West Los Angeles is a great choice for city and beach lovers alike. FOUND HotelOpens in a new window, a 3-star hotel, offers comfortable accommodations with entertainment options. If you're travelling with family or pets, Holiday Inn Express West Los Angeles by IHGOpens in a new window is a 2.5-star hotel equipped with essential business amenities. For a more pet-friendly stay, check out L.A. Sky Boutique HotelOpens in a new window, which welcomes dogs and offers essential amenities.

Things to do in Santa Monica for first times

A visit to Santa Monica typically requires three days to fully embrace its stunning coastal landscapes, where golden beaches meet the sparkling sea. Enjoy activities like beach sports, scenic walks, and art explorations, while relishing breathtaking sunsets that create an unforgettable atmosphere for travellers. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Santa Monica:

• Day 1: Start your adventure at Santa Monica Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean. After a relaxing time on the beach, take a stroll along Ocean Avenue, where you’ll find stunning ocean views and vibrant street life. Complete your day with a visit to the International Chess Park, a unique spot where chess enthusiasts gather to play, offering a fun and engaging experience.
• Day 2: Kick off your day at Venice Beach, known for its lively boardwalk and artistic atmosphere. Spend some time exploring the famous Venice Fishing Pier, where you can watch fishermen at work or simply take in the scenic views. Afterward, head over to Marina Beach for a more tranquil experience, perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic by the water as you enjoy the sunset.
• Day 3: Begin your day at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy the amusement park rides and the lively atmosphere. Then, make your way to Rodeo Drive, renowned for its luxury shopping and celebrity sightings—perfect for window-shopping or grabbing a bite at a chic café. Finish your day back at Venice Beach Boardwalk, where you can soak in the vibrant energy and perhaps catch a street performance as the day winds down.

4 tips to find a great Santa Monica hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Santa Monica falls in January, November, and December, when hotel rates are more affordable. International travellers should aim to book their flights at least three months in advance for the best deals, while domestic travellers should do so at least two months ahead. To fully experience the area’s main attractions, a stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended. Key highlights in Santa Monica include its stunning beach and inviting sea, making it a great value for money destination for those on a budget.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Santa Monica, you could find some fantastic rates on accommodations. To begin, check out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com, where you may uncover discounted prices on hotels as your travel date approaches. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep yourself informed about potential flash sales and special last-minute offers, helping you seize any chance to save.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel’s location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates might allow you to save on hotel expenses in Santa Monica.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your holiday, take your location into account. Staying nearer to key attractions or city centres can offer convenience, but it usually tends to come with a higher price tag. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central areas or neighbourhoods, striking a balance between cost and accessibility to the places you intend to visit.

Best time to go to Santa Monica

Santa Monica experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 56.5°F (13.6°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 75.0°F (23.9°C). December is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in Santa Monica, April, June, and July are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is sunny, accompanied by no rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, October to December are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by no to light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.