Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows

A leafy classic above the Santa Monica beach

★★★★★📍 Santa Monica$$$$

The hotel combines a tower and a collection of bungalows, spread across gardens that feel quiet for the location. Bungalows have their own entrances and patios, and the tower rooms offer ocean or city views. The pool is surrounded by greenery, and the fig tree provides shade. Rooms are comfortable and updated, with a mix of styles, and the hotel offers a range of suites for families or longer stays. A spa and fitness center are on site.

The location is the main selling point. Palisades Park, the clifftop green space along Ocean Avenue, is a few steps away, with sunset views over the Pacific, and the Pier and the Third Street Promenade are an easy walk. Restaurants and cafes line the surrounding streets, and the beach is a short stroll down the bluff. Check the hotel's dining options, since restaurants and bars change. Parking is by valet, and rates at the beachfront end of the market, so book early for summer.

The Fairmont Miramar suits couples, families and travelers who want a classic Santa Monica stay without paying for the beachfront rooms next door. It is about half an hour from Hollywood and the Westside, and Malibu and Venice are both close, so it works as a base for a coast-focused trip. For a stay with a bit of history and a leafy, calm setting in a busy part of the city, it is a good choice.