Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica, California

Morning light spills across polished oak floors, the surf thumps softly beyond arched windows, and the breeze carries a whisper of salt and jasmine—welcome to Hotel Casa del Mar. 

Set directly on the sand in Santa Monica, this 129-room grande dame blends Roaring Twenties glamour with breezy California beach life. 

Think double-height lobby with ocean panoramas, striped cabanas, and sunset martinis as the Pacific turns molten gold.

What Makes It Special

• Historic seaside icon (1920s pedigree) lovingly restored with ocean-facing salons and arches.
• True beachfront address with private-style cabanas and direct sand access on the Santa Monica strand.
• Serene spa & coastal wellness—ocean-view treatments, steam, and a sunlit pool terrace.
• Refined coastal dining & cocktails where the day’s catch meets market citrus and herbs.
• Sister-property perks next door (more bars, fitness, and dining options) while keeping Casa’s intimate feel.

A Day at Hotel Casa del Mar

Morning

Barefoot stroll on cool, hard-packed sand; pelicans skim the waves while you sip a citrusy cold-pressed juice on the terrace. Blue-and-white umbrellas bloom as the sun rises.

Afternoon

Borrow a beach cruiser and roll the palm-lined path to the pier, then return for a grilled halibut tostada and a plunge in the ocean-view pool. Sea spray hangs in the air like a veil.

Evening

The lobby’s grand windows glow honey-gold; a pianist threads Cole Porter through the room. Order a coastal spritz; the glass beads with condensation as the horizon swallows the sun.

Night

Upstairs, the room hums with quiet: linen that smells faintly of orange blossom, the hush of the Pacific, and the soft tick of a vintage-style clock.

Insider Tips for Hotel Casa del Mar

• Valet Parking Only: It’s pricey, typical of LA beachfront hotels. Expect $60–$70 per night.
• Complimentary Car Service: The hotel offers a free car service within 3 miles—great for local dining or Venice trips.
• Family Perk: Beach staff offer great kids’ amenities—worth asking about.
• Small Touches: Bottled water is complimentary (rare for LA hotels).
• You can dine on the patio here or at Shutters on the Beach next door—both have ocean views.
• Avoid Driving at Peak Times: Santa Monica traffic and valet queues can get slow in the evenings.
• Beach Gear: The hotel provides complimentary beach equipment—boogie boards, umbrellas, chairs, and towels.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Feet-in-the-sand location—no road between you and the ocean.
• Old-Hollywood romance—double-height salon, arches, and seaside glamour that feels lived-in, not staged.
• Market-fresh coastal plates—bright, citrus-laced flavors and just-shucked oysters at sunset.
• Sea-breeze wellness—ocean-view pool, spa rituals, and sunrise beach yoga vibes.
• Iconic sunsets—front-row views of the Pier lights and the mountains beyond.

For Whom

For couples: candlelit oceanfront dining, live piano, and deep-soaking tubs.
For families: beachfront access, bikes for the Strand, and easy walk to the Pier and Third Street Promenade.
For business/retreats: elegant lounges for quiet work, strong Wi-Fi, and invigorating pre-meeting beach walks.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Santa Monica, California, USA—~25 minutes from LAX (traffic permitting)
Rooms: 129 rooms & suites (many with ocean views; some with Juliet balconies)
Rates: From USD 648 (for historic glamour directly on the sand)
Best for: Couples, beach lovers, design romantics, culinary travelers
Style: Opulent, historical beach hotel with coastal-classic interiors