Just off sunny Ocean Avenue, the mid-century Oceana Beach Club Hotel offers spacious accommodations and stunning views of the Pacific to travelers looking for a Southern California luxury experience.
Santa Monica’s Oceana Beach Hotel is a study in laid-back luxury: here, you’ll find airy mid-century architecture with sleek details like floor-to- ceiling windows, sculptural chandeliers and wood and glass furniture complimented by the Oceana’s seaside-inspired palette of blues and grays. Lounge by the heated outdoor pool after a morning of sightseeing, or take in the sunset dining al fresco at Tower 8, which serves coastal California cuisine sourced from the Santa Monica farmer’s market. (Bonus: the restaurant is open exclusively to hotel guests, so you’ll have a true VIP experience.) Rooms come with standard amenities such as high thread count sheets and free wifi, as well as more opulent perks like a welcome glass of champagne and complimentary yoga classes. The hotel also offers in-room spa and salon services, so you can get a blow-out before hitting the town for dinner, or decompress after a long day of sunbathing with a personalized massage.
Location: Supremely walkable Santa Monica is a short stroll to the beach and pier, as well as shops, restaurants, movie theaters and more along the Third Street Promenade. If you’re looking to venture further east, the Metro now runs from Santa Monica to Culver City, Downtown and beyond.
Nearby:
The Bungalow: This Ocean Front watering hole is the perfect balance of festive and laid-back, mixing casual activities like pool and ping-pong with some seriously sophisticated mezcal creations.
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.
Forma: This cheese mecca offers am intimidating array of top-shelf formaggio—luckily, the staff is kind and knowledgeable enough to help diners determine exactly the right combination of dairy delights. There’s also a full menu of exquisitely crafted pastas, pizzas, mains and more, so your lactose intolerant friends will find something to love, too.
Good for: The Oceana’s luxurious vibes and panoramic views make this spot perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Invite your special someone to indulge in sunset over the sea, a late night dip in the pool, and a bottle of bubbly via room service.
Amenities: Pool, room service, free wifi, minibar, restaurant, bar, gym, laundry service, Concierge
Time Out tip: Ask the front desk about the hotel’s complimentary bike rental program, and take to two wheels to explore Santa Monica’s tree-lined streets or the beach and boardwalk, free of charge.