Picture it– sitting in your cabana reading the latest steamy romance novel by your favorite author, while watching the world go by from the pool deck of your hotel that looks over the Pacific Ocean. You get a bit warm, so you step into the pool, even in winter because your hotel pool is heated, allowing you to let all of that work stress and drama at home melt away.
That is what you can expect when you book a room (or suite!) at a luxury hotel in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica is an electric spot to visit along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, filled with resorts, boutique and luxury hotels just waiting for you to come for a stay. This laid-back town is excellent for soaking in a more low-key vibe of LA and offers gorgeous beaches, a must-visit pier, and too many restaurant worth dining in for us to count.
With so many things to do in Santa Monica (and places to eat!), you will want a hotel that can match your needs, which includes a swimming pool. Santa Monica is filled with hotels that offer stunning pools, many with a view, perfect for you, your family, and even your furry friend.
Here are just a few of our favorite luxury hotels in Santa Monica with pools worth booking on your next trip to California.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
- Address: 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica is one of the area’s first luxury hotels, so it must feature a incredible rooftop pool. The pool has chaise lounges, umbrellas for shade, and a deck to relax on when you need a break from your everyday life. Even better, you can stroll over to the rooftop bar for a bite if you get hungry while at the pool, as there is seating adjacent to the pool deck.
The hotel also offers a fitness center and yoga terrace for the ultimate relaxation experience while in Santa Monica.
While enjoying at stay at the Santa Monica Proper, make sure you grab a seat at Palmas, the lobby bar and restaurant designed by Los Angeles-based Kelly Wearstler. They have a lovely happy hour, but we adore the calming vibes it gives of the most.
https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/890000/890000/889909/938eb04c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1200&ra=fitViceroy Santa Monica
- Address: 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
This smaller hotel gives off a boutique vibe with eclectic decor and incredible views of Santa Monica. Their pool area offers not one but two pools for your enjoyment. There are shaded cabanas for rent, or you can enjoy huge lounge chairs, perfect for a nap.
There is also an outdoor bar where you can grab a drink while enjoying the sun without having to change or even get the kids out of the pool.
Fairmont Miramar- Hotel and Bungalows
- Address: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
The Fairmont screams luxury if that’s the hotel you’re looking for. The five-acre hotel offers rooms, suites, and bungalows for a fantastic stay.
The huge, heated outdoor pool gives you the perfect retreat from the hustle of Ocean Avenue, as you are surrounded by trees, shrubs and other foliage that help to block out the city sounds.
While enjoying the outdoors, you can order food and drinks from the on-site restaurant FIG, as well as a small bar on the pool deck.
https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/430000/428400/428321/c191b9f9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1200&ra=fitOceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Address: 849 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Details
Oceana Santa Monica is the height of five-star luxury in Santa Monica with the perfect, kidney-shaped pool, and their rooms with direct beach access.
Recline poolside on one of their plush chaise lounges, or enjoy their covered bungalow chairs with additional shade. Guests are welcome to sip cocktail from their spot on the geometric tiled pool deck, crafted by the in-house mixologists, and soak in the relaxing views of olive trees surrounding them across the property.
The hotel also offers daily yoga classes, surf lessons, guided hikes, and a spa you will want to visit whether you have booked a room at Oceana or not.
Hotel Casa del Mar
- Address: 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Details
Over at the historic Hotel Casa del Mar, you can have incredible beach views right from your room, and from your lounge chair at the pool. There are plenty of seats for everyone with ocean voews, plus a lounge area on the lower deck if you want a quieter spot outside without worrying about getting wet.
When not at the pool, you can enjoy the wellness spa or fitness center at Hotel Casa del Mar, but make sure you are dried off and dressed before the sunset. You will want to book a table at the Terrazza Lounge to watch the sun dip below the horizon as you sip on one of the incredible cocktails created at the Lounge Bar and munch on Mediterranean fare from the kitchen.
Shutters on the Beach
- Address: 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Details
If you are looking for that quintessential beach vibe, but are looking for luxury too, Shutters on the Beach is the hotel for you. Every space screams of that classic white, grey and tan, with a splash of blue, “beach” decor.
The beachside resort has an incredible pool and hot tub with ample shade and lounge chairs, plus rooms with a small balcony that look over the pool deck and out at the Santa Monica Beach.
The hotel is pet-friendly (you’ll even see dogs sitting on the cushioned chairs down on the beach promenade) and gives you a quiet stretch of beach to enjoy away from the pier, but still an easy walk to all of the Santa Monica attractions.
Besides a fabulous pool and sun deck overlooking the beach, you can enjoy the fitness center, spa, restaurants, and bar during your stay.
Even if you haven’t booked a room, pop in for a cocktail and the sunset if you have time while you are in town to get a small taste of what this property offers to its guests.
https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/57000000/56480000/56471400/56471351/w2396h1600x4y0-33c074b8.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1200&ra=fitSonder The Beacon
- Address: 1301 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
Room types from standard all the way up to a two-bedroom suite make this not only perfect for friends and couples, but for families who want a little space as well. Old Hollywood meets the beach in the hotel design, especially on the pool deck where you can sit under the cover of a cabana, lounge in striped chairs, or hang out by the fire pit with friends.
Add in an epic rooftop bar (Coco’s) and this former Shangri-La hotel is still the place to be throughout the year in Santa Monica.
https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/13000/12942/2f405f89.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1200&ra=fitLe Méridien Delfina
- Address: 530 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Details
The outdoor heated pool at Le Meridien Delfina in Santa Monica makes it so easy to enjoy the beach even in winter. With several covered cabanas you can escape the blazing sun, or lounge in a chair by the pool as the kids splash around in front of you. Either way, when you book a room at the Delfina you are sure to have a California beach experience you won’t soon forget.
Regent Santa Monica Beach (opening in 2024)
- Address: 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
Formerly the Loews Santa Monica. We can’t wait to see this property when it reopens! They have a pool with beach views, so get ready for some epic time in the sun.
https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3000/2944/80cd71af.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1200&ra=fitHilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
- Address: 1707 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
Take a break from your day in Santa Monica at the pool in Hilton Santa Monica. The hotel is three blocks from Santa Monica Beach and Pier, giving you the perfect place to stop while traveling along the PCH. Take a moment to enjoy their pool and terrace, where the ultimate lazy day awaits you.
While this hotel gives off more business-traveler vibes than many of the other boutique hotels in Santa Monica, it does offer cheaper valet parking and those top-tier perks Hilton rewards members know and love. It may not be “luxury” but it is a great hotel for families and anyone looking for a slightly cheaper hotel option in Santa Monica with a pool.
Don’t need a pool? Check out these other Luxury Hotels in Santa Monica
The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach
- Address: 1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
Modern luxury with a stellar rooftop bar and old, art-deco charm makes this the perfect spot to stay or just visit The Penthouse for happy hour.
Palihouse Santa Monica
- Address: 1001 3rd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Details
Not technically classified as a luxury property, but we still think it should be on this list. The highly conceptualized rooms are stunning, and the price point can feel luxurious depending on when you visit. Pets are welcome, but there is no pool.
You’ll have a fantastic stay at these resorts and hotels in Santa Monica with pools. Each pool offers a unique experience and luxury taste you can enjoy while visiting Santa Monica.
The Georgian
- Address: 1415 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Details
Just walking by this art-deco hotel will make you want to step in and stay for a while. We love the bold colors, gorgeous bar and restaurant, and oceanfront views.
