Santa Monica, Los Angeles, USA
The historic Fairmont Miramar is situated on the seafront at Santa Monica beach, in four acres of landscaped grounds. The hotel is known for its poolside bungalows. With destination spa, the hotel retains its allure today
Our review
Turning in to the impressive drive, the car valet takes your vehicle straight away. You can’t help but notice the huge fig tree that dominates the hotel frontage. Planted in 1897, it has always been associated with the hotel and costs over $30,000 a year to maintain. Probably costing a little less for their upkeep are the four acres of manicured lawns and landscaped grounds with fountains that surround the rest of the property.
This is a busy hotel, with a lively reception/lobby area that spills outside into the gardens with a fountain and koi fishpond.
For more formal – but not stuffy – dining, the ‘Fig’ offers bistro food using organic ingredients seven days a week.
The pool is rather small, but if you prefer to swim in the sea, it is only just across the road. In fact on the day we visited, the hotel was arranging a beach volleyball competition for the guests.
The well-equipped spa is open seven days and in addition there is a 24 hour fitness centre.
All guest rooms have a Bose radio and alarm, free Wi-Fi and a Nespresso machine. The rooms are light and bright and comfortably furnished in neutral tones, with splashes of blues and greens, perhaps taking inspiration from the position next to the sea.
The hotel offers an exceptional welcome for pets under its ‘PAWS’ programme and claim to be the best in the area. Upon check in, your pet will receive his/her own bed, bowls and complimentary treats. They can even organise a ‘doggy spa’ while you have yours. Having its own gardens and being right on the beach, the hotel is handily placed for ‘walkies’.
This is a busy hotel, ideal for a guest who wants to be ‘where it’s all at’ rather than seeking peace and quiet.
Rooms
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offers approximately 300 rooms, suites and private bungalows spread across several historic and contemporary buildings. Guest rooms feature modern coastal styling, marble bathrooms and city or garden views, while many ocean‑view rooms include private balconies. The signature bungalows provide enhanced privacy, spacious layouts and residential comfort, creating a resort‑style experience in an urban setting.
Food and Drink
FIG Restaurant is the hotel’s flagship dining destination, known for its farm‑to‑table philosophy and seasonal Californian cuisine. The menu highlights local produce and seafood in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
Soko offers contemporary sushi and Japanese‑inspired dishes, while The Bungalow is a well‑known indoor‑outdoor cocktail bar and lounge popular for evening drinks. Additional venues include a lobby lounge for cocktails, afternoon tea and casual dining, plus coffee and poolside options.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include a full‑service spa offering massages and beauty treatments, alongside a fitness centre with indoor and outdoor workout areas. Guests can enjoy yoga sessions, an outdoor swimming pool and relaxation experiences designed to complement the coastal setting.
Facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
- Full‑service spa and wellness treatments
- Indoor and outdoor fitness centre
- Multiple restaurants, bars and lounges
- Private bungalows and garden spaces
- Beach cruiser bicycle rentals
- Meeting, event and wedding facilities
- Concierge and valet services
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Fairmont Miramar is located on Ocean Avenue atop the bluffs of Santa Monica, overlooking Palisades Park and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is within walking distance of Santa Monica Pier, the beach, shopping and dining districts, with easy access to Malibu, Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles.
Getting there
Address: 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401, USA
Arriving by air: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located approximately 9 miles/14km from the hotel
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.