
Santa Monica/City Hall Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Step inside Santa Monica City Hall, not just to admire architecture, but to feel the heartbeat of the city. This stunning blend of Spanish Colonial and modern design features red-tiled roofs and elegant arches that radiate charm. Whether you're snapping photos or simply gazing out at the ocean view, this place effortlessly calms your soul.

Perched on a bluff in Santa Monica, this hotel spans 5 acres with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, making it a favorite for both locals and travelers. From the lush green lawns to the serene guest rooms, suites, and luxurious bungalows, every corner offers a unique experience. Enjoy diverse amenities like the pool, spa, yoga classes, and sailing, plus thoughtful childcare services for family trips. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting rooms and business center—perfect for mixing work and leisure!
Everything you need to know about City Hall
Hyatt Regency Santa Monica, located just a 5-minute walk from Santa Monica City Hall, is a top choice offering modern design with ocean-inspired decor. Guests enjoy free parking, a rooftop pool with panoramic Pacific views, and rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city hall spire and beachfront.
Another excellent option is Santa Monica Beach Hotel, a charming Mediterranean-style property with a seaside terrace. Only a 7-minute stroll from City Hall, it’s ideally situated near Third Street Promenade, perfect for travelers seeking historic charm, coastal ambiance, and easy access to local dining and shopping.
From Santa Monica City Hall, you can conveniently access key attractions via walking, electric scooters, or public transit. A 10-minute walk leads directly to Santa Monica Beach and the Pier, ideal for sunbathing and seaside strolls. Head west along the Pacific Coast Highway for about 15 minutes to explore scenic trails in Palos Verdes.
For the Third Street Promenade, hop on the Santa Monica Bus Line—just an 8-minute ride with frequent service connecting downtown to the heart of the city’s retail and dining scene. Additionally, bike-sharing stations near City Hall offer electric scooters for flexible, eco-friendly travel between beaches, shops, and cultural spots.
Near Santa Monica City Hall, visitors can enjoy several unique experiences: The Saturday Farmers Market at City Hall Plaza offers fresh organic produce, artisanal goods, and local street food. Join a guided walking tour to explore the Spanish Revival architecture and historical significance of the City Hall building itself.
Don’t miss live performances by local musicians at the City Hall Plaza during weekends, capturing the free-spirited vibe of Southern California. Additionally, every Friday evening features the Friday Night Market at Third Street Promenade—combining art vendors, live music, and gourmet food trucks—just a 10-minute walk away, making it a must-try for authentic local culture.
The Westin Santa Monica is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Santa Monica City Hall. This oceanfront hotel offers seaview rooms, a rooftop pool, and direct access to the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Coast Highway. Its modern amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, and on-site dining with panoramic sunset views.
Another excellent option is Hyatt Regency Santa Monica, known for its sleek design, infinity pool, and proximity to City Hall, shopping districts, and beachfront promenades. Both properties provide complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and seamless access to local attractions, making them ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in downtown Santa Monica.
Holiday Inn Express Santa Monica is an excellent family-friendly option, located within a 5-minute drive of Santa Monica City Hall. It features free breakfast, kid-friendly rooms, and an indoor pool. The property also includes safe play areas and is close to family attractions like the Santa Monica Children's Museum and Palisades Park.
Another great choice is Best Western Plus Santa Monica Hotel, offering interconnecting rooms, complimentary parking, and easy access to grocery stores and restaurants. Both hotels provide 24-hour front desk service and smart room controls, ensuring comfort and convenience for families traveling with children.
The easiest way to reach the pier from Santa Monica City Hall is by walking or renting a bike. The 1.2-kilometer journey along Main Street and Ocean Avenue takes about 15 minutes and passes through scenic neighborhoods with boutique shops and cafes.
For faster travel, use Metro Bike Share or Lime e-bikes, with docking stations near City Hall—ride time to the pier is under 30 minutes. Alternatively, take Metro Bus Line 947, which stops at the City Hall Station and runs directly to the Pier Stop, ideal for travelers with luggage or those preferring a relaxed commute.
Near Santa Monica City Hall, visitors can enjoy several authentic local experiences: the weekly farmers’ market held every Saturday at City Hall Plaza, featuring local artisans, handmade crafts, and gourmet food stalls.
Join a public art tour guided by local historians to explore the vibrant mosaic murals and historical reliefs adorning the City Hall façade. For active travelers, participate in morning beach runs along Santa Monica State Beach, where the ocean breeze meets sunrise views.
Additionally, attend a community yoga session in Village Green Park, reflecting the city’s wellness culture. These immersive activities offer genuine insights into Santa Monica’s vibrant lifestyle and creative spirit.
See what other travelers say about City Hall

Staying at Hotel Carmel Santa Monica was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to Santa Monica Beach and the Pacific Park amusement area, with everything you need within easy reach. I loved strolling along the nearby pedestrian street for dinner and shopping; there’s such a vibrant mix of restaurants and boutiques. The hotel itself offers excellent amenities and top-notch service—clean rooms, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s clear they care about guest comfort. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Santa Monica.

I stayed here during my English language course in Santa Monica, and it was a great experience. The breakfast was simple but included, which was a nice touch—especially helpful when you're on a tight schedule. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making the stay feel welcoming and stress-free. That’s why I ended up rebooking for a longer stay. The location is excellent—close to everything, and super convenient for getting to class by public transit. Overall, a fantastic value with a warm, reliable vibe. Definitely coming back.

Staying at Sea Blue Hotel was a great experience overall. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from Santa Monica Pier and Muscle Beach, making it super convenient for exploring the area on foot. The property itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a nice modern vibe. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room to relax after a day of sightseeing. While there’s no air conditioning, the weather was pleasantly cool during our visit, and the fan in the room worked perfectly to keep things breezy. One thing to note is that the neighborhood can get a bit noisy at night, especially if you leave the window open—something we were aware of and managed accordingly. We felt safe during the day, but walking back late at night, we noticed a few people around who made us cautious. That said, it’s more reflective of the local area than anything the hotel did wrong. Overall, the value for money is excellent, the staff were friendly, and the central location makes it hard to beat. I’d definitely stay here again.

Staying at The Pierside Santa Monica was an absolute delight—literally steps from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, making it perfect for morning walks or evening strolls along the boardwalk. The on-site valet parking is a real convenience, especially if you're arriving by car. While the rate is on the higher side at $68 before tax, the unbeatable location and thoughtful touches make it worth every penny. Guests can borrow beach towels, chairs, and even kid-friendly toy sets—perfect for families wanting to spend time at the beach without packing a thing. It’s clear that the hotel goes the extra mile to enhance your stay, and with such a prime spot right on the water, it’s easy to see why this place earns top marks.

The Ocean View Hotel truly delivers on every front—excellent staff, stunning views, and an unbeatable location right in front of the Santa Monica Pier. Waking up to the ocean breeze and watching the sun set over the water was pure magic. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and memorable. Being steps away from the pier, restaurants, shops, and beaches made everything so convenient. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, service, and location. I’d absolutely recommend this gem to anyone visiting Santa Monica.

I arrived earlier than check-in time, but the staff welcomed me immediately and got me checked in without any hassle. The owners are a lovely couple—so warm and flexible with their service that it felt like staying at a friend’s place. The garden on-site is absolutely beautiful—peaceful, well-maintained, and perfect for relaxing after a long day. It’s super convenient too: there are plenty of restaurants nearby, a 7-Eleven right across the street, and fast food options just steps away. I’m already planning my next trip to Santa Monica just so I can come back here. This place has a genuine charm and excellent value—you won’t regret booking with the platform.

I was extremely disappointed with this property. I initially booked through a platform and had a free cancellation option, yet they charged me for the first night despite still being within the cancellation window—due to a date error. When I rebooked, we canceled the day before because of troubling reviews about the hotel. I accepted the $217 cancellation fee without issue, but then the hotel charged me the full amount of $651 instead! That’s completely unacceptable. To make matters worse, the place itself is a disaster. We encountered French guests who stayed only one night and left immediately—they mentioned cockroaches, filthy conditions, and unbearable noise. The room was not clean, the building felt rundown, and the overall experience was far below any standard I’d expect. Avoid this hotel at all costs—it’s not worth the money or the stress.

We arrived at the hotel earlier than check-in time, which is 4 PM, so we checked in our luggage. The front desk staff, Tom, was incredibly welcoming and helpful right from the start. When I picked up my bags later, he noticed it was my first stay here and kindly took a moment to explain how to use the key card for the elevator—though I already knew, his thoughtful gesture made me feel truly valued. It’s clear this team genuinely cares about guest experience. From the warm greeting to the small but meaningful details, every interaction stood out. A fantastic first impression with excellent service that goes above and beyond. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at The Georgian Hotel was an absolute delight! The room was spacious and impeccably clean, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. Located just a short walk from Santa Monica Beach, it’s perfect for those who love to explore on foot. The neighborhood feels safe and vibrant, with plenty of great dining options nearby. I appreciated how quiet and well-maintained the area was—perfect for a relaxing getaway. With its unbeatable location and excellent service, this hotel is definitely a top choice for anyone visiting Santa Monica.

Staying at Cal Mar Hotel Suites was an absolute delight for our family of five. The space is generously sized, making it perfect for both relaxing and dining in—no need to worry about cramped quarters or crowded tables. The rooms are well-designed, spotlessly clean, and packed with thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home. What really stood out was the location: just a short walk from Santa Monica Beach and surrounded by great dining options. Compared to other four-star hotels we've stayed at, this one offers far better value and convenience. Friendly staff, excellent amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere—it’s definitely a top pick for any family trip.

Staying at Palihouse Santa Monica was an absolute delight—classic American charm with a timeless elegance that truly stands out. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting, with thoughtful design details throughout the property. The location is unbeatable; just a short walk from the beach and surrounded by great dining options. I fell in love with the vibe, the comfort, and the attention to detail. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an experience. I’m already planning my next trip back. If you’re looking for something special, authentic, and beautifully curated, this is it.

The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from Santa Monica Beach, making it super convenient for soaking up the sun and sea breeze. We were upgraded to a room with an ocean view, which was absolutely stunning and made our stay even more memorable. The hotel itself is spotless and well-maintained. Downloading the app was hassle-free and the interface is intuitive and user-friendly. We requested additional housekeeping and an external laundry service, both of which were handled promptly and professionally. Everything ran smoothly, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout. It’s rare to find such a seamless experience—this place truly delivers on comfort, convenience, and quality. Highly recommend!
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