Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
As you enter the gilded gates, cruise down a long driveway and arrive underneath a behemoth fig tree, you know you’re in for something special at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, which is tucked on five verdant acres overlooking the ocean in Santa Monica.
Steeped in more than a century of history, Fairmont Miramar was once the estate of the founders of Santa Monica. Since its inception as a hotel in 1921, the luxury stay has hosted a roster of star-studded guests, including Marilyn Monroe, Bill Clinton, Angelina Jolie and Matthew McConaughey.
The unique hotel offers accommodations to suit any style. Of the 297 rooms to choose from, opt for the vintage-vibe Bungalows (a celebrity favorite) with private patios, modern rooms in the nine-story Ocean Tower or the elegant accommodations in the six-story Palisades Building.
You also will have plenty of choice among the high-end amenities, such as six dining and drinking options, Lloyd’s Barbershop, Exhale Spa with treatments and exercise classes, the French-based brand Vilebrequin swimwear store and Atelier by Edward Avedis jewelry shop.
- Santa Monica Pier, Montana Avenue (a street with a slew of high-end, locally owned shops), a 22-mile beach bike path and the iconic Santa Monica farmers market are all within a 10-minute walk from this luxury hotel.
- Do as the locals do. FIG has a legendary daily happy hour that makes residents and guests line up for a seat. Get there early; it’s always a party.
- The most coveted accommodations are the luxurious standalone Bungalows. The Everblue Sustainability Suite, a bi-level bungalow, includes planet-friendly amenities like reusable water bottles, organic cocktails and fair trade in-room treats.
- Soko, the eight-person sushi bar tucked inside a corner of the hotel lobby, delivers artistry with an element of surprise starring supremely fresh fish. Opt for the omakase and sake paired dinner and get ready for a thrilling ride with chef Masa Shimakawa (former chef at NoMI Kitchen at Park Hyatt Chicago) as your culinary captain.
- You’ve never experienced such blissed-out relaxation until your jawline and brow tensions have been relieved with a signature massage for the face, included in every Exhale Spa facial.
- As an oceanside hotel, the Fairmont Miramar doubles down on its complimentary, family-centric activities with summertime movie nights at the pool, a beach club concierge and beach cruisers.
- For the most romantic table at FIG, request one in the greenhouse overlooking the pool. Watch the sparks fly, quite literally, by starting off your meal with the flaming halloumi saganaki — it’s lit on fire tableside and ridiculously delicious.
- In line with the hotel’s sustainable mission, the first all-electric BMW iXs serve as the house cars. Contact the concierge for complimentary transport within five miles.
- If ocean views are important, book a westward-facing room on the fifth floor or above in either the Ocean Tower or Palisades Building.
- For theatrics in a glass, order the interactive Sazerac at the Lobby Lounge. A box of the cocktail’s ingredients in individual vintage apothecary jars arrives tableside — choose to make it yourself or not. Or try the signature drink The Miramar (vodka, hibiscus, rosemary and champagne).
