Santa Monica draws leisure travelers to its pier and beach, business travelers to the tech-sector offices along Colorado Avenue, and long-stay guests who commute into Downtown LA on the Metro E Line. The five hotels here were selected from properties physically located in Santa Monica, balancing guest satisfaction scores, star rating, and verified location within the city. The mix covers mid-range and upscale options, from a 3-star property on Broadway to a 5-star oceanfront address on Ocean Avenue.
How we selected these hotels
We ranked these hotels in order:
- 1. Guest scores and star ratings, with higher-starred properties appearing before lower-starred ones at the same score level.
- 2. Sustainability credentials, where verified at the property level, which gave a hotel priority over an otherwise comparable option without them.
Every property here is within Santa Monica city limits, confirmed against official addresses. No hostels, short-term rentals, or unrated apartments appear here.
Santa Monica hotels compared
| Hotel | Stars | Guest score | Distance from pier | Nearest E Line station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regent Santa Monica Beach | 5 | 9.5 | 0.5 mi | Downtown Santa Monica, 14 min walk |
| The Georgian, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt | 4 | 9.1 | 0.3 mi | Downtown Santa Monica, 12 min walk |
| Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites | 4 | 8.8 | 0.6 mi | Downtown Santa Monica, 14 min walk |
| The Pierside Santa Monica | 4 | 8.6 | 0.1 mi | Downtown Santa Monica, 8 min walk |
| Shore Hotel | 4 | 8.5 | 0.2 mi | Downtown Santa Monica, 10 min walk |
Getting around Santa Monica without a car
- The Metro E Line terminates at Downtown Santa Monica station on 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, putting you 30 minutes from Downtown LA without touching the 10 Freeway.
- The Big Blue Bus Route 1 runs along Ocean Avenue and connects to the E Line station in under 10 minutes from most beachfront hotels.
- Third Street Promenade, the pier, and the beach are all within a 10-minute walk of all of these hotels, so a car is optional for most leisure stays.
What to expect from Santa Monica hotels
Rates here run at a premium compared to inland LA neighborhoods, driven by the year-round coastal climate (65°F to 75°F average highs) and the density of attractions within walking distance. Ocean Avenue properties give you direct views of the Pacific and quick access to the beach path that runs from the pier north toward Malibu. Properties one or two blocks inland, like those on 4th Street or Broadway, trade the view for slightly more space and easier parking access. The Metro E Line station at 4th and Colorado makes car-free commuting into Culver City or Downtown LA practical for business travelers.
The hotels
Regent Santa Monica Beach
1700 Ocean Avenue
9.574 reviews
14 min walk to Downtown Santa Monica (E Line). Closest surface transit: Big Blue Bus Route 1 on Ocean Ave, approx. 2 min walk. (E Line)The highest guest score on this list at 9.5, combined with a 5-star classification, makes this the top-rated luxury option physically located in Santa Monica.
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The Georgian, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
1415 Ocean Ave
9.1338 reviews
12 min walk to Downtown Santa Monica (E Line). Closest surface transit: Big Blue Bus Route 1 on Ocean Ave, approx. 3 min walk. (E Line)On Ocean Avenue near 2nd Street, 0.06 miles from the Santa Monica Pier, one of the closest upscale 4-star options to the beach.
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Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
1707 4th St
8.8286 reviews
14 min walk to Downtown Santa Monica (E Line), 4th St and Colorado Ave, approx. 3 min walk. (E Line)A 4-star with the Metro E Line station a 3-minute walk away and Third Street Promenade one block west, a solid mid-city base for business travelers.
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The Pierside Santa Monica
120 Colorado Avenue
8.62,446 reviews
8 min walk to Downtown Santa Monica (E Line), 4th St and Colorado Ave, approx. 4 min walk. (E Line)On Colorado Avenue at the foot of the pier, 0.20 miles from the anchor, the closest 4-star address to the Santa Monica Pier.
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Shore Hotel
1515 Ocean Avenue
8.51,656 reviews
10 min walk to Downtown Santa Monica (E Line). Closest surface transit: Big Blue Bus Route 1 on Ocean Ave, approx. 2 min walk. (E Line)Shore Hotel is the only property on this list with a verified LEED Gold certification, which gives it priority in the ranking over comparably rated 4-star options without sustainability credentials.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Santa Monica hotel is closest to the pier?＋
The Pierside Santa Monica on Colorado Avenue is steps from the pier entrance, making it the closest 4-star option to that landmark on this list.
Do any of these hotels have LEED certification?＋
Shore Hotel holds LEED Gold certification, verified at the property level. It includes solar panels, EV charging, and a water reclamation system. No other hotel on this list carries an independently verified third-party sustainability certification.
How do I get from Santa Monica to Downtown LA without a car?＋
The Metro E Line runs from Downtown Santa Monica station at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue to 7th Street/Metro Center in Downtown LA in roughly 30 minutes. All of these hotels is within a 14-minute walk of that station.
What is the best Santa Monica hotel for business travelers?＋
The Hilton Santa Monica Hotel and Suites on 4th Street gives business travelers the most practical setup: meeting rooms, a 3-minute walk to the E Line, and Third Street Promenade one block away for client dinners.
Are there 5-star hotels in Santa Monica?＋
Regent Santa Monica Beach on Ocean Avenue is the 5-star option on this list, with a guest score of 9.5 and amenities including a pool, spa, and EV charging.
What is the weather like in Santa Monica year-round?＋
Average highs range from 65°F in January to 75°F in August. The marine layer keeps summer mornings cool and overcast, burning off by midday. Winter stays mild enough for beach walks, which is why occupancy stays high across all seasons.
