Hotel Casa del Mar is a luxury beachfront hotel at 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, California, in the Ocean Park neighborhood beside Santa Monica State Beach. Opened in 1926 as the private Club Casa del Mar, the Italian Renaissance Revival landmark became a hotel in 1999. Travelers come for Pacific-facing rooms, Mediterranean dining, spa treatments, and a grand historic interior just south of Santa Monica Pier.
What to Expect at Hotel Casa del Mar
Architect Charles F. Plummer designed the original beach club, whose substantial brick exterior and formal detailing distinguish it from newer coastal hotels. Inside, the expansive lobby combines tall windows, conversational seating, and ocean views rather than a conventional reception-only atmosphere. Accommodations range from city-facing rooms to partial-ocean-view and ocean-view categories, suites, and multilevel penthouses. Book by view category rather than assuming every room faces the water; couples seeking a longer stay will appreciate a suite’s additional living space.
Terrazza anchors the dining experience with Mediterranean cooking, seafood, craft cocktails, and wine beneath soaring windows overlooking the beach and pier. The Lobby Lounge offers a less formal setting for drinks and conversation, while Patio del Mar adds an outdoor dining option. Sea Wellness Spa, a fitness center, and the elevated Palm Terrace pool provide alternatives to a beach day. For vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-sensitive meals, discuss requirements when reserving rather than relying on a fixed menu.
- 1926 beach-club architecture: Plummer’s Renaissance Revival building preserves the scale and ceremony of Santa Monica’s early resort era.
- Terrazza’s ocean-facing windows: Mediterranean meals come with broad Pacific views and a sightline toward Santa Monica Pier.
- Sea Wellness Spa: Massage and facial appointments make the hotel a practical choice for a wellness-focused coastal break.
- Palm Terrace pool: An elevated outdoor swimming area offers a quieter alternative to the public beach below.
- Ocean-view accommodations: Dedicated view categories and larger suites let guests prioritize scenery, extra space, or a special-occasion stay.
Hotel Casa del Mar at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Ocean Park; beachfront south of Santa Monica Pier |
| Operating Hours | Hotel reception operates daily, 24 hours; restaurant, pool, and spa schedules vary. Confirm check-in and checkout times with your reservation. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$ luxury lodging; nightly rates vary by room, date, and package. Dining and spa treatments are separately priced. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 nights; 1.5 to 2 hours for dining only |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metro E Line at Downtown Santa Monica, approximately 15–20 minutes on foot; Big Blue Bus Route 1 on Main Street. Hotel valet parking is available for a fee. |
| Official Website & Phone | Hotel Casa del Mar official website; +1 310-581-5533 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ocean-view rooms and weekend spa appointments ahead, particularly during summer and holiday periods. For Terrazza, request a reservation before sunset if watching the changing light is your priority; window seating remains subject to availability. Smart-casual clothing suits the dining rooms, while beachwear belongs at the pool or shore. Check whether your room package includes parking or breakfast, and review taxes, fees, and cancellation terms before paying. Expect a credit card at check-in for incidental charges.
The E Line connects Santa Monica with downtown Los Angeles; from its terminus, walk south toward Pico Boulevard and the beachfront. Drivers can use hotel valet rather than searching nearby beach lots. Elevators connect guest floors, and accessible guestrooms are available; reserve the required bathroom configuration directly. Beach sand requires different mobility planning from the paved beachfront path. Walk about 10–15 minutes north to Santa Monica Pier, around 10 minutes inland to Main Street’s shops and restaurants, or roughly five minutes south to the original Muscle Beach exercise area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hotel Casa del Mar open, and when should I visit?
The hotel operates year-round with 24-hour reception, while dining and spa hours follow separate schedules. Sunset is especially appealing for ocean-facing dining; weekday stays generally offer more flexibility than summer weekends.
How much does it cost, and are reservations required?
This is a $$$$ luxury hotel with date-dependent room rates, not a ticketed attraction. Reserve accommodation and spa treatments ahead, and book Terrazza for popular dinner times through the official hotel website.
How long should I stay?
Two to three nights allow time for the beach, spa, and Santa Monica’s walkable attractions. Visitors coming only for a meal should allow approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
Is the hotel suitable for families and travelers with limited mobility?
Families benefit from beach proximity, the pool, and larger suite options. Elevators and accessible guestrooms support mobility needs, but confirm room features and the most suitable arrival route directly before booking.
When planning your Malibu travel guide or comparing verified hotels and wedding venue in Malibu, pair this stop with standout local spots including Geoffrey's, Escondido Falls, Ristorante Carpaccio, and Shutters on the Beach (nearby).
