Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
After a nearly $30 million renovation in 2019, Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts debuted as a reimagined luxury hideaway overlooking the Pacific Ocean in L.A.’s posh beachside city.
The ivy-covered hotel’s elegant public spaces and 70 guest rooms were designed by Anna Busta of Busta Studio in New York City and evoke a home-away-from-home vibe. All rooms are suites — appointed in rich ocean-blue and soothing neutral hues — featuring Frette linens, Nepalese hand-tufted rugs, Bottega Veneta bathroom amenities, modern art by local artists and gourmand-style mini-bars.
At the heart of Oceana Santa Monica is an open-air courtyard with a sparkling pool and black-and-white-tiled deck surrounded by James Perse lounge chairs and lush landscaping, such as lemon trees and lavender. The outdoor-indoor Sandpiper restaurant features chef Kaleo Adams (formerly from The Maybourne Beverly Hills). He brings a menu of California nouveau cuisine — think watermelon frisée salad or grilled octopus with kumquat chimichurri — utilizing in-season produce from the nearby famed Santa Monica farmers market.
- A short five-minute walk from the beach, Oceana is central to all the action Santa Monica has to offer. Yet, it’s just far enough removed from the Santa Monica Pier for a quiet, residential vibe.
- The décor in the rooms reads as playfully sophisticated with details like a white leather porch swing outside your front door and a sapphire-colored velvet couch. A salute to Hollywood’s golden cinema era, the walls have black-and-white photography of classic movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman.
- Are you planning a proposal or anniversary or just want to make a romantic gesture? The concierge will arrange a special spread on the beach in one of the private cabanas. Transport is included.
- The second-level outdoor lounge offers picture-perfect ocean views for morning yoga sessions or, come evening, a sunset cocktail.
- Formerly an apartment complex and home to comedian Stan Laurel, Oceana Santa Monica offers several ways to pay tribute to its most famous resident. Order up his favorite cocktail, aptly named the Stan Laurel, or book his actual abode, room 203.
- For the best vistas, where you can see the waves break, book an oceanfront suite on the third floor.
- Although family-owned and privately operated, this luxury boutique hotel is part of Hilton’s LXR Resorts & Hotels.
- Grab the hotel’s signature beverage, a refreshing lavender lemonade, and head to the pool for live music on Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Although there is no spa onsite, the concierge can arrange a treatment in your room. And the gym just off the pool area is stocked with the latest equipment, like Peloton bikes.
- Or get outside for your workout with the hotel’s surf lessons or complimentary cruisers.
