Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows – Hotel Review
How did it strike you on arrival?
This classic Santa Monica stay is close to the beach, but feels more garden retreat than sun-and-sand getaway. Grand gates and a cobblestone lined driveway lead to a magnificent oversize Moreton Bay Fig Tree tree that predates the 100 year old property. The breezy lobby bar has been redone with mid century modern furniture and brassy regency touches, giving the space a youthful feel. A diminutive Tokyo-style sushi bar located at the entrance gives the property even more ground floor appeal.
What’s the crowd like?
It’s a diverse mix of business travelers, families, and locals socializing in the pool or lobby bar during happy hour—many of whom have their pooch in tow. (The property is incredibly dog friendly.)
The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.
The hotel is made up of multiple buildings, including the modern and renovated 10-story Ocean Tower. Top-floor suites here have not one, but two furnished balconies overlooking the beach. (The older Palisades Wing was built in the 1920s, and rooms here feel a bit more traditional.)
But what really sets the hotel apart are its 31 residential-style Bungalows—including four that are bi-level—set in the tropical flower-filled Miramar Gardens. Expect pops of color (blue throw pillows and lamps, lime green curtains) and herringbone-patterned wallpaper.
We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
It’s hard to complain when there are Frette linens on the beds.
How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?
Suites in the Palisades Building feature record players and a collection hand-picked by the original founder of Groove Merchant Records SF and Ubiquity Records. Guests can also use complimentary beach cruisers to pedal around town.
Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
There are marble bathrooms throughout, and Bungalow suites have double vanities. Products are Le Labo in Rose 31.
Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Basic Wi-Fi is included in the daily resort fee.
What do they have for food and drink?
The interiors at FIG Restaurant were recently redone, and a wood-burning oven and grill were installed. Chef Damon Gordon churns out heritage-inspired dishes, shareable plates, and table-side offerings in a relaxed Santa Monica setting. The menu uses local and organic ingredients from the nearby Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. Don’t miss the hand-made pastas, wood oven roasted vegetables, and fresh goods from California foragers, ranchers, and fishermen. Hospitality pro Brent Bolthouse (you may recognize his name from The Hills) runs The Bungalow, where the hangout options range from a deck with an outdoor firepit and eclectic mismatched lounge areas, a billiard room, a back garden, and a large, high-ceilinged bar.
Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
Access to the Miramar Beach Club (it’s seasonal, so check hours) is available at no cost to hotel guests, who are transported in customized Jeep Wranglers. Take advantage of beach lounge chairs, volleyball, boogie boards, and beach toys for kids. Not into sand? Summer is the best time to hang at the palm-shaded pool while enjoying a local craft beer or Paloma. Exhale Mind Body Spa has five treatment rooms, including a manicure/pedicure salon, and therapists who know the meaning of great pressure . Get your massage by the pool or in your room if you wish. And the 24-hour indoor-outdoor fitness center, complete with TRX trainers and a Peloton has ocean views to keep you motivated throughout your workout.
