In short… A grand old beach dame that’s part Roaring Twenties social club and part modern Santa Monica scene—Casa Del Mar pulls off both at once.
The surroundings… The property sits directly on the sand in Santa Monica, with mind-blowing views of the Pacific. Just steps from the beach path and next to the pier, the location can’t get much better if you want beach while still being a seashell’s throw from the restaurants, shops, and buzz of LA.
The backstory… It opened in 1926 as a private beach club for LA’s elite, then lived several lives (military housing and a wellness center) before getting a glow-up in the late ’90s. Casa Del Mar is on the National Register of Historic Places, which feels very correct.
The vibe… Old Hollywood with a dash of barefoot luxury. Big windows, sky-high ceilings, tons of light, and upholstery that clearly had a lot of thought put into it. The lobby is simply stunning (though it has to work hard competing with the perfect ocean views from the adjacent dining room). The whole place feels very grown-up and fancy, yet extremely comfortable, with couches scattered throughout the hotel and rooms that gently insist you sit down and order a martini at 3pm (with a side of fries).
The rooms… The nautical-leaning décor really works, landing squarely in coastal-classic territory rather than theme-y. So many soft blues, warm neutrals, and tailored details provide just enough polish to feel refined without stiffness. Plush beds, big bathrooms, and thoughtful touches like big, comfy chairs make everything feel elevated yet very comfortable.
The food & drink… The views from the dining area are reason enough to stay here, full stop. The food leans into seafood and California freshness, and the lobby bar fully understands the assignment. We only had time to enjoy breakfast here, but the vibe was consistent with the rest of the hotel: grown-up and glamorous, yet equally warm and welcoming.
The wellness… I wasn’t able to give it a go, but there’s a spa if you’re feeling fancy and the ocean if you’re feeling feral. If I were a betting woman, I’d say the spa is excellent, but if I would have had the time to explore, I would say the real wellness moment here is outdoors. The hotel offers daily beach yoga, and bikes you can take for a spin along the shore.
Is it kid-friendly? Very, although in a chic, Santa Monica way. There aren’t cartoon mascots or organized kids’ clubs, but the direct beach access, spacious rooms, and easygoing atmosphere make it an ideal setup for families who are happiest with sand, bikes, and fresh air. It’s the kind of place where kids feel welcome, but the grown-ups still feel like they’re on a proper vacation. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor heated pool, but unfortunately during our visit the weather would not allow us a dip!
Be sure to… Families should make time for the nearby Cayton Children’s Museum, a large, thoughtfully designed indoor play space located at Santa Monica Place, which is only about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It’s an excellent option when kids need a break from the sun (or when the weather isn’t cooperating, as in our circumstance) and offers enough interactive exhibits to easily fill a few hours.
Parting words…Casa del Mar feels like stepping into a piece of California history that has gracefully learned how to relax. Come for the ocean views, stay for the mood, and leave feeling just a little more glamorous than when you arrived.
Date of stay…December 2025
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