The Glamour and Mystère of Casa del Mar, A Historic Beachfront Santa Monica Hotel

Santa Monica has no shortage of luxury hotels, but there are two that consistently shine as my favorites – Shutters on the Beach and Casa del Mar. These sister hotels offer elegant experiences that immerse guests in LA history just steps from the sand.

The Grand Renaissance Revival-style entranceway at Casa del Mar.

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There's one hotel that has always stood out to me as the most glamorous hotel in Santa Monica, and that hotel is Casa del Mar. From the moment you walk in, you feel like you are transported to a location that transcends eras and captures the magic of old Hollywood by the sea.

When you enter the Renaissance Revival-style hotel, it's easy to imagine the exciting parties that must have filled the lobby and ballrooms in the roaring 20s. There's also a touch of mysteriousness – after all, the destination was a speakeasy in the 1930s and the former home base for an infamous cult in the 1970s.

Sunset views at Terraza restaurant at Casa del Mar.

Casa del Mar is historic, yet grounded in the present thanks to its timeless elegance (and multiple renovations since the 90s).

As soon as you enter the hotel, you're wowed by the grandeur of the beautiful double-stairway entrance. If you are visiting for an evening at the lounge and restaurant, you're in for an enchanting sunset view, often accompanied by live music. 

From the roaring 20s to the 2020s: Casa del Mar's journey through prohibition, a world war, and a cult

This year Casa del Mar will celebrate its 100th birthday since the Italian Renaissance Revival building's original debut as a private beach club, Club Casa del Mar in 1926. It was built by H&H Holding Company brothers E.A. and T.D. Harter and designed by architect Charles F. Plummer. It’s listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

In its early years, Club Casa del Mar was frequented by stars and socialites of the time. Think Clara Bow, Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, and Joan Crawford. In the 1950s, stars like Marilyn Monroe could be spotted at Club del Mar.

During the Great Depression and prohibition of the 1930s, Casa del Mar was transformed into a speakeasy with a casino, slot machines, and horse betting. In the 1940s it was used for soldiers, and in the 1970s it was a rehab facility (for the notorious Synonon cult).

It wasn't until the late 90s when the hotel was acquired by the Slatkin brothers of Edward Thomas Hospitality Corporation (ETC) that it was restored to the grand luxury destination that it is today. After a $50 million restoration, Casa del Mar officially reopened in 1999. Since then it has received additional refreshes and updates in 2008, 2014, and 2023.

These days, the luxury hotel continues to offer exceptional hospitality and a discreet hideaway for guests including its celeb visitors. It's also one of the only hotels in Santa Monica that's located directly on the beach. Only the boardwalk and an architecturally significant sitting wall separate the hotel from the sand. (The other hotel located on the beach is its next-door sister property Shutters on the Beach.)

Though I've visited Casa Del Mar many times for its lobby lounge and restaurant, I finally had the opportunity to stay at the hotel for a one night getaway. I love the way the hotel embraces its history, capturing the essence of the roaring 1920s, but with a contemporary, whimsical feel at the same time.

Cozy rooms featuring views of the Santa Monica Pier and spa-like hydrotherapy baths make this a wonderful choice for a stay when visiting town. The gorgeous lobby that leads you to its oceanview restaurant and lounge makes it a fantastic meet-up spot.

Why You'll Love it:

You'll love the hotel's beachside location, glamorous setting, and relaxing beach-inspired rooms with spa-like hydrotherapy baths. The sunset views from the lounge and restaurant are not to be missed. 

Accommodations

Cozy accommodations at Casa del Mar offer views of the famous Santa Monica Pier.

The cozy hotel offers just 129 guest rooms and suites, many with views of the ocean and famous Santa Monica Pier. The rooms feature a tranquil seaside inspired palette of blues and greens with hydrotherapy bathtubs, Nespresso machines, and Diptyque and Kerstin Florian amenities.

Casa del Mar rubber ducks and Kerstin Florian bath salts for a spa-like hydrotherapy bath experience are some of the details that make for a memorable stay at Casa del Mar.

Spa and Wellness

Relaxation Lounge at Casa del Mar’s intimate Sea Wellness Spa.

While I didn't get a chance to visit Sea Wellness Spa during my stay, I did peek in to take a look around. It's a small charming and cozy spa where guests can enjoy massages, facials, and nailcare. 60-minute massages start at $220 and facials start at $250. You can read more about the spa in our review of Sea Wellness Spa.

Other wellness amenities include a swimming pool, bicycles, and fitness room. Personal training sessions and private yoga classes are also available.

Dining at Casa del Mar

The Perfect Pair Mocktail at The Lobby Lounge.

For light bites and craft cocktails, The Lobby Lounge is a fun place to hang out, people watch, and enjoy live music. And yes – I did spot celebrities who were also staying at the hotel during my visit. There's also a great happy hour. The vibe is stylish and sophisticated.

Avocado toast and poached egg at Terraza. This was delicious.

Casa del Mar's expansive beachfront restaurant Terraza offers a menu that serves Mediterranean meets California cuisine. I've dined at Casa del Mar many times over the years, and I’ve especially enjoyed the breakfast menu.

Day Boat Scallops at Terraza

The evening atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxed.

Sunset is a beautiful time to dine at Terraza.

A Word About Casa Del Mar's Sister Property

The Living Room at Shutters on The Beach.

Casa del Mar's sister property is the iconic luxury hotel Shutters on the Beach. It's located directly next door, also directly on the beach. If you're staying at one of the two hotels, I highly recommend checking out the other property as well. Shutters has a Cape Cod-inspired aesthetic, but similarly Casa del Mar offers seaside charm, timeless elegance, and relaxed California beach luxury.

In 2025, Shutters by the Beach unveiled a newly renovated lobby. The revitalized lobby features a bright, fresh, airy ambiance that stays true to the property’s New England beach house charm and color palette. Each hotel has its own swimming pool, spa and restaurant/s. The rooms at the two hotels are very similar. If you are hosting a function such as a wedding or corporate event, the two properties can work together seamlessly.

Why I Recommend Casa del Mar and Shutters on The Beach as My Top Santa Monica Luxury Hotel Picks

Over the years, I've had the chance to visit many luxury hotels in Santa Monica. Casa del Mar and Shutters consistently stand out for their exceptional service, atmosphere, attention to detail, amenities, and beachfront location. The sense of place at these hotels is truly unique when compared to some of Santa Monica's cookie cutter luxury hotels which are beautiful, but feel like they could be located almost anywhere. I'm fascinated by historic hotels that embrace their past and Old Hollywood roots, so I can't help but love Casa del Mar.

Casa del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.581.5533

Lizzy Sherman, Co-Founder of Spa & Beauty Today

A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer and editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more.

She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals.

When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar.