We care about your privacy. We attempt to limit our use of cookies to those that help improve our site. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies. To learn more about cookies see our Privacy Policy.
Viceroy Santa Monica
- Where:
- Why:Business meets pleasure
- When:September 2025
- Who:Me and a friend
"Classic California cool all grown up"
This Ocean Avenue hotel used to be the center of Westside nightlife. Now, 20-odd years on, its visitors have traded late nights for early mornings, yoga on the beach, and local farmers’ markets. It still has the mid-century design you expect from LA, but with enough flair and artistic energy to keep it feeling fresh and welcoming. Swipe through the images below to step inside.
>
Palm trees and a mid-century mural? Talk about SoCal curb appeal
Check-in prosecco is always welcome
My body was still on East Coast time, but the sunrises were well worth the 6 a.m. wake up
The breakfast views here are a treat
Sugar Palm's dining area would make a killer Zoom background
The lobby bathroom is the only space that still has that bold glamour feel of the original Viceroy Santa Monica design
Mid-century to the max in these rooms off the lobby
My bed was made (and my laptop screen cleaned!) by the time I got back upstairs from breakfast
Lots of wood throughout, like this seating area made from reclaimed driftwood
Pacific breezes flow through the front door and lead to the pool area — it's all about openness here
Couldn't check out before taking a dip in the pool!
Outdoor fire pits were a popular spot to cozy up on chilly evenings
Highs & Lows
-
The location! Viceroy Santa Monica is totally walkable (and this is coming from a New Yorker), with all the bars, restaurants, and shops you could want within a 20 minute walk of the hotel
-
The service was excellent for the price point. The door was opened for me every time I entered or exited the hotel or jumped in an Uber. Small touches like these go a long way
-
The art! This hotel is absolutely full of it, from bold murals that give unmistakable energy to the outdoor spaces to an installation made entirely of skateboard wheels next to the check-in desk. It’s all locally rooted and curated with purpose, giving the hotel tons of character
-
The little local perks—like discounted rides at the Santa Monica Pier and on-property programming such as indie art fairs and movie nights—make it easy to feel part of the neighborhood
-
You can hear occasional chatter from neighboring rooms, but nothing that stopped me from getting a seriously solid night’s sleep
Important Bits
-
Type
Lifestyle hotel
-
Vibe
Warm, welcoming, and distinctly West Coast
-
Location
A short walk from the bright lights of Santa Monica Pier
-
Rooms
162
-
Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
After getting off a cross-country flight, I was delighted to be offered a glass of prosecco at check-in
-
Future Forward
Viceroy has several sustainable initiatives both onsite and in the community
-
Music
Upbeat, indie hits from the 2010s kept the lobby area inviting —think Polo and Pan and Tame Impala
-
Year Opened
2000
-
Designed By
Originally designed by Kelly Wearstler, the hotel underwent a total (award-winning!) reimagining in 2023 by EDG Design
-
Health & Wellness
The pool is a big moment here. Surrounded by cabanas and split into two distinct swimming areas, it’s what everyone associates the hotel with. The gym is comprehensive and sleek. I spent my time on a treadmill overlooking the pool, which made for perfect motivation.
-
Food
Onsite restaurant Sugar Palm serves several areas on the ground floor, including a coffee counter, indoor-outdoor dining room, poolside cabanas, and the lounge, all with full food and drink service. The menu focuses on light, costal-inspired fare
-
Bar, Events & Nightlife
While the hotel was known as a nightlife spot in the early aughts, the party energy has dimmed to a more mature hum of evening drinks and friendly catch-ups around the outdoor fire pits. We’ve heard the summer pool parties are still a scene, though
-
Minibar & Retail
No minibar in the room but sundries were for sale behind the check-in desk
-
Accessibility
Several accessible room types are available
-
Pet Friendly
Yes, and with perks!
-
Children
While children are allowed, the demographic skews more towards families with teens rather than toddlers
-
Price
Right in the sweet spot for the area
- Website
Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Élephante
1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Espresso Cielo
1431 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Uovo
1320 2nd St ste a, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
In the Area
Hotel Location 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Santa Monica is known for its iconic pier, but there’s a lot more here than just the Ferris wheel. From upscale boutiques to lively bars and restaurants, there’s plenty to see and do, and while it’s quiet by day, things get lively in the evenings.
Share this Hotel
More AHL
Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Palihouse
by Gabby Mejia
“Smart, cultivated, old-world-meets-21st-Century-Modernist-salon”
Hollywood, Los Angeles
Thompson Hollywood
by Damone Roberts
“Lush jungle vibes smack in Hollywood central”
