Fodor's Expert Review Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Santa Monica
101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California 90401, United States See on Map
An oasis unto itself, the Fairmont provides guests with a sense of going somewhere special as they drive through the gilded gates, past the 140-year-old fig tree and into Hollywood history that dates back to the 1920s. The Fairmont today combines classic style with contemporary touches that has fixated visitors from Marilyn Monroe to John F. Kennedy. The property is located across from the ocean but almost has enough amenities to make you never want to leave.
YOU SHOULD KNOW WiFi is not free.
room
Staying in the Ocean Tower gives guests stunning seaside views that reach all the way to Malibu. All the rooms are equipped with Keurig coffeemakers and step-out balconies. The bungalows are a unique feature of the hotel and sit at the back of the property. These private getaways are great for couples looking to reignite a flame or for families who want more space and access to Santa Monica’s many attractions.
If you stay in a bungalow, you can get up to a $200 minibar credit, complimentary breakfast, and free valet parking.
bathroom
The bathrooms come complete with Le Labo Rose 31 products--which are, to say the least, incredible.
lobby
The lobby is a bustling hub of activity that focuses around the bar and grill, which leads to the back patio by the pool. The marble floors and oversized vases enhance the luxurious vibe of the place, but there’s nothing stuffy about the property. Off the lobby are several retail outlets like Lloyd’s Barbershop and Vilebrequin (in case you forgot your swimsuit).
pool
The guests-only pool has a full-service menu and is usually packed with families soaking in the Santa Monica sun.
If you arrive in the summer, make sure to check out the hotel’s Miramar Beach Club. The hotel escorts you to the beach in its topless Jeep Wrangler and provides towels, chairs, umbrellas, and butler service for all your food and drink needs.
spa
Aptly named Exhale, the six treatment rooms provide guests with everything from massages and body wraps to yoga and barre classes.
gym
The fitness center coordinates with Exhale for classes and private training sessions. The indoor/outdoor space also has cardio machines and free weights for any type of workout.
Some of the classes are free for guests and if you forgot your workout gear at home, the hotel can provide some for you--free of charge!
dining
You can eat and drink at the lobby lounge for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But if you want the best that the Fairmont has to offer, make sure to reserve a spot at Fig, the hotel’s signature Mediterranean restaurant.
Check out Fig’s happy hour from 5 to 6pm, where most items are half off.
drinking
The lobby bar is usually bustling with sports lovers and after work drinkers, but the real bar scene takes place towards the front of the parking lot at Bungalow. This indoor/outdoor bar and lounge has a separate menu with beach-themed Mexican options and is a rather sceney spot with a 20-something crowd.
LOCATION
Getting Around
A perfect area for walking, there are dozens of restaurants, bars, and things to do in the immediate vicinity. The metro isn’t right next door, but you can walk there (17-minutes) or catch a very short cab ride to the station that provides access to the rest of the city, including Hollywood and Downtown. Getting farther afield, you may want to think about renting a car.
Restaurants
Make sure to check out Fig inside the hotel, but if you want a chic spot for California cuisine, check out Michael’s (4-minute walk) up the street. The hotel is also across the street from the Third Street Promenade, which has every type of cuisine for any budget. On Wednesdays, peruse Santa Monica’s Farmers Market (4-minute walk) where you can stock up on local goodies for a picnic on the beach.
WHY WE LIKE IT
A perfect combination of history and modernity, the Fairmont is the ultimate vacation home for families, lovers and celebrity privacy seekers who want to be near the beach. The bungalows out back are wholly unique and the service and amenities here provide you with limitless things to do and enjoy. You wouldn’t need to leave the hotel, but with its incredible location, you can find restaurants, bars and attractions all within walking distance. Don’t leave without eating at Fig, grabbing a drink at Bungalow or soaking in the full-service right on the beach.
QUICK FACTS
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