PHOTO: Viceroy

Fodor's Expert Review Viceroy Santa Monica

Name: Viceroy Santa Monica
Address: 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, California, 90401, United States
Telephone: 310-260–7500;800-622–8711
Price range: $$$

1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, California 90401, United States See on Map

Paul Feinstein

Located directly across from the beach, the Viceroy Hotel combines an English countryside vibe with a chic and modern flair. The lobby bar, restaurant, and pool are popular among young couples and tech executives, who sip craft drinks and lounge in covered cabanas. It's a super hip spot for anyone looking to class up their Santa Monica days and nights.

Photo: Viceroy

room

Rooms here have ocean, street or pool views and are set in the same countryside motif as the rest of the hotel. Juliet balconies might give guests vertigo--they tower over the neighborhood.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There’s a $26 amenity fee, but guests receive Wi-Fi access, a welcome beverage, priority on bike rentals, 10% off food at the lounge and restaurant, and more.

Photo: Viceroy

bathroom

The marble-laden bathrooms feature ROIL products by La Botega and typically have shower/tub combos.

Photo: Viceroy

lobby

An eclectic English country living room, the lobby is filled with mismatched furniture of all shapes and sizes. On one side is the lobby bar dubbed Cast Lounge, on the other, a yellow shag-carpeted library straight out of the '70s for book lovers to curl up.

There may not be coffee in the rooms, but as soon as you get out of the elevator on the lobby floor, there’s an assortment of free coffee and tea.

pool

Double heated plunge pools are lined with covered cabanas and white sun chairs. The cabanas are first-come-first-serve (unless previously reserved). Guests can also order from a full menu of food and drinks.

If for whatever reason the pool is closed, ask the concierge about their Beach Butler Service.

gym

The small 24-hour fitness center overlooks the pool and comes with an array of cardio equipment and free weights.

The hotel offers one-on-one training--but if you’re looking for a freebie, check out the complimentary yoga sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

dining

Cast Restaurant is the hotel’s main dining area with breakfast, lunch, and dinner offering up a seasonal American menu. Reserve a table on the poolside outdoor patio (which feels like an actual secret garden, complete with bistro lights and heat lamps).

YOU SHOULD KNOW The restaurant is closed for dinner on Sunday and Monday nights.

drinking

Cast Lounge is the indoor/outdoor hotel bar that starts in the lobby and, at night, extends to the pool. There's a generous happy hour from 5 to 7pm every day and DJs spin from 10pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

LOCATION

Getting Around

It’s a 13-minute walk to the Downtown Santa Monica Train Station, which gives you direct access to Hollywood, Downtown LA, and Universal Studios. Because of how touristy the area is, it’s relatively easy to hail a taxi or Uber outside the front of the hotel. Walking around Santa Monica is also a cinch--they've got a variety of bars, restaurants, attractions, and shopping all around the corner.

Restaurants

Terrazza, a Mediterranean café, and Catch, a fresh seafood spot, are both inside Hotel Casa del Mar (5-minute walk) and have incredible oceanfront views. Cha Cha Chicken (3-minute walk) is a decent, moderately-priced Caribbean eatery.

Bars

Bar Pintxo (13-minute walk) is a Spanish tapas spot with thirst-quenching Sangria. Copa d’Oro (13-minute walk) is a chic lounge with craft cocktails.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Sultry and homey, the Viceroy is a great hotel for young couples and tech millionaires visiting Silicon Beach to play, chill, drink, and generally just be young and rich. With the beach across the street and the ability to walk to any number of destinations, this hotel is ideal for ocean-lovers, shopping fanatics, and foodies alike. Yes, there’s an amenity fee, but you’ll make good on it with all the free perks that this hotel provides.