Santa Monica Hotels for Every Budget

There’s a Santa Monica hotel for every budget and lifestyle.

Rates for lodging closer to the water or Santa Monica Pier tend to run higher. Neighborhood hotels may be more affordable (depending on proximity to the beach). Find your perfect fit among luxury hotels, budget-friendly stays and everything between.

View Santa Monica hotels by neighborhood.

Is it Worth Staying in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica offers more value than other areas of Los Angeles/Southern California:

  • Beachfront and oceanfront access hotels are abundant
  • Many hotels offer rooms and suites with Pacific Ocean views
  • The city is a central hub and homebase for your Greater Los Angeles visit
  • The range of hotels offers high-quality spaces and experiences
  • The city is compact and walkable with a variety of amenities, restaurants and shopping

Top-Rated Luxury Santa Monica Hotels

Luxury hotels tend to be closer to the beach or Downtown Santa Monica and offer more amenities such as on-site restaurants and spa services.

Details on Santa Monica Luxury Hotels

  • Daily Rates: $300+ nightly average with somewhat higher rates during on weekends and during summer
  • Customer Ratings: 4 to 5 stars
  • Amenities: Amenities often include on-premises dining, heated pools and spas and concierge services
  • Transportation: Many offer house cars and bicycle rentals for guests
  • Deals: Look for deals for hotel loyalty members and email subscribers during off-peak seasons (spring and fall)

Luxury hotels in Santa Monica include:

Boutique and Mid-Range Hotels

Boutique and mid-range hotels are typically smaller than luxury hotels and more likely to be a block further from the beach. These hotels are also typically located in Downtown Santa Monica near Third Street Promenade.

Details on Santa Monica boutique and mid-range hotels:

  • Daily Rates: $200 to $300+ nightly average
  • Amenities: Offer fewer amenities in exchange for a reduced nightly rate
  • Customer Ratings: Frequently highly rated by guests
  • Transportation: Public transportation is available for hotels further from the beach (metro, bus, and shuttle)
  • Deals: Look for deals during off-peak seasons (spring and fall) with value packages during the summer season

Boutique and mid-range hotels in Santa Monica include:

Affordable Santa Monica Hotels

Affordable hotels in Santa Monica are usually further from the beach but offer lower rates for long-term visitors such as international tourists and large families.

plants outside affordable santa monica hotel

Details on Affordable Hotels in Santa Monica:

  • Daily Rates: $100 – $200 nightly average
  • Customer Ratings: Guests appreciate the low rates and value
  • Amenities: Many include amenities like parking, WiFi and breakfast
  • Transportation: Public transportation is available for hotels further from the beach (metro, bus, and shuttle)
  • Deals: Look for deals and affordable packages throughout the year via the property website or email newsletter program

Affordable hotels in Santa Monica include:

Common Questions About Finding Budget-Friendly Hotels in Santa Monica

What is the best month to visit Santa Monica?

Santa Monica’s weather is great all year long, but the best months to visit are March through May or September through November, when the weather runs mild, crowds are smaller and lodging tends to be more affordable. These “shoulder seasons” are perfect for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s charm without the high costs or crowds.

Do Santa Monica hotels offer free or cheap parking?

Some hotels offer free parking options. A few properties, like those listed here, provide complimentary parking, making them a great choice for budget-conscious visitors. Check out hotel amenities in advance to find more perks, deals and specials.

Where can I find the best deals on hotels in Santa Monica?

To find the best deals on Santa Monica hotels, compare rates on third-party booking sites, then check the hotel’s website directly. Many properties offer exclusive discounts for direct bookings. Booking during off-peak seasons or midweek usually means lower rates. You can also try signing up for hotel newsletters or loyalty programs to catch special deals and perks.

What public transportation is available near my hotel?

Many Santa Monica hotels offer convenient transportation options, including free shuttles and access to Circuit, a free electric shuttle service perfect for short trips around the city. Near the beach, downtown and Third Street Promenade, you’ll find Big Blue Bus routes and Metro rail access. Some hotels even provide house cars for guest use.

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