Hotel Casa del Mar – Hotel Review

There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in coastal Santa Monica (L.A.’s favourite beach community) but Casa del Mar stands out for its prime location, sprawling rooms and ocean-to-table fare. The hotel’s sincere sustainability practices are also laudable. Read on for the full review.

With a Mediterranean-meets-southern-California aesthetic, 129-room Casa del Mar feels like a grand palace set on the sand. From its restaurants to the pool, all spaces take full advantage of the property’s beachfront perch and showcase gorgeous views. Welcoming a mix of visitors, from business travellers to families and everyone in-between, Casa del Mar manages to meet each guest’s individual needs effortlessly.

Where is Casa del Mar?

The hotel sits along breezy Santa Monica Beach. The coastal communities of Pacific Palisades and Malibu are further north, while edgy Venice is just to the south. Casa del Mar is about a 30-minute ride from LAX International airport.

What’s near Casa del Mar?

From the hotel, it’s a short stroll to the famed Santa Monica Pier, which is equipped with a small amusement park with solar-powered Ferris wheel and historic carousel. The Third Street Promenade, an open-air pedestrian-only mall with shops, cafes and a farmers market is also nearby. Santa Monica’s beloved Urth Caffe, a casual all-day eatery known for its exceptional barista-made organic coffee, salads and sandwiches, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel along Main Street. And trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, lined with designer boutiques and restaurants (don’t miss Salt & Straw ice cream or Gjelina), is a 10-minute drive away.

Room types

Swathed in blues and whites, the 129 rooms and 16 multi-bedroom suites are incredibly bright (thanks to the large arched windows that open!) and spacious (starting at a whooping 400 square feet). Marble baths with soaking tubs, original art and ocean-inspired accents lend a residential feel.

Restaurants and bars

There are three restaurants on site. Terrazza is the lobby level all-day dining restaurant by chef Emma Gray, with a menu that covers everything from French toast to Jidori chicken. Dinner-only Catch focuses on seafood and includes a raw bar. And alfresco Patio del Mar (Thursday to Monday only) is great for a casual lunch or cocktails with an ocean breeze.

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All rooms and suites have full-sized desks. Wi-fi is included with the daily resort fee.

Spa, gym and pool

An on-site spa specialises in anti-aging facial treatments as well as relaxing body massages. If you’re after fitness, the hotel offers a strength training and yoga studio, state-of-the-art gym with Peloton equipment, plus private sessions with a personal trainer upon request. Or take your workout outside with a yoga session on the sand. An outdoor heated pool and hot tub, surrounded by chaise lounges, overlook the beach.

Sustainability

Casa del Mar’s commitment to sustainability is the real deal. Among its green practices are low VOC paints, low flow toilets and ORCA technology to reduce food waste. Nearly 40 per cent of the hotel’s energy needs are met by renewable sources. Even employees are rewarded for walking, biking and carpooling to work.

Accessibility

The Superior King Accessible Room is available to guests who require accessibility, with features such as lowered light and thermostat switches, roll-in showers and bathroom support bars. The room offers a city view.