Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica – Hotel Review

A layering of blues gives the spaces of Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica an instant calm. From beach-facing rooms, it’s the denim-coloured sea sprawled out in the distance that creates a feeling of tranquillity in this hotel set slightly back from the beach; in others, it’s the powder-blue wallpaper. Read on for the full review.

A 10-minute walk to the sands of Santa Monica from here isn’t a hardship – and if you don’t want to walk or take a complimentary bicycle, the house car can drop you to the pier in a matter of minutes. Committed to staying in? There’s plenty to do – the pool is lined with first-come-first-served cabanas and fire pits, while Longitude, the hotel’s turquoise-hued drinking den, shakes craft cocktails to perfection. 

Where is Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica? 

Just off Pico Boulevard, four blocks from Santa Monica Beach, where the pier and its Ferris wheel glitters just a little further up the strip. Venice Beach is a quick car ride away – less than 10 minutes, in fact – and Downtown Santa Monica is even nearer (in the opposite direction). LAX is close as the crow flies but that LA traffic will get you – still, even at the most clogged hour, you’ll be there in under half an hour by cab. 

What’s near Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica?

You’ve come to Santa Monica for the beach, yes? On one of the hotel’s complimentary push bikes, you’ll be there in mere minutes. The pier and its cluster of rides and food stalls is a little ways north, the whole trip taking less than 10 minutes. The famed farmer’s markets in Downtown, is a few minutes further north on Main Street – don’t forget your tote bag!

Room types 

The contemporary rooms don’t shy away from packing a decorative punch. From the carpets to the curtains, the soft furnishings are loudly geometric and the lighting is in similarly bold Deco shapes. It makes for a nice change from a beige, cookie-cutter hotel room, as do full-sized workspaces, Malin + Goetz toiletries and, in most rooms, breezy balconies to catch the wind from the Pacific.

Restaurants and bars 

Longitude Bar + Restaurant is the hotel’s full-service eatery, serving Illy coffee alongside breakfast in the morning and craft cocktails alongside fresh seafood and hearty steak.

Travel for work

There are 14 event rooms dedicated to meetings and events on-site, each with their own distinctive flair. The ballroom has particularly impressive views of the city sprawl, all the way to the mountains, but there are smaller spaces if something a little less grand is on the cards.

Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel, so in-room working is a breeze.

Gym and pool

For longer swims, the beach is best but for quick dips and lounging around, the small, heated outdoor pool will more than do the job. Not your speed? Hit the fitness centre, which houses free weights, cardio equipment and Peloton bikes.

Sustainability

Le Méridien is part of the Santa Monica Certified Green Business network and spearheaded a number of eco-friendly initiatives. They were the first hotel on the west coast, for example, to implement an electrolysed water cleansing system, and other earth-friendly tweaks include in-room facets that reduce water flow.

Accessibility   

The hotel is well equipped for travellers with disabilities. In addition to accessible rooms and an accessible fitness centre, public entrances and common spaces have accessible routes, and there is a sloped entry to the pool.

What you need to know

The SandBox, a space upstairs from the bar, is a games room of sorts, perfect for fidgety, pre-dinner kids. There’s a pool table, a TV generally splashed with sports and a giant Jenga set.