California Dreaming: Inside the Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica

To say that this hotel ticks boxes is such an injustice. The address alone says that you have arrived: “Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica - Southern California”.

Come with me through the property and area so I can excite you for what awaits.

There are two entrances to the hotel, one for pedestrians and another for self-drive cars or chauffeur transfers from the airport.

A hotel of this high-end 5* delivery naturally has accommodations that satisfy the most particular of guests and are located in two 10-story buildings (the Palisades and Ocean Towers) that offer over 300 rooms & suites.

There are also the 30+ bungalows, which are dotted around the grounds amongst a delightful mix of exquisite flora and fauna for all to enjoy.

There are ocean-view rooms and garden-view bungalows all positioned within walking, running, cycling, rollerblading, and skateboarding distance of Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey and, of course, Beverly Hills, though most would probably prefer to drive to the latter considering it is circa 9 miles away. You are also within a short drive of Malibu, which was decimated by the wildfire of 2025.

Without question, you can partake in all of the former methods of transport to see Venice Beach and its eclectic mix of characters, Muscle Beach and its power weightlifting area, a staple of Venice for nearly 70 years, not to mention its eclectic mix of cafés, bars, restaurants, and of course, people-watching opportunities on the boardwalk that Arnold Schwarzenegger cycles through daily from Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey and Marina Del Rey itself, home to an extensive boating community with great marinas that at weekends have live music where you just rock up with your folding chair and just chill. There is a massively wide beach from the hotel to Marina Del Rey, so you are never going to feel crowded; there is so much room.

Now back to the Fairmont Miramar Hotel…………

Within the property can be found a fine clothing outlet & a jeweller, barbershop & salon; wellness is also taken care of California style, and a great pool with whirlpool and poolside service par excellence, not forgetting the Pacific Ocean, a mere stone's throw away.

There are 5 restaurants and between Tuesday - Saturday inclusive cocktails and food are 50% off between 17:00 and 18:00 in the Fig Restaurant/Bar. Believe me, you can do a whole heap of damage within this Happy Hour, which can extend a further 30 minutes by timing your last order to perfection. The cocktail list is extensive, and the resulting offerings are absolutely wonderful. I did my best to experience the selection over several evenings.

I could write about this property and its heavenly beachside location ad nauseam.

In conclusion, yes, it is not cheap to stay in the Fairmont Miramar; yes, you will be captivated and absolutely do it before you can’t……Life is for living.