In the know

Our favourite rooms: The Ocean View Viceroy rooms live up to their moniker, with sea vistas that stretch up and down the coast. Viceroy and Grande rooms have private balconies. For oversized bathrooms with enough space for marble wet rooms, vanity tables and cat-swinging, go for a Grande Room or Empire Suite.
Packing tips: Swimsuit. Don't worry if you leave your sun or skincare behind, as you can buy everything on site. You might want something dressy if you plan to try one of the smarter restaurants in the neighbourhood.

Current offers

Smith card offer: Welcome drinks for two at the Cameo Bar, and a 15 per cent discount on breakfast on each morning of your stay

Viceroy Santa Monica

Los Angeles, United States[view map]

Style: Elegant urban beach retreat
Setting: Sunny Ocean Avenue

This gorgeous Santa Monica seaside boutique hotel takes its looks – and its vocation – seriously: parakeet-green Chesterfields partner dazzling white modernist occasional tables; deco-style gazebos are decked out with French dining furniture, and fresh-as-a-daisy decor awaits in the light and airy guest rooms. Lush, secluded grounds provide a tranquil escape from the exciting bustle of the nearby boutique strip with its upscale shops, restaurants and beach life.

Need to know

Rooms: 162, including five suites.
Rates: Rooms, $299–$660; suites, $499–$730, including breakfast and daily newspaper.
Check-out: Noon, but may be extended on request (subject to availability); earliest check-in, 3pm.
Facilities: Two outdoor swimming pools, spa treatments, 24-hour fitness centre, library, laundry/dry-cleaning, valet parking, video check-out facility. In rooms: minibar and beauty bar, WiFi, flatscreen TV, CD/DVD player... all boxes ticked.
Poolside: The two outdoor pools are on a sleek terrace, romatically lit with white candelabra by night.
Hotel closed: Open all year.
Also: Some smoking rooms are available, otherwise smoking is only permitted in outdoor spaces. Pets are welcome, for a non-refundable fee of $50. Don’t worry if you leave your sun protection or skincare behind – you can buy everything here.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: Whist – a delicious-looking space with plates on walls as well as tables – serves creative Modern American cuisine. We loved the prime Angus ribeye for two, served with garlic-sautéed shrimp, sweet potato fries, asparagus and truffle béarnaise.
Dress code: On the smarter side of casual, with the odd jacket thrown in (unless you’re by the pool, of course).
Top table: The outdoor tables are very romantic, but for maximum privacy, choose one of the banquettes.
Last orders: The last vodka-based pick-me-ups are shaken at 1.30am.
Room service: The 24-hour menu reflects that of the Whist restaurant (oysters, Kobe beef burgers, parmesan-crusted fries).
Hotel bar: The Cameo Bar is one of Santa Monica’s hottest hangouts, and is particularly lively from Wednesdays to Saturdays. The martinis are killer; try the Key Lime – ingredients include vanilla vodka, triple sec and Graham crackers. Yes, you read that right.

Other facilities

Children: This hotel is better suited to couples - leave the children at home!

Smith card offer

Welcome drinks for two at the Cameo Bar, and a 15 per cent discount on breakfast on each morning of your stay

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member

Smith concierge

If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.