When it comes to a dreamy California escape, you want something that hits all the marks: ocean views, luxe touches, a central location, and a room you actually want to hang out in. Enter: Shore Hotel Santa Monica, the modern, eco-friendly hotel perched right on Ocean Avenue with front-row seats to iconic sunsets, the beach, and the Santa Monica Pier.

We stayed in one of the Premier Ocean View rooms, and let’s just say, the view is everything.

You’re overlooking the palm-tree-lined Ocean Avenue with a completely unobstructed look at the row of trees, the pier, Pacific Ocean, and golden-hour skies from your private balcony. It was one of those stays where we kept the balcony door open just to listen to the waves and the buzz of Santa Monica (which actually stays impressively quiet with the door closed, we slept comfortably through the night)!

an eco-luxe first impression

From the second you arrive, Shore Hotel makes a statement. The all-glass wall lobby feels like walking into a modern art piece that gets sun-soaked at the perfect points of the day, spacious, and ultra-welcoming.

Inside, the décor is trendy and minimal, with pops of playful furniture like a standout purple bubble couch that you can have a photo shoot on alone, and refreshing spa water ready to go beside the check-in desk.

The team here? So attentive. From the front desk to the valet crew, the service was seamless and friendly throughout our stay. You can tell they’ve perfected the balance between laid-back California cool and elevated hospitality.

your room is all that and the view

Our room had one king bed, a large bathroom with a rain shower, and modern touches like an eco-efficient lighting system and sleek finishes.

The bathroom was airy and elegant, featuring Lather body products, a rainfall shower that looks both into the bathroom and bedroom (cheeky, we know) and thoughtful details throughout.

But the real magic happened on the balcony. Bubbly in hand (thanks to the Shore Hotel team in Shore Hotel–branded glasses), watching the sun dip below the horizon. It’s the kind of romantic, wind-down moment that makes your whole trip.

The room also has stocked mini bar if needed, fast Wi-Fi, and temperature controls that adjust when you leave or enter the room which are all part of the hotel’s sustainability promise.

poolside or pier adventures? you decide.

Even though the Santa Monica beach and pier are quite literally across the street, the solar-heated pool and cabana area make a strong case for staying in. From our view, the pool area looked like a stylish Vegas-style day club with all the vibrant, social, and fun energy.

They even have private shaded cabanas you can book if you want to take your lounging to the next level! This is also the perfect option for locals who have seen the pier a few too many times to make that walk again and really want the all-encompassing resort-style experience.

The entire hotel has an indoor-outdoor flow, so whether you’re grabbing a drink in the lobby’s stylish bar area or wandering through the open-air layout toward the pool, it never stops giving vacation energy.

we’ve said it before but, location!!

You’re footsteps from the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, the Santa Monica farmer’s market, and all the restaurants and shops that make this oceanside city such a gem.

We loved being able to walk or scooter everywhere, especially along the beach at sunset or grabbing a bite over in Venice without ever needing to Uber.

If you’re planning a date night getaway or want to surprise your partner with a beachfront escape, Shore Hotel has all the right ingredients: unbeatable views, a central location, and sleek, eco-luxe energy that sets the tone for a romantic and relaxing trip.

Honestly, it’s hard to top sipping champagne on a balcony with the Pacific in full view.

Head north for a getaway to the other Santa… Santa Barbara! Read about our beachside stay here.