Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

This century-old luxury hotel has seen Santa Monica change from bohemian beach town to upscale enclave; and though it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the beach itself, it’s even closer to the mall that is Downtown Santa Monica. No matter — a stay at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is what you make of it, and can be as private as you want it to be. The grounds themselves are planted with lush gardens overlooking the Pacific; the hotel’s own private beach club is accessible via a shuttle.

The rooms and suites are handsome and rather understated, in typical Fairmont style, with just the right amount of local color and flavor — a surfboard on the wall would be a bit much for a hotel of the Miramar’s gravitas. The most unusual options are the bungalows mentioned in the hotel’s name — 31 colorful freestanding bungalows set amid the hotel’s gardens.

It wouldn’t be Santa Monica without a lavish spa and a gym featuring Peloton bikes and personal trainers. And the Fairmont Miramar’s food and beverage outlets range widely: from Dogtown Coffee and the Baja-style Bungalow lounge to modern Californian fare at FIG and an upscale sushi bar called Soko.