If you are looking for a classic Southern California beach stay with a little old Hollywood glamour, the The Georgian Hotel is one of the most iconic places to stay in Santa Monica. Sitting right across from the Pacific Ocean on Ocean Avenue, the hotel combines Art Deco style with a relaxed beach atmosphere that feels both elegant and approachable.
The bright turquoise building has been part of the Santa Monica coastline since 1933 and has hosted celebrities, travelers, and beachgoers for decades. After a major restoration, the hotel feels polished and luxurious while still maintaining its historic charm.
First Impressions
One of the best things about staying at the The Georgian Hotel is the location. You can walk across the street for ocean views, stroll to the beach in minutes, and easily explore downtown Santa Monica without needing to drive everywhere.
Inside, expect curved architecture, vintage inspired details, cozy seating areas, and plenty of nods to the building’s Art Deco history. The hotel has a boutique feel, so it feels much calmer and more intimate than some of the larger beach resorts nearby.
Plus, it’s bright turquouse!
Full Disclosure:
I did not have a perfect stay at The Georgian. I escaped to The Georgian for a staycation during a heatwave, but unfortunately the air conditioner in my room malfunctioned and my husband actually left in the middle of the night and drove back to our house and our house’s functioning air conditioning in order to sleep.
Unfortunately, hotel management did not fix the issue and did not not remedy our bill and weeks later I had to escalate my complaints to the hotel owner who ended up refunding me 100%. All that said, I think it was a one-off issue (other guests were NOT having AC issues) and while the on-site management was rude and unhelpful, I would still recommend a stay at the hotel. Which is why I ultimately still wrote this blog post. I wish it hadn’t tainted my stay, but the room was lovely (other than being hot and stuffy), food was great, and staff (aside from management) was very friendly and attentive! I would definitely try staying here again in the future!
Rooms and Amenities
The rooms at the The Georgian Hotel are designed with a blend of vintage glamour and modern comfort. Many rooms have ocean views, and even the standard rooms feel thoughtfully designed.
Amenities may include:
- Comfortable plush bedding
- Luxury bath products
- In-room espresso makers
- In-room record player and selection of vinyl records
- Smart TVs
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Mini Bar
- Robes and slippers
- Ocean view rooms and suites
- Pet-friendly accommodations
The hotel also offers valet parking, concierge services, and beach access nearby. Since the hotel sits right along Ocean Avenue, it is easy to walk or bike to many of Santa Monica’s top attractions.
Is The Georgian Hotel Haunted?
Like many historic hotels built during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the The Georgian Hotel has developed a reputation for being one of Santa Monica’s more haunted landmarks. While there is no official confirmation of paranormal activity, guests and staff have shared stories over the years of unexplained footsteps, mysterious noises in empty hallways, flickering lights, and the occasional feeling that they are not quite alone. Much of the folklore stems from the hotel’s colorful history, which includes hosting celebrities, politicians, and rumored secret rendezvous during the Prohibition era. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, the hotel’s long history certainly adds to its intriguing atmosphere.
If you’d like to dive deeper into Santa Monica’s spooky side, several local companies offer ghost walks and haunted history tours that explore the city’s historic streets, famous hotels, and colorful legends. These evening tours typically combine local history with tales of paranormal encounters, making for a fun activity after dinner. Even if you’re skeptical of ghost stories, they provide a unique way to learn about Santa Monica’s past while seeing some of its oldest and most iconic buildings from a different perspective.
Dining at the Hotel
The hotel’s restaurant and bar spaces lean into the glamorous coastal atmosphere. Stop in to Sirena for breakfast before heading to the beach or enjoy cocktails at the lobby bar in the evening!
The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Georgian Room, brings back the elegance of classic supper clubs with a modern California approach. The menu focuses on elevated coastal cuisine with fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and beautifully plated dishes. Depending on the season, you may find dishes like oysters, fresh pasta, steak, crudo, or locally inspired small plates. The room itself feels dramatic and romantic, making it a fun option for date night, celebrations, or simply enjoying a slower evening after a day at the beach. The Georgian Room offers family style Spaghetti Sundays dinners which seem fun!
The hotel bar has quickly become a popular cocktail spot in Santa Monica. Expect expertly made classic cocktails alongside creative seasonal drinks that fit the vintage coastal atmosphere. The space works equally well for a relaxed afternoon drink or a late evening cocktail. Sitting with a drink while watching the sunset over Ocean Avenue is one of the best ways to fully enjoy the hotel’s old Hollywood beach vibe.
During the daytime, the hotel also offers a more relaxed café style atmosphere for breakfast and coffee. Grabbing espresso and a pastry before heading to the beach feels very much in line with the laid back Santa Monica lifestyle. If you prefer slower mornings, it is easy to linger over brunch before spending the rest of the day exploring the pier, beach, and nearby shops.
Even if you are not staying overnight, the lobby and restaurant area are worth visiting for the atmosphere alone!
What to Do Nearby
One of the biggest advantages of staying at the The Georgian Hotel is how walkable everything is.
Visit the Santa Monica Pier
The famous Santa Monica Pier is only a short walk away. You can ride the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park, grab classic beach snacks, watch street performers, or simply enjoy the ocean views.
Relax at the Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is directly nearby, making it easy to spend the day by the water. The beach path is also perfect for biking, roller skating, or long sunset walks.
Brentwood Country Mart
Just a short drive away, Brentwood Country Mart combines upscale shopping with a relaxed farmhouse atmosphere. It is a great place to browse boutiques while grabbing coffee or lunch.
Where to Eat Nearby
Santa Monica has no shortage of great restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Milo and Olive: Solid pizza! Amazing garlic knot! Delicious dessert! Recommend!
Chez Jay: A Route 66 institution since 1959! Great food in great atmosphere!
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee: Perfect for coffee and one of the best fresh doughnuts in Los Angeles. You get a contact sugar high walking in the door!
Read More: The Best Donuts in Los Angeles
Tips for Your Stay
- Ocean facing rooms are worth the upgrade if you enjoy sunset ocean views.
- Santa Monica traffic can be heavy, so walking is often easier than driving short distances.
- Bring layers, even in summer. Don’t forget May Gray and June Gloom! Coastal mornings and evenings can get chilly.
- The beach path is excellent for biking, and rentals are easy to find nearby.
- Sunset along Ocean Avenue is especially beautiful, so plan at least one evening stroll.
Final Thoughts
Staying at the The Georgian Hotel feels like stepping into a more glamorous era of California beach travel while still enjoying modern comforts. Between the historic architecture, unbeatable location, walkable attractions, and easy beach access, it makes an excellent home base for exploring Santa Monica and the surrounding coast.
Read More: Santa Monica City Guide
Read More: The Most Colorful Places in California
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California. I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.