Nothing beats the late summer/early fall heat like a refreshing beverage or a cold cocktail under the shade of a poolside umbrella. Santa Monica residents are lucky enough to have a pool close by, as many of the City’s world-class hotels offer day-use passes that allow non-overnight guests to enjoy their pools and other facilities.
Here’s a quick rundown of four notable Santa Monica hotel pools, all located along Ocean Avenue, offering a wide range of amenities and fees.
Fairmont Miramar
Located just steps from Palisades Park, the Fairmont Miramar, with its magnificent swimming pool surrounded by swaying palm trees, waterfalls, tropical flowers and koi ponds, feels a world away. Day passes are available from dayaxe.com for just $20, making it one of the best-kept secret bargains in the City. While you’re there, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail at The Bungalow, unwind at the hotel’s luxury spa, Exhale, or grab a bite at the acclaimed Fig restaurant. A popular spot with locals, the Fairmont offers a relaxed vibe in a beautiful setting.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
This large beachfront pool offers incredible ocean views from just south of the Santa Monica Pier. Take a dip and follow it with a relaxing soak in the hot tub. The pool is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, so you can even enjoy a perfect sunset at the poolside bar. Enjoy yoga in the salt air, get a massage at the spa or just people-watch from the two-tier deck overlooking Ocean Front Walk. As long as the pool area isn’t packed with hotel guests, you can buy a day pass that gives you access to the pool, the sauna and the steam room and will set you back just $25. Phone ahead first to check availability.
Find paradise at the Hotel Shangri-La pool for $50 per day. Reminiscent of the Queen Mary’s art deco pool deck, the Shangri-La pool deck offers access to all chase lounge and poolside dining, where $25 of your entry fee is used as a credit towards your food and beverage. To further your relaxation, enjoy access to Xanadu Spa, where you can slip away into a full Swedish massage. Top off your day of Zen and treat yourself to a martini on the outdoor rooftop bar, Onyx, Santa Monica’s top destination to watch the sunset! Get there early and enjoy happy-hour deals during the week from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. or a night out with friends on Saturday nights, where a house DJ spins after 8 p.m.
Bring your entourage to Viceroy Santa Monica to experience the ultimate in poolside luxury.
Chic poolside cabanas can accommodate groups of up to 18 guests with all amenities a party could want, including privacy blinds, WiFi, charging stations, towels, dedicated sun deck, full pool access – and more. Be the host with the most with cabana packages that include champagne, poolside platters, a signature Natura Bisse suncare amenity kit full of sunscreen, aloe and lip balm, and a pair of trendy TOMS Traveler sunglasses, or enjoy the Cabana Happy Hour Package. Rental rates begin at $150.
Santa Monica’s endless summer is in full swing. Why not grab some friends and family and enjoy the day like a Santa Monica resident in the know. To see more special offers from Santa Monica hotels and businesses, visit www.santamonica.com/fall-specials.
