Cost-conscious travelers discover luxury at The Pierside Santa Monica in Southern California
Located on the sun-drenched shores of Santa Monica, California, The Pierside Santa Monica offers a mix of modern luxury and coastal charm. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a 16-story acrylic mega mural on the hotel’s exterior by American artist Shepard Fairey – famous for Barack Obama’s 2008 iconic “Hope” poster – capturing the vibe of downtown Santa Monica culture.
Check-in is easy, and the hotel’s valet parking adds to the convenience of the location. When entering the lobby, the airy and laid-back vibes of The Pierside are immediately apparent. The interior features calming blues and beiges with pops of sunset oranges and yellows, creating a relaxing backdrop for guests. The ample community seating, board games, lantern string lighting, an assortment of surfboards, and an indoor fire pit give the feel of a summer beach house getaway, no matter the time of year.
When the hotel was built in 1965, the Santa Monica Pier wasn’t the prime focal point it is today, so none of The Pierside’s rooms have a direct view of it. Nonetheless, the present-day views of Tongva Park and the Pacific coastline are stunning. The bohemian luxury theme continues throughout the hotel’s 132 rooms, which include single rooms and suites. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to watch the waves while relaxing in bed, or enjoy the view while finishing work on the daybed sofa.
In addition to comfortable rooms, guests can embrace their inner beach bum at The Board Shop, the onsite shop that provides an authentic pier experience. At The Board Shop, guests can rent surf and skateboards, bodyboards, gaming consoles, board games, and even cameras to capture picture-perfect pier moments. For those seeking wellness activities, Yada Yoga Wellness Services, the hotel’s onsite wellness partner, offers everything needed to care for the mind, body, and soul while enjoying the stay. Services include in-room private and group massages, workout sessions, guided reiki healing, yoga, and sound baths. Yada also hosts free beachside yoga sessions for guests on Saturday mornings.
After enjoying the beach, guests can head to The Surfing Fox for delicious food and refreshing drinks that capture the essence of coastal living. The luxury bohemian motif extends into the eatery with oversized “hanging” chairs, comfortable benches, and group seating arrangements. The traditional dining room opens to the side patio, providing a clear view of the Santa Monica Pier sign. Executive Chef David Yamaguchi leads the full-service kitchen in creating a diverse menu that represents the best in fresh coastal California cuisine with Mexican, American, and Japanese influences. DETOUR recommends the ceviche, lobster roll, koji-brined roasted chicken, and Thai tea tiramisu, paired with brown sugar boba.
The bar’s menu is equally enjoyable with its signature “Foxtails,” such as the Prickly Pear and the Coconut served in a whole coconut. The Surfing Fox is not just a place for good food; it’s a fun hangout spot for hotel guests and locals known for its Sunset Hour drink specials, live music on Fridays, and weekend brunches on Saturdays and Sundays.
With room rates starting at $479 per night, The Pierside offers accessible luxury and affordability. With its prime location, comfortable decor, endless amenities, and attention to detail, The Pierside Santa Monica is the perfect place to start and end your Southern California adventures.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and communications professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Essence, The Black Wall Street Times, and Waymaker Journal. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.
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