What to pack for a stay at Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Pack light beachwear, casual evening outfits, and wellness items for spa, pool, and fitness—bring swimwear, sandals, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and sunscreen. Also pack ID and credit card for the 21+ check-in requirement, any pet supplies if bringing a dog (two dogs max, under 45 lbs), and chargers/meds for a comfortable stay.
In this guide
Pool & rooftop essentials
Santa Monica Proper Hotel has the city’s only rooftop pool; it’s open daily from 8:00 am until sundown and poolside seating is reserved for hotel guests. Pack at least one swimsuit and a cover-up for poolside dining at Calabra or lounging on deck chairs.
The pool deck can be sunny and breezy—bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses. Towels are provided by the hotel, so you don’t need to bring beach towels from home.
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- Swimsuit(s)
- Light cotton cover-up or sarong
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof phone pouch
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Swimwear | Required for rooftop pool access |
| Sunscreen (reef-safe) | Protect skin in the coastal sun |
| Cover-up | Walk between pool and Calabra/Palma comfortably |
Beach, bikes, and active days
The hotel is about an 8-minute (0.4 mile) walk from Santa Monica State Beach and close to the Marvin Braude bike path to Venice Beach. Santa Monica Proper provides free bicycles for guests—bring comfortable riding clothes and a small backpack or crossbody for essentials.
For beach days, bring a reusable water bottle, sun-protective clothing, and flip-flops or sandals. If you plan long rides or runs, pack supportive running shoes and a light layer for cooler mornings or 'June gloom' overcast conditions.
- Light backpack or crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Running shoes and shorts
- Light windbreaker for mornings
| Activity | Suggested item |
|---|---|
| Beach | Sandals, hat, sunscreen |
| Biking | Helmet (hotel may not provide), comfortable shorts |
| Running/walking | Light layer, running shoes |
Spa & wellness packing
Surya Spa at the hotel provides Ayurvedic treatments (hours generally 8:00 am–8:00 pm). If you have treatments booked—especially longer Panchakarma or the signature Abhyanga + Shirodhara—bring loose, comfortable clothing and any prescribed oils or skin-care items your practitioner recommends.
The hotel’s Recovery Suite, sauna and cold plunge are available as part of the spa offering; the fitness center is open 24 hours and stocked with Peloton bikes, treadmills, reformer Pilates machines, and free weights. Pack workout clothes, a travel yoga mat if you prefer your own, and small items like resistance bands and headphones.
- Loose, breathable clothing for treatments
- Workout clothes and sneakers
- Travel yoga mat or springs band
- Water bottle and toiletries
| Facility | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Surya Spa treatments | Loose clothes, any medical notes |
| Recovery Suite/sauna | Swimwear or dry set of clothes |
| Fitness center | Shoes, headphones, towel (hotel provides towels) |
What to pack for dining and evenings
Dining options on-site include Calabra (rooftop Mediterranean‑Californian; casual dress) and Palma (lobby lounge offering all-day small plates and cocktails). Dress code for Calabra is casual—comfortable, neat attire—so pack a smart-casual outfit for dinner and a light jacket for ocean breezes at the rooftop restaurant.
If you plan to use room service (available 24/7) or dine in Palma, casual daytime clothes are fine. Bring a nicer outfit if you prefer an elevated look for rooftop evenings, but formal wear is not required.
- Smart-casual outfit (shirt, blouse, casual dress)
- Light jacket or wrap for evenings
- Comfortable shoes for walking to nearby Third Street Promenade
| Venue | Dress tip |
|---|---|
| Calabra (rooftop) | Casual dress; light jacket for outdoor seating |
| Palma (lobby lounge) | Casual, comfortable attire |
| Room service | Any comfortable clothing |
Packing for your room and sleep
Rooms and suites at Santa Monica Proper Hotel include several types such as Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed; Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds; Room (Performance Wellness); Proper Sleep Room; Premier Room; and Suite (Sunset). If you’ve booked a Room (Performance Wellness) or a Proper Sleep Room, you may want to bring familiar sleep items (earplugs, preferred pillowcase) to complement the room’s wellness features.
Hotel rooms provide in-room Wi‑Fi, robes, and towels; bathrooms typically have marble finishes and in-room amenities. Bring any specific toiletries or medications you need, plus devices and chargers—USB outlets vary by room type.
- Earplugs or white-noise app
- Phone and device chargers (wall and USB)
- Any personal sleep aids (eye mask, favorite pillowcase)
- Prescription meds and personal toiletries
| Room type examples | Pack notes |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed | Standard comforts; bring chargers |
| Room (Performance Wellness) | Bring workout or recovery accessories |
| Proper Sleep Room | Optional sleep aids for extra comfort |
Practical documents, payment, and pet items
The guest who checks in must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID and a credit card at check-in; cash is not accepted. Valet parking is available (rates vary) and the hotel offers EV charging—confirm costs with the property before arrival.
Santa Monica Proper welcomes up to two dogs per room (each under 45 lbs) for a $100 non-refundable fee per stay; cats are not accepted and dogs are not allowed in the rooftop restaurant or pool area. If traveling with a dog, pack food, bowls, leash, crate, and any behavior aids.
- Valid photo ID and credit card for check-in
- Printed or digital reservation confirmation
- Pet supplies (food, bowls, leash, baggies) if bringing a dog
- Portable charger and power bank
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID & credit card | Required at check-in (21+ minimum) |
| Pet fee note | $100 non-refundable fee per pet; 2 pets max, <45 lb |
| Valet & parking | Valet available; check current rate with hotel |
