
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Best for travelers who want contemporary design, focused wellness programming, and Santa Monica’s only rooftop pool.
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Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a design-forward five-star hotel with 262 rooms, the Westside’s only rooftop pool, and an emphasis on Ayurvedic wellness — read this if you want a contemporary, wellness-focused stay with rooftop dining. Fairmont Miramar Hotel is a long-running historic five-star resort-style property on Wilshire, good for travelers who prefer classic resort grounds, larger event space, and a beach-adjacent address.
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Best for travelers who want contemporary design, focused wellness programming, and Santa Monica’s only rooftop pool.

Best for guests who want a traditional, resort-style luxury stay near the beach with larger meeting and event facilities.
When Santa Monica Proper Hotel wins: choose Proper if you prioritize modern design, on-site Ayurvedic spa programming, a 24-hour fitness center, and the city’s only rooftop pool with rooftop dining.
When Fairmont Miramar Hotel wins: choose the Fairmont if you want a long-established resort feel a short walk to the beach and pier, more on-site rooms and event space, multiple dining outlets, and broad resort amenities.
Bottom line: both are five-star options steps from Santa Monica highlights; pick Proper for a design- and wellness-led boutique-luxury experience, or pick Fairmont Miramar for a classic large-hotel stay with easy beach access and more meeting/banquet capacity.
| Category | Santa Monica Proper Hotel | Fairmont Miramar Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Design-forward, wellness-focused, contemporary use of a restored 1920s landmark | Historic five-star resort-style property with established Santa Monica presence |
| Location | 700 Wilshire Blvd (entrance on 7th St) — short walk to Third Street Promenade and the Pier | 101 Wilshire Blvd — centrally located; within short walking distance of Santa Monica Beach and Third Street Promenade |
| Size (rooms) | 262 rooms and suites | 297 guestrooms |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; minimum check-in age 21 (unaccompanied minors cannot register) | All ages welcome; not adults-only |
| Pools | Rooftop pool (the hotel says it’s the Westside’s only rooftop pool); open 8am–sundown; guest-only seating | Outdoor pool plus hot tub and poolside bar |
| Restaurants & bars | Calabra (rooftop Mediterranean–Californian) and Palma (lobby lounge); rooftop dining tied to pool | Three restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe; Fig Restaurant is highlighted and a poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | Surya Spa — Ayurvedic speciality, signature multi-hour Panchakarma programs, Recovery Suite with sauna and cold plunge | Full-service spa offering massages, body treatments, and facials |
| Known for | Kelly Wearstler interiors, rooftop pool, Ayurvedic spa programming | Historic luxury resort on Wilshire with established local reputation and large event spaces |
| Meeting & event space | About 16,000–24,000 sq ft of flexible event space including Canela Ballroom and rooftop venues | Approximately 25,005 sq ft (2323 m²) of conference/meeting space and 7 meeting rooms |
| On-site bikes & fitness | Free bicycles, 24-hour, 2,500 sq ft fitness center with Peloton and classes | 24-hour fitness facilities; free WiFi and concierge services |
| Walk to beach / pier | About an 8-minute walk (roughly 0.4 miles) to Santa Monica State Beach; ~9–10 minute walk to the Pier | Within a 15-minute walk of Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier (hotel highlights list ~0.6–1.1 km distances to local landmarks) |
Santa Monica Proper sits on Wilshire near 7th Street, a short walk to Third Street Promenade, Tongva Park, and the Pier.
Choose Proper for immediate access to downtown Santa Monica shopping and short walks to the beach and Pier.
Fairmont Miramar is centrally located on Wilshire with easy access to Santa Monica’s beach, pier, and shopping.
Choose the Fairmont for a traditional hotel location that places you a short walk from the beach and Santa Monica’s main attractions.
Proper offers 262 rooms and suites designed by Kelly Wearstler with wellness-focused touches.
Pick Proper if contemporary boutique design and wellness-focused room features matter.
Fairmont Miramar has 297 guestrooms across a range of room types including ocean-view and bungalow options.
Pick the Fairmont for more room types and larger property inventory, including bungalow and suite choices.
Proper centers dining around Calabra (rooftop Mediterranean–Californian) and Palma (lobby lounge).
Choose Proper for rooftop dining tied directly to the hotel’s pool and sunset views.
Fairmont Miramar lists three restaurants (including Fig Restaurant) and a coffee shop/cafe, plus room service.
Pick the Fairmont for more on-site dining choices and a larger, resort-style food & beverage program.
Proper’s signature amenity is the rooftop pool — the hotel says it’s the Westside’s only rooftop pool with poolside dining.
If a rooftop pool and rooftop dining matter, Proper is the clearer choice.
Fairmont Miramar offers an outdoor pool plus a hot tub and poolside bar as part of its resort-style amenities.
Choose the Fairmont for a traditional outdoor pool setting paired with easy beach access.
Proper focuses on Ayurvedic spa programming, a Recovery Suite, and a 24-hour fitness center with classes.
Pick Proper if comprehensive wellness services and structured fitness classes are priorities.
Fairmont Miramar provides a full-service spa, sauna, and 24-hour fitness facilities as part of its guest services.
Pick the Fairmont for a more traditional hotel spa and flexible fitness hours in a resort-style setting.

Santa Monica Proper Hotel — the Westside’s only rooftop pool plus Calabra rooftop dining.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel — roughly 25,005 sq ft of conference/meeting space and multiple meeting rooms.

Santa Monica Proper Hotel — Surya Spa with Panchakarma programs and a dedicated Recovery Suite.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel — an established, resort-style property near Santa Monica Beach with multiple restaurants.
Both are within walking distance to the Pier; Santa Monica Proper lists the Pier at roughly a 9–10 minute walk, and Fairmont Miramar highlights being within a short walk as well.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel has the rooftop pool; Fairmont Miramar has an outdoor pool and hot tub but not a rooftop pool.
Yes — both properties welcome children. Proper has specific family services and a 21+ minimum check-in age for the registering guest; Fairmont Miramar is not adults-only.
Fairmont Miramar has larger total conference/meeting space overall; Proper also offers substantial and flexible event venues including a ballroom and rooftop options — pick based on required capacity and venue style.
Explore how Santa Monica Proper Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·