
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Best for travelers who want direct access to Santa Monica Beach, a rooftop pool with ocean views, and an immersive wellness program.
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Santa Monica Proper is a design-forward, coastal five-star hotel with a Kelly Wearstler–designed interior, a rooftop pool, and an emphasis on wellness; read this if you want easy beach access and wellness programming. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is a contemporary five-star high-rise in the heart of Beverly Hills—this guide is for travelers weighing Santa Monica’s coastal design and rooftop pool against Beverly Hills’ shopping- and city-center convenience.
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Best for travelers who want direct access to Santa Monica Beach, a rooftop pool with ocean views, and an immersive wellness program.

Best for travelers who want a contemporary Beverly Hills base near Rodeo Drive, on-site fine dining, and large-event facilities.
When Santa Monica Proper wins: choose Proper if you prioritize beach access, a strong wellness program (Surya Spa and Recovery Suite), a Kelly Wearstler design aesthetic, and the Westside’s only rooftop pool.
When Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills wins: choose the Waldorf if you want to be in the center of Beverly Hills near Rodeo Drive, prefer hotel-brand luxury services and a full-service urban spa and fine-dining options (including Jean-Georges), or need large conference/ballroom space.
Bottom line: pick Santa Monica Proper for a coastal, design-and-wellness stay with rooftop pool access; pick Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for central Beverly Hills address, multiple restaurants/bars, and large event facilities.
| Category | Santa Monica Proper Hotel | Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic-meets-contemporary coastal design by Kelly Wearstler; wellness-forward | Contemporary five-star Beverly Hills high-rise with modern luxury service |
| Location | Short walk (about 8 minutes) to Santa Monica State Beach, Pier, and Third Street Promenade | In the heart of Beverly Hills; within walking distance of Rodeo Drive and Westfield Century City |
| Size (rooms) | 262 rooms and suites | 170 guestrooms |
| All-ages policy | Welcomes children of all ages (21+ check-in age for registrant) | Welcomes guests of all ages (property not adults-only) |
| Pools | Santa Monica’s only rooftop pool (hotel guests only; 5,165 sq ft; open 8am–sundown) | Outdoor pool on property (1 outdoor pool; wheelchair-accessible) |
| Restaurants & bars | Two signature venues: Calabra (rooftop Mediterranean-Californian) and Palma (lobby lounge) | Multiple venues including Jean-Georges (French) plus a cafe and two bars/lounges |
| Spa & wellness | Surya Spa (Ayurvedic specialist), Recovery Suite with sauna and cold plunge, 24-hour fitness and fitness classes | Full-service spa on site, sauna and fitness facilities listed among amenities |
| Known for | Design, rooftop pool with ocean views, Ayurvedic spa programs | Beverly Hills address and proximity to Rodeo Drive, Jean-Georges restaurant, large meeting/ballroom space |
| Event & meeting space | 16,000+ sq ft of versatile event space and several terraces including a 3,794 sq ft Canela Ballroom | Conference center with 67,813 sq ft (6,300 m²) of meeting and ballroom space |
| Transport & access | Near Big Blue Bus and Metro E Line connections; closest major airport: LAX (about 7–10 miles) | Preferred airport: LAX; offers a free area shuttle within 3.00 mi and valet parking (surcharge) |
Santa Monica Proper sits a short walk from the beach, pier, and the Third Street Promenade.
Choose Proper for easy beach and Westside outdoor access.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is located on Wilshire Boulevard in the center of Beverly Hills.
Choose the Waldorf for direct access to Beverly Hills shopping and city-center convenience.
Santa Monica Proper offers 262 rooms and suites with wellness-focused touches and designer interiors.
Proper is for travelers who value design details and in-room wellness features.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has 170 guestrooms in a contemporary luxury high-rise format.
Waldorf suits travelers who want modern room amenities and traditional luxury-service extras.
Santa Monica Proper focuses on two signature venues—Calabra on the rooftop and Palma in the lobby.
Proper keeps dining centered on two well-curated outlets with a rooftop focus.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills lists three restaurants and two bars, including Jean-Georges.
Waldorf provides multiple on-site dining options, including a high-profile signature restaurant.
Santa Monica Proper has the Westside’s only rooftop pool deck with ocean views and poolside dining.
Proper’s rooftop pool is a defining coastal amenity focused on views and wellness.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has an outdoor pool and rooftop terrace among its outdoor offerings.
Waldorf offers a city-hotel outdoor pool and rooftop terrace for urban relaxation.
Santa Monica Proper emphasizes wellness through Surya Spa, the Recovery Suite, and 24/7 fitness with classes.
Proper is the stronger pick for guests prioritizing integrated wellness programming.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills provides a full-service spa and fitness facilities in a Beverly Hills setting.
Waldorf fits travelers who want classic hotel spa services and immediate access to Beverly Hills nightlife and shopping.

Santa Monica Proper — walk to Santa Monica Beach and use the hotel's rooftop pool with ocean views.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills — within walking distance of Rodeo Drive and Westfield Century City.

Santa Monica Proper — Surya Spa, Recovery Suite, and extensive fitness offerings with classes.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills — multiple restaurants including Jean-Georges and large conference/ballroom capacity.
Santa Monica Proper is the closer option — about an 8-minute walk (0.4 miles) to Santa Monica State Beach. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is in central Beverly Hills and not beachfront.
If you want specialized Ayurvedic programming and a private Recovery Suite, Santa Monica Proper’s Surya Spa is the stronger match. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offers a full-service spa suitable for typical urban spa treatments.
No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; Santa Monica Proper requires the guest checking in to be at least 21 years old to register a room.
For very large conferences and ballroom events, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills lists a much larger conference center (67,813 sq ft). Santa Monica Proper still offers substantial event space (including a 3,794 sq ft ballroom and 16,000+ sq ft total) and rooftop/terrace options for weddings.
Explore how Santa Monica Proper Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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