Hotel Casa del Mar
Santa Monica, California
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, California 90405
Original Property Opened in 1926
Historic Hotels of America member since 2018
In 1926, two businessmen named E.A. Harter and Tifford Harter opened Casa del Mar as an upscale beach club, which was an overnight success. The resort emerged as a popular destination for the rich and famous, including Hollywood celebrities like Theda Bara and Rudolph Frim. At its height, Casa del Mar entertained a guest list that numbered around 2,000 members. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Casa del Mar was reopened as a hotel in 1997 and is once again one of Southern California’s most elegant destinations. Inspired by the grand beach villas of the Mediterranean, this reimagined oceanfront hotel showcases modern coastal designs and sweeping vistas of the California coastline from Palos Verdes to Malibu.
Discover
- Discover the grounds of Hotel Casa del Mar, originally developed as an opulent private beach club in the “Roaring Twenties” by Los Angeles architect Charles F. Plummer in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. Recorded as a historic landmark by the Santa Monica Historical Society when it reopened in 1999, the location is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Admire the historic accommodations of the Hotel Casa del Mar. Many famous celebrities have stayed at this amazing holiday destination over the years, including Theda Bara and Rudolph Frim.
- Marvel at the intricately hand-painted ceilings and heavy bronze statuary and immediately grasp how the Club became the Pacific Coast’s “see and be seen” spot by Hollywood stars—now renovated and reimagined to make the destination relevant to the luxury traveler of the new millennium.
Explore
- Walk the beach and Santa Monica Pier in the morning, then meander along Montana Avenue, 3rd Street Promenade, and Santa Monica Place for upscale shopping and an array of delicious food.
- Explore the Hammer Museum nearby. An affiliate of the Unviversity of California, Los Angeles, the Hammer Museum features some of the finest contemporary at in the country.
- Travel to the Griffith Observatory on the other side of Los Angeles. Open since 1935, this renowned historical attraction features a working planetarium, as well as several public telescopes.
Experience
- Experience Bergamot Station arts complex nearby. This unique space is home to over 30 galleries and creative businesses. Exhibitions consist of works from artists from all over the globe and across several various mediums.
- Experience the Getty Villa. Once the residence of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, this brilliant Italian-style villa is now an art museum that specializes in displaying Greek and Roman artifacts.
- Experience Santa Monica Historic Museum. This spectacular destination features a series of exhibits that showcase the area's storied past.
Taste
- Dine amid expansive views of the Pacific Ocean at Terrazza Lounge, featuring diverse culinary food and beverages coupled with live music.
- Savor coastal California cuisine focusing on seafood with an integrated sushi bar at Catch Restaurant.
- Head to the Cabana Lounge for Happy Hour for some original cocktails. Then spread a blanket on the sand and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
