Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows – Santa Monica, California

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Review

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Historic Oceanfront Elegance with Private Bungalow Seclusion
Perched on the bluff overlooking the Pacific, Fairmont Miramar blends 1920s Hollywood legacy with contemporary coastal luxury. I stayed for two nights in late May in a Signature Ocean View Bungalow tucked within the private garden enclave. This was a self-funded stay.

Location

Located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Ocean Avenue, the hotel sits across from Palisades Park with direct pedestrian access to the beach via the Montana Avenue staircase. The setting offers elevated ocean views rather than direct sand-level placement, giving it stronger sunset sightlines than many beachfront properties.

The iconic Moreton Bay Fig Tree at the entrance immediately establishes a sense of historic presence.

Rooms & Bungalows

The Signature Ocean View Bungalow felt distinctly residential. A private keyed gate opens into a quiet garden courtyard before entering the suite. Interiors featured wide-plank hardwood floors, soft cream textiles, and coastal blue accents.

The living room included a full sofa, dining nook, and sliding doors opening to a semi-private patio. From certain angles, the Pacific is visible beyond palm-lined landscaping. Morning marine layer created diffused light through sheer curtains, while late afternoon brought direct golden exposure.

The marble bathroom offered dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a rainfall shower with strong water pressure. Sound insulation within the bungalow enclave was excellent — minimal street noise reached the interior.

Dining

FIG Restaurant

FIG emphasizes seasonal California cuisine with an ingredient-driven menu. During my stay, the locally sourced produce was notably fresh, and the service pacing allowed for relaxed coastal dining. Patio seating provides filtered ocean breezes during evening service.

Lobby Lounge

The lobby lounge balances social energy with polished restraint, often attracting both hotel guests and local residents. Seating near the windows offers partial bluff-top ocean views.

Amenities

The outdoor pool deck captures afternoon sun and feels more social than secluded. The spa facilities are intimate, catering primarily to in-house guests. Fitness facilities are modern and well-maintained.

Hollywood History

With roots dating back to the 1920s, the hotel has long attracted Hollywood elite. Greta Garbo was among the first long-term guests of the six-story Palisades Wing, constructed in 1924. Over the decades, the property has welcomed figures such as John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Paul Newman.

Its bluff-top privacy and proximity to early studio systems made it a natural extension of Hollywood’s golden era social scene.

Celebrity Sightings

Rumored celebrity sightings include Anthony Hopkins, Paul Newman, Steven Spielberg, and Britney Spears. The private bungalow layout continues to attract high-profile guests seeking discretion near Los Angeles’ Westside.

Filming Location

Throughout its century-long history, the hotel has appeared in numerous film and television productions. In season five of Entourage, the property stood in for a Hawaiian resort. Project Runway and Denise Richards: It’s Complicated were also filmed on-site.

Feature films including Fracture, That Touch of Mink, The Blue Dahlia, and The Domino Principle utilized the property. Television productions have included Columbo, Knots Landing, Starsky and Hutch, and Mod Squad.

Service Experience

Valet service averaged under five minutes during my stay. Front desk staff proactively offered restaurant recommendations within walking distance on Montana Avenue. Evening turndown included subtle lighting adjustments and neatly arranged bedside amenities.

Bungalow guests benefit from enhanced privacy, with limited corridor traffic compared to the main tower.

Who Should Stay Here

Ideal for couples seeking ocean-view privacy, long-term stays, and travelers prioritizing bungalow accommodations over high-rise rooms. Business travelers may prefer the Palisades Wing for closer proximity to lobby facilities.

Pros & Considerations

Pros: Private bungalow accommodations, historic Hollywood pedigree, elevated ocean views, central Santa Monica location.
Considerations: Pool area can feel social during peak weekends; beach access requires staircase descent.

Final Verdict

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows delivers a rare combination of historic Hollywood legacy and private residential-style accommodations in Santa Monica. The bungalow enclave distinguishes it from neighboring oceanfront competitors, offering a quieter, more intimate coastal luxury experience while maintaining proximity to dining and shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the bungalows more private than tower rooms?
Yes. The bungalow enclave offers gated garden access and reduced corridor traffic compared to the main building.

Is the hotel directly on the beach?
The hotel sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean; beach access requires a staircase descent across Ocean Avenue.

Does the property have Hollywood film history?
Yes. Numerous films and television series have been shot on-site over the past century.