Looking for the best family hotels in Santa Monica? Looking for somewhere close to the beach and pier – but with easy access to all the other Los Angeles attractions? Or maybe you’re just struggling to find good affordable hotels in Santa Monica for the family?
Whatever your needs or budget- this guide has you covered. This guide covers all the best accommodation in Santa Monica for families, including tips for where to stay in Santa Monica on a budget, as well as some great family hotels Santa Monica has close to the beach and pier.
I know some families visiting Santa Monica come from interstate with their vehicle or some like to rent one while in town, so I’ve also included some Santa Monica family hotels with onsite parking. And then for those without cars and wondering where to stay in Santa Monia with kids with easy access to public transport – I’ve got that covered as well.
So there is no need to spend hours and hours searching the internet. I’ve done all the research for you and have included all the information you need so you can decide exactly where is the best place to stay in Santa Monia with kids.
So, let’s get started and find you one of the best places to stay in Santa Monica.
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Where to Stay in Santa Monica with Kids Map
Below is a map showing the location of all the Santa Monica hotels for families covered in this guide. Zoom in and out for a closer view.
Best Family Hotels in Santa Monica Table
Below is a super quick overview of all the kid friendly hotels in Santa Monica that are reviewed in this guide. You can use this guide to quickly determine if the accommodation is right for your family.
For a more comprehensive review, keep reading below.
| Hotel | Distance to Attractions | Parking | Room Amenities | Hotel Faciltities | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cal Mar Hotel  | Pier: 0.9m/ 1.4km Beach: 0.6m / 1km Downtown: Centre | Yes (extra) | 2 Double beds Kitchen | Pool Laundry | Check Price |
Hotel Carmel  | Pier: 0.4m/ 0.6km Beach: 0.2m / 0.3km Downtown: Centre | Yes (extra) | 2 Double beds Tea & Coffee | Restaurant Free breakfast | Check Price |
Bayside Hotel | Pier: 0.6m/ 1km Beach: 0.1m / 0.2km Downtown: 0.5m / 0.8km | Yes (extra) | 2 Double beds | NA | Check Price |
Santa Monica Motel | Pier: 1.2m/1.9km Beach: 0.8m / 1.3km Downtown: 1m / 1.6km | Yes - free | 2 Double beds Tea & Coffee | NA | Check Price |
Ocean Lodge | Pier: 0.3m/ 0.5km Beach: 0.2m / 0.3km Downtown: 0.2m/ 0.3km | Yes (extra) | 2 Double beds Tea & Coffee | Restaurant | Check Price |
Rest Haven Motel | Pier: 1.2m/1.9km Beach: 0.8m / 1.3km Downtown: 1m/1.6km | Yes - free | 2 Double beds Fridge | NA | Check Price |
Ocean Park Inn | Pier: 1.4m/2.3km Beach: 0.8m/1.3km Downtown: 1.2m/1.9km | Yes - free | 2 Double beds Fridge | NA | Check Price |
Sea Blue Hotel | Pier: 0.2m/0.3km Beach: 0.2m / 0.3km Downtown: 0.2m/0.3km | Yes (extra) | 2 Double beds Tea & Coffee | NA | Check Price |
Venice Suites | Pier: 1.6m/2.6km Beach: 0.1m / 0.2km Downtown: 1.6m / 2.6km | Yes (extra) | 1 bedroom suite with 1 double & sofa bed Kitchen | Roof top terrace Laundry | Check Price |
AIR Venice on the Beach | Pier: 1.5m/2.4km Beach: 0.1m / 0.2km Downtown: 1.5m / 2.4km | Yes - free | 2 Double beds Partial ocean views Tea & Coffee | NA | Check Price |
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Santa Monica with Kids?
The centre of Santa Monica is, of course, the iconic Santa Monica Pier and beach; as such most families would love to book themselves one of the beachfront hotels in Santa Monica close to all the action.
However, the beachfront is typically reserved for the very best luxury resorts in Santa Monica and comes with a very high price tag. Therefore the best places to stay near Santa Monica beach are usually just a block or so back along Ocean Avenue.
Along Ocean Avenue, you’ll find some great family accommodation Santa Monica has within walking distance to the pier, beach and the downtown area.
Remember that these hotels are still not cheap places to stay in Santa Monica – in fact, there really isn’t anywhere to stay in Santa Monica for cheap – but here you will find hotels offering the best value and location.
The Downtown area is another good option for families after the best place to stay in Santa Monica on a budget. While you may not get anything with an ocean view and you may need to walk a little for the pier and beach, you’ll be surrounded by places to eat, stores and also close to the Metro E Line (Expo) train station – from which you can travel into Hollywood, Universal Studios and downtown LA.
If you want super cheap places to stay near Santa Monica (well, cheap relative to everywhere else), you’ll need to stay further away from the beach. I’ve included a few in this Santa Monica where to stay guide – and they are still within walking distance to all the attractions and offer reasonably good value for money for families on a super tight budget. Many of these places also offer free parking.
Best Places to Stay in Santa Monica with Kids
After hours and hours of research trying to find the best hotels for kids in Santa Monica, I’ve shortlisted ten hotels for you to consider. All these hotels are among the best affordable family hotels in Santa Monica and are in a good location, so you can easily get to all the popular tourist attractions.
Ok, let’s get into and find you the best hotels to stay in Santa Monica.
Cal Mar Hotel Suites 
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, minutes from the beach and 0.9 m / 1.5 km from Santa Monica Pier, the Cal Mar Hotel Suites are a fantastic option for those looking for the best hotel to stay in Santa Monica with kids.
Each suite can accommodate a family of up to four people with bedding configurations of either two double beds and a sofa bed or just the one double bed and sofa bed. In addition, each of the suites is spacious and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living room, and separate bedroom.
One of the best things about this hotel is it has a swimming pool – the only one in this guide to do so! You usually have to pay quite a bit extra to have accommodation with a swimming pool in Santa Monica – so this is a lovely bonus.
Other amenities include onsite parking, a relaxing garden courtyard and laundry services.
What’s to love?
Everything! Spacious suites, with a kitchen and the only one of the Santa Monica hotels for kids in this guide with a swimming pool! Plus you can walk everywhere.
What’s not to love?
There really isn’t a lot to not like or appreciate. The internal decorations might be considered a little dated, but who can complain about that when the surrounding activity is so close.
Summary
The Cal Mar Hotel Suites are perfect for families looking for a fully self-contained apartment in the heart of Santa Monica.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Hotel Carmel Santa Monica
If you want to know where to stay in Santa Monica, where you’re close to everything – then the Hotel Carmel is the place to be. Located in the centre of downtown, surrounded by shops and places to eat and only 0.4 m / 0.6 km from the Santa Monica Pier, you can walk to everything from here.
Families of up to four people are accommodated in rooms offering two large double beds, while the larger suites also have an additional sofa bed. In addition, each of the Santa Monica accommodation family rooms includes air conditioning, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities and WIFI, while the larger suites also have a fridge and a separate sitting area.
Each morning the hotel serves a complimentary breakfast and parking is also available onsite.
The Hotel Carmel by the Sea is a great hotel and worth considering for families looking for the best family hotels in Santa Monica.
What’s to love?
The location – when it comes to the best Santa Monica hotels for kids, you can’t get much more central than this.
What’s not to love
Well, some of the decor is a little old school, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms – but the location sure makes up for this.
Summary
The Hotel Carmel by the Sea is the perfect place for families wanting good value and comfortable Santa Monica family accommodation in the heart of downtown.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Bayside Hotel
If you’re an ocean loving family looking for the best places to stay Santa Monica with kids near the beach, then the Bayside Hotel could be what you’re after! One of the closest hotels to the beach in this guide, it is only 0.1m / 0.2km from your doorstep.
Families of four are accommodated in two double beds with a garden view. The hotel and rooms are modern with a white/pale blue colour palette, really bringing home the beach vibes. Rooms come with free WiFi, air conditioning and a coffee/tea maker.
The central communal garden is a great place to hang out after a day at the beach and if you want to ride around the beach paths, there are bikes for hire. This is also one of the Santa Monica hotels near Santa Monica Pier, at only around a ten minute stroll away.
So, if you’re looking at where to stay, Santa Monica hotels like the Bayside Hotel are great for those after a coastal getaway.
What’s to love
If a beach location is what you’re after, you can’t go past the modern Bayside Hotel.
What’s not to love
This is one of the more expensive hotels in our Santa Monica where to stay with kids guide, and there are limited room amenities, so you would really have to be sold on the location.
Summary
For places to stay in Santa Monica on the beach, you can’t go past the Bayside Hotel; whilst lacking in room amenities, you would be staying here more for the location.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Santa Monica Motel
While located a little further afield from the Pier (1.2m/1.9km) and Beach (0.8m/1.3km) than other hotels in this guide, the Santa Monica Motel is fairly modern and one of the cheap places to stay Santa Monica offers. And while a bit further out, it does provide free parking, which is a great bonus for families with a car.
Rooms are modern and will fit families of four in two double beds. Other in-room amenities include free WiFi, a coffee maker and a fridge (upon request). If you don’t feel like making your own coffee, the Motel offers complimentary coffee in the lobby.
The Santa Monica Motel is also an eco-friendly motel and is a certified ‘green business’, meaning your stay here is as sustainable as possible.
If you’re looking for where to stay near Santa Monica that will help stretch the budget, the Santa Monica Motel is worth checking out.
What’s to love
Fairly modern hotel and rooms at a great price.
What’s not to love
A little isolated, with a decent walk to the beach and Pier, however free parking is available.
Summary
Whilst the Santa Monica Hotel is not one of the places to stay near Santa Monica Pier, the slight increase in distance ensures a slight price decrease – so your budget can stretch further at this eco-friendly Motel.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Ocean Lodge
The Ocean Lodge is one of the hotels in Santa Monica near Santa Monica Pier (0.3m/ 0.5km) and Beach (0.2m / 0.3km). It is a good value hotel and with its 1950s California Beach vintage style, this hotel will have you reminiscing about yesteryear.
The standard rooms can accommodate families of four in two double beds; if you’re after more space, the King Suite still fits families of four, however it has a separate room. And for families of five, there is a Queen Bedroom Suite with a separate room and two doubles / one single bed.
All rooms come with free WiFi, air conditioning, fridges, and coffee makers (upon request) – however why make your own coffee when you can take advantage of complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the lobby daily!
One of the great perks of the Ocean Lodge is the onsite restaurant. Chez Jay Restaurant is a renowned celebrity hangout, so keep your eyes peeled and tastebuds ready to try the delicious steaks and fresh seafood – and free peanuts.
What’s to love
Another one of the places to stay in Santa Monica Beach in this guide with a fantastic location! And also fairly good value for money.
What’s not to love
Rooms and the hotel, in general, are a little dated, which adds to the Cali-Beach retro style – however, the location makes up for it.
Summary
If you’re looking at where to stay in Santa Monica Beach, which has a central location and you don’t mind retro vibes, then the Ocean Lodge has you covered.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Rest Haven Motel
The Rest Haven Motel will tick the box for clean, basic accommodation. Located a 5-minute drive to the eclectic Venice Beach and 20-minute walk (1.2m/1.9km) to the Santa Monica Pier – you are close enough to the main attractions without being smack bang in the tourist district.
Family rooms can accommodate up to 4 guests in 2 double beds and are simply furnished. The room has a fridge and onsite is a tranquil garden area to sit back and chill.
Located nearby are local restaurants for meals, and the nearest bus stop is 200 metres away; however if you have a car, free parking is offered onsite.
So, for simple accommodation that won’t break the bank, check out Rest Haven Motel.
What’s to love
The price – the Rest Haven Motel is one of the cheapest properties in this guide.
What’s not to love
It is one of the furthest hotels to central attractions in this guide and the rooms are a little dated.
Summary
You can’t go past the Rest Haven Motel for families on a super tight budget. It is well priced and the free parking is a nice bonus too!
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Ocean Park Inn
The Ocean Park Inn is a bit further out than most hotels in this guide; however it is also one of the cheapest in this guide. So if you’re looking to stretch your budget and don’t mind being 1.4m/2.3km to the Pier, 0.8m/1.3km to the Beach and 1.2m/1.9km to Downtown, then certainly check out this hotel.
Families of four are accommodated in Queen Rooms with two large beds. Room amenities include a mini fridge, air conditioning and free WiFi. The lobby provides free coffee in the morning and there is a microwave at the front desk if you need to heat any meals or snacks.
Free parking rounds out the amenities at the Ocean Park Inn, which is a great perk as you are a little way out from central attractions.
What’s to love
The price! This is one of the cheapest hotels in this guide.
What’s not to love
The rooms are a little dated and it is a bit of a hike to places.
Summary
Price-wise you can’t go past the Ocean Park Inn; you’ll be left with extra budget you can use to splurge elsewhere on your travels.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Sea Blue Hotel
One of the best hotels in Santa Monica for kids who love the beach! Why? Because the Sea Blue Hotel has beach access, carting all your beach gear has just gotten much easier! Wrangling slimy-sunscreen-coated kids is simple, just access the private courtyard and you’re a few steps to the sands of Santa Monica Beach! Plus, the Pier is only one block over too!
The spacious rooms are classic Cali-themed, fresh and coastal. There are various room types to suit families of four, pending your budget and space requirements. The lead-in is a quadruple room with two double beds. Then if you have the budget, suites are available with two separate rooms.
All rooms have free WiFi, a coffee maker and a small fridge – with free coffee available in the lobby. It is important to note that not all rooms have air conditioning, so ensure you request this when you book to keep cool in the Californian Summer!
For the ultimate in beachside Santa Monica family resorts, the Sea Blue Hotel is perfect for any water-loving family!
What’s to love
Location! If you want the convenience of walking out your door onto the beach, this is the hotel for your family!
What’s not to love
This is one of the more expensive hotels in the guide, so you would have to weigh up the location with the price.
Summary
If you have the budget, the Sea Blue Hotel is a really cool Cali-beach-vibe hotel, close to the beach and Pier.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Venice Suites
If you want to have the comforts of home when you travel, then the apartment-style Venice Suites could be what you’re after. While located furthest away from Downtown Santa Monica and the Pier in this guide, the Suites are located on Venice Beach and the Boardwalk.
Accommodation suits families of four, with bedding arrangements being a separate bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the living room. You can expect all the features of apartment living, including a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, stove, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, and all kitchenware. Plus a dining table and the living area has a couch. And some Suites even have ocean views.
Features onsite are the communal rooftop terrace with stunning panoramic ocean views. You can sit up here and enjoy a BBQ with facilities available for guests along with dining tables. Also, conveniently there is an onsite laundry for guests – one of the only places in this guide.
All in all, great apartments if you don’t mind being based in Venice Beach.
What’s to love
When travelling with kids, having space and a kitchen is a game changer. Being able to prep and store meals/snacks saves money and can also be a healthier option.
What’s not to love
If you are interested in discovering Santa Monica, the Venice Suites are the furthest out; being 1.6m/2.6km, it could be too far for little legs to manage. Although there is a decent bus service running between the two areas.
Summary
Fantastic apartment-style accommodation in a beachfront location. Further out from Santa Monica to duck down and explore whenever you choose, but the in room facilities are a huge bonus!
Click here for more information and to check the current price
AIR Venice on the Beach
Sophisticated and contemporary, the AIR Venice on the Beach offers spacious studio-style accommodation on the Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach. Whilst it is beachfront, it is a little further out from Santa Monica Downtown and Pier, being 1.5m/2.4km.
Families of four can sleep in two double beds, with all suitable rooms having at least partial ocean views. Rooms also have a microwave, coffee maker and dining table, making this convenient for easy family meals and snacks.
Onsite, there is no parking; however there is parking nearby for free, which is a bonus. Additionally, there are laundry services and bicycle rentals available at a fee.
Travelling over the American Summer can get warm, so it is important to note this property does not have air conditioning; however, as it is on the beachfront, you will enjoy the ocean breeze.
What’s to love
Staying on the beachfront with ocean views, need we say more!
What’s not to love
This is one of the most expensive properties in the guide and is quite far from Santa Monica.
Summary
You can’t go past AIR Venice on the Beach for absolute beachfront. While not in Santa Monica, you will be able to experience the eclectic Venice Beach. You just need a bit more budget for this hotel.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
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Hopefully you found this guide on where to stay in Santa Monica helpful. Also, don’t forget to check out our guide on all the best things to do in Santa Monica with kids here. We also have a guide on other places to stay in Los Angeles here – or our specific family hotel guides for Hollywood, Universal Studios or Anaheim.