A Beachfront Family Escape in Santa Monica
We had an absolutely fantastic family trip to LA last month! The weather was beautiful. The Dodgers played in the World Series. And the kids lived their best life. We really couldn’t have asked for a better vacay with our one- and five-year-old daughters. And a huge part of our trip’s success was thanks to Regent Santa Monica Beach. In our many years traveling to Southern California, it’s our favorite family-friendly luxury hotel in Los Angeles!
Usually when we visit LA we stay on the east side of town. However this time around, we wanted to be on the west side so the girls could get some beach time. I’d heard about Regent Santa Monica Beach when it first opened in 2024. It’s quickly gained a reputation as one of best hotels in Santa Monica. We booked three nights in one of their oceanfront suites and couldn’t have been more impressed with the entire experience.
Luxury Meets Family Comfort on the California Coast
The first thing I noticed when we got to Regent Santa Monica Beach was the gorgeous interior design, of course! The lobby and other common spaces are so striking. The inspiration of the nearby Santa Monica beachfront is palpable. Think travertine surfaces, earthy textiles, and playful, modern silhouettes. Through the windows you can see the sun glinting off the Pacific Ocean. If I still lived in LA, the Regent would definitely be a place I’d meet up with friends for a drink or a day by the pool!
Spacious Ocean-View Suites Perfect for Families
When we opened the door to our room, we all gasped. It was so lovely! Our suite was beyond spacious, with a living and dining area in one room and two huge comfy beds in the other. After a quick walkthrough we thought we’d seen it all. But then we realized that what appeared to be a closet door actually opened to a desk area, a dressing room, and a giant bathroom with a deep soaking tub and walk-in shower. My daughter joked, “It’s as big as our whole house!” She wasn’t far off.
Top-Notch Luxury Amenities
Over the next three days we made the most of every beautiful inch in our suite. There was plenty of space and seating to invite local family members to join us in watching a baseball game on the *two* big screen TVs. The kids had plenty of room to roam and never got stir crazy. The beds were the perfect blend of soft and firm. And of course, a long hot soak in the tub at the end of each day was the perfect reset.
Best of all, though, was the view from our floor-to-ceiling windows. We were right on the beach! In the morning we were greeted with the sight of the mist through the palm trees along the coast. Late afternoon, we sipped rosé on our balcony and admired the Ferris wheel on the nearby Santa Monica Pier. Come evening, we watched the sun set over the Pacific Ocean in a blaze of glory. Heavenly!
Why Regent Santa Monica’s Rooms Feel Like a Home by the Sea
Of course, it’s not just the rooms that make the Regent Santa Monica Beach one of the best luxury hotels in Los Angeles. The amenities and service we enjoyed during our stay truly blew me away! From the moment we arrived at the hotel, someone was on hand to assist us with baggage and ensure we had everything we needed. When you’re traveling with kids (and all their gear in tow!) you know how priceless that is. Special touches in the suite included a steamer for clothing, unlimited complementary beverages and snacks in the mini bar, and Perricone MD toiletries in the bathroom.
The most memorable aspect of our stay at the Regent, though, was how incredibly kind everyone on staff was to our children. At the restaurants, in the halls, for room service, we felt welcome and like part of the family. That degree of enthusiasm for young children and their antics isn’t always a given at a high-end resort, so it was truly appreciated. And it’s the reason why the Regent is a top family-friendly luxury hotel in Los Angeles!
Exploring Santa Monica with Kids: What’s Within Walking Distance
For a property to be considered a family-friendly luxury hotel by yours truly, there must be plenty of low-effort opportunities to keep the kids happy. Thankfully, there’s so much to do immediately surrounding the Regent in Santa Monica that our days were busy indeed. The girls absolutely loved the Santa Monica Pier, which is just steps from the hotel. (What five-year-old isn’t wowed by staying a mere elevator ride away from a roller coaster?)
We were a 15-minute walk from the Cayton Children’s Museum, which is a colorful, creative space for kids to play and learn. Also a walkable distance from the Regent is the 4th Street Promenade, a stretch with plenty of shops and restaurants for all ages. Of course a walk along the Santa Monica beachfront (with a stop at the playground) is a must, too.
Beachfront Bliss: Pool, Spa, and Beach Access Steps Away
Back at the hotel itself, the pool and hot tub offer the same stunning views of the ocean as the rooms. Cabanas were available for lounging and ordering poolside service from the nearby bar/cafe. Best of all, though, was the Guerlain Wellness Spa. The atmosphere is serene and stylish; and all treatments use Guerlain’s innovative skincare line. It’s hands-down one of the best spas in Los Angeles (and as a spa junkie, I’ve sampled many)!
I enjoyed a facial on our last morning at the hotel, followed by a restful retreat in the sauna and ladies’ lounge. My left with my skin looking radiant and my heart feeling full. Plus I couldn’t stop thinking about what an incredible getaway the Guerlain spa would be for SoCal locals celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or a bridal shower!
Dining at Regent Santa Monica Beach: Elevated Flavors with Ocean Views
A review of the Regent Santa Monica Beach wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the incredible meal we enjoyed at Orla, the hotel’s main restaurant. Under the vision of Chef Michael Mina, Orla is a visual and culinary delight that I won’t soon forget! Several separate dining rooms—each with their own unique decor—come together to set a backdrop that seems to have grown organically from the sea itself. The octopus mosaic floor took my breath away!
The menu at Orla focuses on fresh ingredients and bold spices, drawing inspiration from Greek, Egyptian, and other Mediterranean flavors. We had weekend brunch at Orla—so much easier to dine with kids in the morning than at night!—and it was an ideal mix of breakfast classics for the girls, and more unusual offerings for us.
The hummus was easily the best I’ve ever had. (Be sure to order extra fresh pitas!) The avocado toast was also sublime, with a serrano pepper spread that I’m dying to replicate at home. We loved our daytime meal, but next time I want to have a date night there with Ivan so we can really revel in the experience. Whether you’re staying at the Regent or you live in LA and are looking for your next reservation, Orla is not to be missed!
We’ve been home for two weeks now, but we’re still reminiscing about our stay at the Regent Santa Monica Beach. If you’re looking for a family-friendly luxury hotel in Los Angeles—one that’s great for kids but that grownups will swoon for too—I can’t recommend it highly enough!