Laid-back luxury at the Sandbourne Santa Monica: Los Angeles’ latest beachfront hotel features designer rooms and suites, ocean views and a star chef’s restaurant

Jan 31 , 2025

The Sandbourne Santa Monica is housed in a low-rise building on LA’s Ocean Avenue. Photo: Handout

Formerly Le Merigot, the Sandbourne Santa Monica features interiors from Icelandic designer Gulla Jónsdóttir and a restaurant fronted by renowned local chef Raphael Lunetta

Home to celebrated hotels such as Shutters on the Beach and the historic Casa del Mar, the beach enclave of Santa Monica is one of Los Angeles’ top tourist destinations. From Santa Monica Pier to the shopping haven of the Third Street Promenade, the Pacific Ocean town is perfect for outdoorsy types and city slickers alike. It also makes for a handy weekend escape and is just a short drive away if you’re tired of the more “scene-y” vibe of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

In the last two years Santa Monica’s hotel world has been abuzz with exciting additions, from the rebirth of The Georgian, in a glamorous art deco building, to the much-needed refurbishment of The Viceroy. The latest property to open in the area is Sandbourne Santa Monica, a stroll from the ocean and occupying what was once JW Marriott’s Le Merigot.

Some rooms and suites at the Sandbourne Santa Monica overlook the pool area, while others offer views of Santa Monica Beach. Photo: Handout

Now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, the Sandbourne revels in a tranquil spot where outdoor and indoor spaces seamlessly blend to create a serene, laid-back environment. “Where the sand meets the city” is how one hotel staff member put it when explaining the vibe of the property, which features 175 rooms and suites and plenty of lounge areas in which to hang out and chill. Soft seating, wicker chairs and hidden alcoves dot the lobby terrace and pool area, which is close to the beach.

Conjured by Icelandic designer Gulla Jónsdóttir, the interior spaces are minimal but inviting and warm, with soothing curved shapes throughout and all in the natural hues of sand and sea, which are at the heart of the hotel’s concept.

The cosy decor of the Sandbourne Santa Monica’s lobby, designed by Gulla Jónsdóttir. Photo: Handout

Works of art, such as a wall sculpture made with repurposed hosepipes from the Los Angeles Fire Department, are scattered throughout: neat touches adding personality to the otherwise quiet surroundings.

The calm extends to the well-appointed rooms and suites, which take full advantage of natural light and are decorated with simple but chic furniture that feels like a palette cleanser. Those with balconies offer views of the beach and the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier, providing excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

Views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean abound at the Sandbourne Santa Monica. Photo: Handout

The basement, now housing an expansive fitness centre, will soon be home to a spa with eight treatment rooms. The hotel’s main dining venue, Marelle, provides the culinary canvas for local chef Raphael Lunetta, who ran French bistro and Santa Monica institution JiRaffe for 18 years.

Laid-back luxury and beach life come together at Sandbourne Santa Monica, an urban retreat for modern-day travellers who look for comfort and impeccable service, but long for the cosy feeling of a home from home when staying at a high-end hotel.