A known celebrity hangout, Shutters on the Beach has an atmosphere of formal opulence, with expensive artwork in its lobby and restaurants, luxe features, and rooms that belong in a billionaire's beach house. Its oceanfront location and doting service are hard to beat, but Casa Del Mar rivals it with a more intimate feel and better amenities.

A true jewel, this historic grand hotel is world-class yet refreshingly unpretentious (unless you count the Hollywood crowd at the popular lobby bar). But there is nothing modest about its spacious elegant rooms, rooftop pool, and commanding location right on the beach -- a rarity in L.A. It's one of the best luxury hotels in town.

A slick and inviting boutique hotel overlooking the Pacific, with 71 exquisite rooms and lustrous interiors in an iconic Art Deco building that displays the curvy contours of an elegant ocean liner. For a modish and luxurious ocean-side getaway, the Shangri-La is mighty close to perfection.

It's best known for its sexy bar and pool scenes, but the Viceroy boasts substance as well: friendly service, an environmental conscience, and clean, comfortable rooms, many with ocean views. There's even a library. The competition is stiff in Santa Monica, however, so be sure to check out rates at the many alternatives before booking here.

Luxurious (though small) rooms, an excellent spa, and a devoted staff make this five-acre, 302-room property one of the best hotels in Santa Monica. The Fairmont is not as intimate as the Oceana, and it lacks the direct beachfront of Casa Del Mar. But with beautiful grounds and a laid-back, private vibe, it's an excellent choice nonetheless.

Small, intimate, and beautiful, this Santa Monica hotel more than compensates for its lack of on-site features -- no spa, a long walk to the beach -- with great design in its large rooms, a welcoming atmosphere cultivated by personal service, and a relaxed, low-key vibe unmatched by its luxury rivals Fairmont Miramar, Shutters on the Beach, and Casa Del Mar.

This 77-room, midrange boutique hotel is one of the most environmentally focused hotels in Southern California. While it mostly caters to business travelers, if you're an Earth-loving tourist who doesn't mind staying inland, it's a fantastic, Zen-like alternative to Santa Monica's enormous beachfront hotels, like the Loews, Le Marigot, or the Miramar.

Picturesque Art Deco boutique hotel with a commanding view of the sea (from the sunny front porch, but not all rooms), the Georgian is a classy retreat with lovely rooms (last renovated in 2008) and gracious service. But with no pool or spa and a tiny fitness center, it can't measure up to the best Santa Monica small hotels.