Pros
- In a quiet, upscale neighborhood four blocks from Ocean Drive and Santa Monica Beach
- Moorish-influenced Mediterranean Revival Architecture throughout
- Impeccably decorated rooms, some with kitchenettes and Apple TVs on request
- Restaurant features ingredients from Santa Monica Farmers Market for breakfast and lunch
- Coffee bar in the gorgeous lobby
- Courtyard with bikes, bocce courts, and water fountain
- Free street parking passes (limited)
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Valet parking (for a fee)
Cons
- No pool, whirlpool, gym, or spa
- Restaurant closed for dinner
- Old hotel has some quirks, like dark corridors and wonky outlets
Bottom Line
Palihouse Santa Monica looks and feels like a combination between a modern Moorish European guest house and a hip beach lodge. It's built in an upscale residential Santa Monica neighborhood, about four blocks from Ocean Drive and Santa Monica Beach. The 38 rooms are individually and beautifully decorated with a rustic hip Californian vibe, and some have multiple bedrooms and/or full kitchens. Tablets come standards and Apple TVs are available on request. Features include a restaurant that focuses on local ingredients, coffee bar in the lobby, and a front courtyard with bocce courts and bikes. Valet parking and room service are luxe touches. Still, this is an older building and past guests have complained about lack of outlets and dark corridors. For a more traditional beach hotel, check out the JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Internet
Scene
Moorish architecture and California beach lodge details
The Palihouse Santa Monica (originally The Embassy Hotel Apartments built in 1927) is a prime example of Moorish-influenced Mediterranean Revival Architecture. The eye catching building has been beautifully maintained over the years, but still has a few quirky oddities like dark corridors and lack of electrical outlets. Still, the manicured courtyards and hip lobby (with a working fireplace, enormous wood ceiling beams, terracotta floors) are memorable, and the property was designated as a Santa Monica Historic Landmark. Guests are mostly couples and families who appreciate the artistic decor and boutique feel.
Location
About four blocks from the ocean in Santa Monica
The Palihouse is built in a mostly quiet and residential upscale neighborhood in Santa Monica, about a four-block walk from the Pacific Ocean. It's about a 20-minute walk, or five-minute drive, from the Santa Monica Pier and all its restaurants and amusements. 3rd Street Promenade is closer, at an eight-minute walk, and is lined with chain restaurants and shops. Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney are about a 10-minute drive. Rodeo Drive will take about 30 minutes to reach in the car. Universal Studios is around a 40-minute drive. Los Angeles International Airport takes around 20 minutes to reach, depending on traffic.
Rooms
Individually decorated with charming details and tablets; some have full kitchens
The Palihouse has 38 rooms divided into categories of Classic Guest Suites, Studio Residences, One-Bedroom Residences, and Two-Bedroom Residences. Each is meant to resemble a classic European apartment. They're individually and carefully decorated with beach lodge details like custom wallpaper, vintage-style furniture, and accents like animal skulls on the walls. Most rooms feature a studio layout and some have fully equipped kitchens. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a personal refrigerator (that can be stocked), a 40-inch Samsung flat-screen TV, and European bedding. Tablets are provided for contacting the front desk and ordering room service. Apple TVs are available on request. Large windows overlook the picturesque courtyards and neighborhood, some have distant ocean views.
Features
Breakfast and lunch, room service, and valet parking
Features are few at this boutique hotel, though what's on hand is nicely done. Guests can order breakfast and lunch from a menu consisting of local and seasonal ingredients, such as breakfast burritos, chicken wraps, kale salads, and smoothies. Dinner is not available. There's a cute coffee counter in the lobby. WI-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking is available, or there are limited street parking passes from the front desk. Guests can borrow bikes or play bocce in the courtyard.
Related Hotels
Scene
Moorish architecture and California beach lodge details
The Palihouse Santa Monica (originally The Embassy Hotel Apartments built in 1927) is a prime example of Moorish-influenced Mediterranean Revival Architecture. The eye catching building has been beautifully maintained over the years, but still has a few quirky oddities like dark corridors and lack of electrical outlets. Still, the manicured courtyards and hip lobby (with a working fireplace, enormous wood ceiling beams, terracotta floors) are memorable, and the property was designated as a Santa Monica Historic Landmark. Guests are mostly couples and families who appreciate the artistic decor and boutique feel.
Location
About four blocks from the ocean in Santa Monica
The Palihouse is built in a mostly quiet and residential upscale neighborhood in Santa Monica, about a four-block walk from the Pacific Ocean. It's about a 20-minute walk, or five-minute drive, from the Santa Monica Pier and all its restaurants and amusements. 3rd Street Promenade is closer, at an eight-minute walk, and is lined with chain restaurants and shops. Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney are about a 10-minute drive. Rodeo Drive will take about 30 minutes to reach in the car. Universal Studios is around a 40-minute drive. Los Angeles International Airport takes around 20 minutes to reach, depending on traffic.
Rooms
Individually decorated with charming details and tablets; some have full kitchens
The Palihouse has 38 rooms divided into categories of Classic Guest Suites, Studio Residences, One-Bedroom Residences, and Two-Bedroom Residences. Each is meant to resemble a classic European apartment. They're individually and carefully decorated with beach lodge details like custom wallpaper, vintage-style furniture, and accents like animal skulls on the walls. Most rooms feature a studio layout and some have fully equipped kitchens. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a personal refrigerator (that can be stocked), a 40-inch Samsung flat-screen TV, and European bedding. Tablets are provided for contacting the front desk and ordering room service. Apple TVs are available on request. Large windows overlook the picturesque courtyards and neighborhood, some have distant ocean views.
Features
Breakfast and lunch, room service, and valet parking
Features are few at this boutique hotel, though what's on hand is nicely done. Guests can order breakfast and lunch from a menu consisting of local and seasonal ingredients, such as breakfast burritos, chicken wraps, kale salads, and smoothies. Dinner is not available. There's a cute coffee counter in the lobby. WI-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking is available, or there are limited street parking passes from the front desk. Guests can borrow bikes or play bocce in the courtyard.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Air Conditioner
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Babysitting Services
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Beach
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Concierge
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Full Kitchen
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Internet
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Laundry
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Mini Bar (with liquor)
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Room Service
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
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Supervised Kids Activities
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
