The Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows (Santa Monica) is a former mansion owned by Senator John P. Jones, the founder of Santa Monica. It is the epitome of Southern California style, grace, elegance and beach life. Originally opened in 1921 it has become a member of the Historic Hotels of America in 2018. It quickly became a celebrity playground for old Hollywood leaders like Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow and many others. Today you can find celebrities seeking escape into the bungalows for privacy and beautiful lush surroundings.
Beautiful, decorative, wrought-iron gates with a driveway that leads up to the 300-room hotel are surrounded by a mix of palm trees, tropical flowers and koi ponds. The lobby focuses around the bar and grill, that leads to the pool and patio. The marble floors, oversized vases and comfortable furniture all create a luxurious feel. Off of the lobby are several retail outlets for your convenience. The hotel buildings include the white Ocean Tower building which is the most modern of the buildings. The Palisades building having a more original 1920s feel and the bungalows are out back behind the hotel nestled throughout the landscaped garden for the ultimate in privacy.
The Ocean Tower building has stunning Pacific ocean views that lead right up to Malibu, each room has a Keurig and step-out balconies.
The Palisades building was built in the 1920s and has a historic feeling to it. Rooms are standard but still comfortable and glamorous. More like an old Hollywood feel.
The best part is the 31 bungalows nestled among the gardens behind the hotel.
Each of them has french doors that lead to a private patio, Nespresso machines and Frette linens with overstuffed comforters. In all the bathrooms for both buildings and bungalows, they come complete with top of the line Le Labo Rose 31 products.
With more than 25,000 square feet, the Miramar has the largest ballroom in Santa Monica. They host anything from meetings, company retreats, weddings, galas, and conventions. Anyone renting the space has access to detail-oriented event planners that will make sure your event is perfect. Imagine a wedding in the glorious ballroom with seaside views and a lush garden surrounding.
Location is everything with the Fairmont Miramar. There are only one road and a short pathway that separates the hotel and the Pacific Ocean. You can’t beat that for beach proximity especially if you are a Miramar Beach Club member then transportation to the beach is free as are toys for the kids, towels, chairs, umbrellas, and butler service. Also, nearby is the Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios and downtown shopping for anyone wanting a true Los Angeles adventure. However, when you return to the hotel there is a guest only heated pool on site that has a full-service menu waiting for you and every amenity you wish is available. This includes a decadent spa, on-site jewellers, a barbershop, a blow-dry bar and a 24-hour fitness center (that has ocean views).
With all the privacy, comfort and luscious surroundings there isn’t a better place to spend time than at the Fairmont Miramar (Santa Monica).
The FIG Restaurant
Inside the Mirimar is the famous FIG Restaurant where the focus is on farm-to-table dishes.
When you walk into FIG the first thing you can see is the wood-burning oven, the patio is filled with natural light and the decor has a warm feel with hanging plants.
Executive Chef Jason Prendergast who was trained in the classic French tradition brings unique and modern tastes to each ingredient. He has a long-standing relationship with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen which gives him access to the freshest and local ingredients. His style is simply a delicious adventure in food.
A must-try is the hand-made pasta, wood oven-roasted vegetables all fresh from California ranchers and fishermen all bought at the Santa Monica farmers market. Dishes are added and removed based on ingredient availability, but you can be sure that the lobster cobb salad and Mary’s chicken are permanently on the menu.
For any group looking for an intimate space, FIG will also host private gatherings of up to 20 people in their private dining room adjacent to the main dining room.
The best secret of FIG is that 7 days a week from 5 pm-6 pm guests can enjoy some of FIG’s menu items at 50% off. This is known as FIG at 5 or the best happy hour in Los Angeles.
