The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica Review
At nearly 100 years old, the building that houses The Georgian Hotel has lived several lives (including a short stint as a retirement home) over the years. But as of April 2023, Santa Monica’s First Lady, as it’s affectionately known, is officially back after a 2-year renovation.
During its heyday, the hotel was considered the place to see and be seen on the city’s Westside. Sure, Los Angeles had other grand dames at the time, like the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Biltmore and the Hollywood Roosevelt. But with its tall facade (at eight stories high, it was the tallest building on Ocean Avenue) and ocean breezes, The Georgian attracted stars like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable as much as it did underworld figures like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel.
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Though it did fall out of fashion and into relative disrepair for a few years, The Georgian officially has its mojo back and is decked out, from the front door to the basement, with Havana-inspired art deco motifs and a wide selection of amenities that feel both modern and tastefully vintage.
I checked into the hotel this July to see how the First Lady is faring. Here’s what it’s like to stay at The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, California.
What is The Georgian Hotel?
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The Georgian Hotel is a historic hotel founded in 1933 by female hotelier (a rarity during this era) Rosamond Borde designed by then-it-architect M. Eugene Durfee. Almost immediately upon opening, The Georgian became a hot spot for Old Hollywood A-list celebrities as well as powerful political figures like the Kennedy family. During World War II and the subsequent 1950s, the property was a favorite watering hole for servicemen and engineers from the local McDonnell Douglas aircraft factory.
In 2020, BLVD Hospitality (owners of high-wattage brands like Soho Warehouse, Ace Hotel and the Hoxton) purchased the property and gave it a much-needed face-lift in partnership with designer Tom Parker of Los Angeles-based boutique interior designer firm Fettle.
The Georgian stands eight stories tall and has 84 rooms, including 28 one-bedroom suites with views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. During its revamp, The Georgian was thoroughly updated with modern amenities, but certain period details were preserved (and enhanced) — the end result feels like something pulled out of a Wes Anderson film, both in design and spirit. Guests can expect details such as art deco-inspired decor (peep those eye-catching headboards), brass accents aplenty, terrazzo flooring and lots of sumptuous velvet fabrics. The suites are kitted out with carefully curated artworks, books, Victrola record players and a selection of vinyl.
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Where is The Georgian Hotel located?
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If you aren’t already sold on The Georgian’s creative design and historic details, the hotel’s location will likely win you over — in fact, it’s a huge part of its draw and helped cement its original ultraluxe reputation. The property is located across the street from the beach, just two blocks from the Santa Monica Pier and one block from the Third Street Promenade, a popular outdoor, car-free shopping area.
The Georgian is 9.5 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). On a good day, you can expect to be at the property within 30 minutes of exiting LAX, but on a bad day (and there are many bad traffic days in L.A.), the drive can take upward of an hour. Since the hotel is in the thick of the action in Santa Monica, there is no on-site parking lot, and chances of finding reasonably priced overnight parking in the area are slim. You can valet your car for $65 per night at The Georgian (which includes in and out privileges). For those with electric vehicles, there are on-site charging stations available.
If you’re keen to explore the rest of Los Angeles on foot, the downtown Santa Monica metro station is just half a mile away, which is about a 10-minute walk. The E (Expo) Line can take you through Culver City to downtown L.A. and beloved nabes like Little Tokyo. If you want to check out another art deco icon in the city, transfer to the A Line at Pico Station and ride five stops to Union Station — the station’s eight-year renovation ended in 2021, and it’s truly a stunner.
How to book The Georgian Hotel
The best way to reserve a stay at The Georgian is by booking directly with the hotel on their website. Smaller rooms, called City Kings, start at $550 per night, while their luxurious suites, such as the Ocean One Bedroom Suites, start at $800. The overnight cost of staying at The Georgian also includes a $35 per day hotel amenity fee, which gets you perks like:
- Complimentary prosecco or Champagne upon check-in
- Access to free bikes that you can use to cruise around town
- Daily housekeeping and turndown service
- (Relatively) fast internet access
Keep in mind that this property is part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, so if you keep either The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express in your wallet, you can book via FHR. Going this route will get you some extra luxurious perks, such as:
- A 12 p.m. early check-in, when available
- A room upgrade (if available)
- Free daily breakfast for two
- A $100 experience or food and beverage credit that is unique to each property
- Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi access is included with room fare at The Georgian)
The rooms at The Georgian are a Havana art deco extravaganza
The Georgian has 112 rooms, including 28 suites. Of the nonsuite rooms, guests can choose from a variety of options that offer double-queen or king-size beds, as well as rooms with views of the city, ocean or a combination of both. The suites are sumptuous and large, and there are City One Bedroom Suites along with Ocean One Bedroom Suites. There are also a handful of custom suites with fanciful names like the First Lady Suite, which has delightful views of the Santa Monica pier, as well as the Rusconi Suite, which offers wraparound views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the coast.
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Though each room at The Georgian is unique in its layout and decor, you can expect an art deco-inspired layout as soon as you walk into any room type. All accommodations are decked out with scalloped, gold-colored velvet headboards, custom globe-shaped crystal lamps and chandeliers, black and white ceramic tiling in the bathroom and pops of turquoise accents.
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There are some small differences in amenities between the suites and nonsuite rooms. I stayed in an Ocean One Bedroom Suite for two nights and enjoyed some extra bells and whistles like a Nespresso coffee maker (if you’re staying a nonsuite room, you must request one from the front desk), a Victrola vinyl record player and a collection of records like Darondo’s “Let My People Go,” Tigerbalm’s “International Love Affair” and The Flying Mojito Bros’ “Greatest Hits (1970–1983)” and the most impressive wet bar I’ve ever seen. It was decked out with spirits like Monkey 47’s Schwarzwald dry gin, Aperol and Dos Hombres Mezcal. There was also an old-fashioned call box that you could use to order Champagne, dessert or “the usual” (aka a favorite drink of your choice). Additionally, the suite had a sitting area anchored by a cute-as-a-button pink, scalloped velvet couch and tasteful hotel art, including a photo of Sharon Stone relaxing in a hotel room.
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As far as views go for hotels in Santa Monica, it’s hard to beat The Georgian. From my suite’s window, I could see the Santa Monica Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier and the Strand (which is a 22-mile, popular bike path that can take riders from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach). The suite had large windows that let in a lot of sunshine during the day but were also outfitted with heavy blackout curtains that kept out the dazzling big city lights at night.
At 650 square feet, the suites at The Georgian are truly spacious. Immediately upon entering, you will have to travel down a small, narrow hallway that leads to the main sitting area (you’ll pass that eye-popping wet bar on your left), where you’ll find a couch, large-screen TV, breakfast nook and a generously sized counter. A pair of French doors to the right lead to the bedroom (which also has its large-screen TV) and the restroom. Every bed in the hotel features Beautyrest Black Napa Plush mattresses and Bellino Italian linens.
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Since the building is nearly a century old, sound does carry a bit, especially since the rooms’ heavy doors tend to slam as guests come and go. Being a seasoned travel journalist (and a fussy sleeper), I always pack an eye mask and a set of earplugs, so I still got some uninterrupted shut-eye during my time at The Georgian — I’d recommend other guests do the same.
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As for storage, the bedroom had a small closet that had both plush satin and wooden hangers (no wire hangers here), as well as a wooden bureau. There were also two pairs of disposable slippers in the closet and two plush bathrobes hanging in the bathroom — everything you need for a pleasant night in.
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Most rooms in The Georgian have a shower with a bathtub, but the one-bedroom suites only have walk-in showers. The toilet is opposite the shower and, in a rather unusual, nautical-inspired style, has a wooden toilet seat. There’s also a marble-topped dual vanity, a hair dryer and a small container full of odds-and-ends amenities like cotton Q-tips.
Restaurants at The Georgian — fine dining options to match a fine hotel
Too often, a hotel bar or restaurant only serves as a place to get a bite when you’re too exhausted to go out post-flight — I found that not to be the case with the options at The Georgian. Measuring in at 50,000 square feet, the hotel is not exactly a sprawling property. However, it’s managed to pack a bar and two restaurants within that space, including a combination speakeasy and steakhouse that can only be accessed via a “secret” entrance.
I stayed at the hotel from Wednesday night through Friday morning, and all the storefronts were bustling with people (most of them were not even hotel guests) at all times of the day.
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If you turn left immediately upon entering The Georgian’s front door, you’ll find the hotel’s charming horseshoe-shaped bar. Here, you can choose from a healthy selection of orange, red, white, rose and sparkling wines (including Moet and Chandon Champagne), but the real standouts on the menu are their cocktails, which were a bit on the pricier side, ranging from $19-$21. Guests can peruse offerings such as the 1933 Old-Fashioned (a beguiling blend of toasted pine nut-infused bourbon, Cynar and bitters, earmarked at $21) or the equally costly Sirena Sour (a mix of gin, Luxardo maraschino cherries, lemon, egg whites, blue Curacao and vanilla-flavored simple syrup).
Sirena, a patio restaurant with ocean views, is open for both brunch and dinner every day and serves Italian and California-inspired fare. I had breakfast at Sirena, and there were a variety of options ranging from pastries ($8) like croissants and pain au chocolat to more substantial dishes like steaks and eggs (starting at $55 for a prime rib) and a croissant French toast souffle ($21).
Since I’m based in Los Angeles, I opted for their breakfast burrito ($25) to see how it compared to other L.A. burritos I’ve known and loved — and it did not disappoint. Clocking in at roughly the size of a small infant, the burrito was served on a cast iron pan and stuffed with potatoes, eggs, cotija cheese, black beans, pico de gallo and tender barbacoa and covered with a flavorful black mole. A pared-down version of Sirena’s menu is available to order via room service. I ordered The Georgian Breakfast ($25), which comes with two eggs, thick slices of bacon, vine-roasted tomatoes, potatoes and a slice of sourdough toast, during my last day at the property, and it was delivered to me — hot — in less than 20 minutes.
However, the most enticing and popular venue at the hotel is arguably The Georgian Room, a sultry speakeasy-style Italian steakhouse located on the property’s basement floor, which can only be accessed by buzzing yourself in — reservations are mandatory. Photography and filming are generally not allowed within the restaurant (I asked special permission to take photos of my meal) since it’s allegedly a popular watering hole for Hollywood celebrities and executives alike.
The Georgian Room’s menu is decidedly simple but offers a range of Italian steakhouse classics, like oysters Rockefeller ($28) and rigatoni alla vodka ($27). It also has a healthy selection of steaks (I got the prime dry-aged ribeye, which was $110 but worth every penny), which can be dressed up with fixings like bearnaise sauce, salsa verde or horseradish cream. For dessert, don’t miss out on the baked Alaska.
There are 65 seats at The Georgian, including bar seating and several horseshoe-shaped, leather booths that wouldn’t look out of place on a “Mad Men” set. On the night I went, there was live piano music, and you can sometimes catch jazz singers at the Georgian Room as well.
The fitness center at The Georgian Hotel has everything you will need
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The Georgian’s fitness center is small but mighty. It’s accessible 24/7 with a room key and has everything a fitness-minded guest needs to keep their workout routine going. There are a couple of Pelotons, one running machine, yoga mats, dumbbells and kettlebells. After you’re done working up a sweat, you can cool off at the water station, which has a water dispenser filled with orange slices and herbs as well as a big stack of fluffy towels.
However, if working out indoors is not really your thing, keep in mind that The Georgian’s (fabulous) location means you have a wide variety of beach activities at your fingertips if “beach” is your job (like Ken). For example, you could paddleboard, surf, play volleyball, or bike or jog along the Strand. As part of the cost of your hotel stay, you can check out a beach cruiser (a type of bike made for leisurely outings along the beach) anytime. However, only six are available on the property, so it’s not a bad idea to call the front desk and reserve one in advance.
A healthy — and lovely — focus on the Californian arts
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The Georgian Hotel draws heavily on its past as a Santa Monica icon, and throughout the space, you’ll see tasteful callbacks to Californian artists and authors. For example, on the hotel’s ground floor, toward the back of the building, you’ll find the Library Lounge, a reading room stocked with books written by Los Angeles literary legends like Joan Didion and Eve Babitz.
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Across the hallway sits Gallery 33, a small event space and gallery dedicated to showcasing the works of established and up-and-coming artists. When The Georgian reopened in 2023, actress Sharon Stone held her first exhibition at Gallery 33. I visited in late September, and during my time at the hotel, a collection of works by Billy Zane (best known for his roles in movies like “Titanic,” “Back to the Future” and “Tombstone”) was on display in the gallery.
Is there a pool at The Georgian?
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There isn’t a pool at The Georgian Hotel, but the property is just a few minutes’ walk from the famed white sands of Santa Monica and the cool waters of the Pacific. To get to the beach, you must walk across Ocean Avenue, through the linear park and cross Highway 110 via a pedestrian bridge. This route will also take you to the Santa Monica Pier if you walk south on the Strand.
Since it is arguably one of the most famous beaches in the country, Santa Monica’s idyllic stretch of coastline is bustling with both locals and tourists nearly all times of year. However, guests can request for the hotel to arrange a custom beach picnic or beach lounge to be set up on the sand for them and up to 40 friends; pricing starts at $250 for a smaller party of two to four people. If you want to get up close and personal with the ocean — and really want to splash out some cash — you can rent a 65-foot-long Italian-designed Riva yacht and cruise around the Marina Del Rey Marina or take it as far as Malibu or even Catalina. The boat has three bedrooms and three bathrooms and can accommodate up to 12 people (prices start at an eye-watering $9,000).
Accessibility at The Georgian Hotel — could be difficult to navigate
Since The Georgian was built in 1933, any accessibility-conscientious accommodations have been retrofitted within the existing building. For example, the hotel’s front entrance involved walking up two small sets of stairs, so wheelchair users must enter the hotel from a separate side door with a wheelchair lift.
The elevators are a bit small, and wheelchair users may find that they’re a tight squeeze. There are two sets of elevators; one has a modern automatic door while the other is manual — you will likely need someone to help you open and close the door. The elevators are also older and move slowly, and you can sometimes wait up to 10 minutes. Braille signage is also available in public areas.
There are also five accessible rooms and suites at The Georgian, which are outfitted with features such as grab rails, visual alarms, shower seats, door knockers and phone alerts.
Reasons why The Georgian Hotel might not be for you
- If you are a wheelchair user or need accessibility accommodations, you will have options at the hotel. However, you may find it hard to use the elevators and will also have to use a separate entrance to enter and exit the building. It will also be a bit more difficult to access the beach from the hotel — the shortest path to the beach and Santa Monica Pier involves crossing a pedestrian bridge over the 110 Highway. However, you can also reach the Pier by walking two blocks south and crossing the footbridge, which is much more level, albeit crowded.
- The hotel and its restaurants are admittedly pricey, but you will get great service, superb food and easy access to most of Santa Monica’s most popular attractions.
- There is no on-property spa.
- There isn’t an on-site pool — but you’re just steps away from the Santa Monica beach.
- The elevators are on the slow side, and one has a manual door that you need to open and close yourself.
- If you want to eat at the famed Georgian Room, you must make reservations in advance. Be aware that you are not allowed to take photos inside the restaurant.
Checking out of The Georgian Hotel
In terms of location, it’s hard to beat The Georgian. Staying at the hotel puts you in the heart of all that Santa Monica is famous for: the Pier, the beach, mountain views, world-class restaurants and shopping.
Though it’s nearly 100 years old, The Georgian has been tastefully renovated with thoughtful Havana art deco-inspired design elements and modern amenities. Its obsession with all things California cool — Joan Didion, Old Hollywood, vinyl records — has revived its reputation as a favorite hangout for L.A.’s rich, famous and unabashedly beautiful. And though there are many places to get a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the surrounding neighborhood, the property’s two on-site restaurants and bar are worth a trip all on their own without a hotel reservation.
Keep in mind that everything The Georgian has to offer, from old-school glitz and glamor to a fantastic location, does come at a cost, and the smallest rooms at the property start at $550 per night. However, some pretty nice perks are included with the cost of a stay, including a complimentary glass of bubbly upon arrival and access to beach cruisers. Plus, if you reserve your stay with The Platinum Card from American Express, you will be able to enjoy even more luxe amenities like an early check-in time, late checkout time and a $100 credit you can use for experiences or at the on-site restaurants.
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