Fourteen years after co-founding the Californian city of Santa Monica in 1875, US Senator John Percival Jones built himself a Victorian-style mansion, Miramar (Spanish for ‘seaview’), as his family residence.
In 1921, the building became the Miramar Hotel, beloved by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Greta Garbo (she liked it so much she moved in for four years), Jean Harlow and Betty Grable (who used to perform in the lounge), and later by presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton.
Although the original wing of the hotel was demolished in 1939, the real joy is that the historic bungalows remain, scattered throughout the bougainvillea-scented gardens. Despite having been renovated many times over the years, the bungalows’ original design perseveres, as does a 1920s feel.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Today, after driving through the iron gates and up the sweeping driveway, guests are met by the gleaming Ocean Tower, standing 10 floors tall; an army of staff, and a vast fig tree. This 24m Moreton Bay Fig tree, planted in the 1880s, is a Santa Monica landmark, being the second largest of its kind in California and possibly the US.
It has a nice story, too: it’s said that an Aussie sailor didn’t have enough money to pay his tab in a nearby bar, so he settled it with a fig sapling, which the bartender then gave to the wife of Senator Jones.
The hotel’s fabulous bistro is named after the tree. Here, you’ll find a strong emphasis on sustainability and local ingredients, with an ever-changing seasonal menu, impressive wine list and the best American breakfasts.
There’s also an outdoor heated pool surrounded by palms, tropical flowers and ponds; a decadent spa, and a blow- dry bar.
And don’t miss The Bungalow, a sprawling, retro-style, surf-themed bar set in the grounds. A night here feels like a house party – if your house serves potent mezcal concoctions and has an outdoor bar and fire pit. One reason the Miramar has always been special is because of its location: one of California’s best beaches is only a pedestrian crossing away.
Since the hotel has bikes for guests, one of the best trips is to cycle down the boardwalk, taking in Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach and Venice Skatepark. With its high-end, slightly-retro resort vibe, you could almost be in a David Hockney pool painting. This hotel is just what a stay in LA should be: an endless summer where the Old-Fashioneds are always flowing and the ocean is steps away.
A Palisades King room starts from $540 per night. British Airways Holidays offers a seven-day fly-drive to Los Angeles,from £399 per person including return flights from Heathrow and car hire with Avis. Visit ba.com/avis*
-
September 13 editorial cartoonsCartoons Saturday's political cartoons include court-approved racial profiling and America's moral compass
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashionIn the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
-
Kim Jong Un’s triumph: the rise and rise of North Korea’s dictatorIn the Spotlight North Korean leader has strengthened ties with Russia and China, and recently revealed his ‘respected child’ to the world
-
Cameron House Resort & Spa: a luxurious lakeside havenThe Week Recommends This stunning five-star resort on the shores of Loch Lomond is perfect for a special Scottish getaway
-
Hyatt Regency Lisbon: a tranquil oasis in the historic district of BelémThe Week Recommends With its sprawling spa and prime location overlooking the River Tagus, this luxury hotel is a great place to escape the bustle of the city
-
Japan meets Italy at The Bulgari Hotel in TokyoThe Week Recommends Experience the peak of hospitality in an exclusive high-rise hotel in the heart of Tokyo
-
Valle dell'Erica Thalasso & Spa: a tranquil haven in SardiniaThe Week Recommends This family-friendly resort is steps from the sea and boasts a well-equipped kids' club
-
Friendship: 'bromance' comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim RobinsonThe Week Recommends 'Lampooning and embracing' middle-aged male loneliness, this film is 'enjoyable and funny'
-
Fowlescombe Farm: a luxurious retreat rooted in natureThe Week Recommends This historic working farm in south Devon is the perfect place to get back to basics
-
Bellagio: glitz and glamour on the Las Vegas StripThe Week Recommends Find la dolce vita in the Nevada desert at this luxurious hotel
-
Hotel La Duna Bianca: all-inclusive indulgence in northern SardiniaThe Week Recommends Set among the sand dunes of Badesi, this sprawling retreat is less a resort and more a self-contained luxury village
