Hotel Review Fairmont Miramar, Los Angeles/USA
Los Angeles/USA. Research Stay.
The Location
Located on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, the Fairmont Miramar is just a stone’s throw from the mighty Pacific Ocean. To be more precise: You only have to cross the street once and you’re already immersed in Santa Monica’s beach life. The famous pier is also a 10-minute walk away. Depending on the traffic (which is of course always a thing in LA), it takes about 40 minutes by car to get to LAX.
In the immediate vicinity you will find some hip restaurants such as Massilia, where you can have an excellent breakfast – we recommend the avocado toast – or enjoy the happy hour on weekdays between 4 and 6 pm. If you’re looking for shopping opportunities, you’ll find them on the Third Street Promenade. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Fairmont, the pedestrian mall offers all kinds of beautiful merchandise.
Style & Character
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows is one of the top addresses in the luxury segment in Santa Monica. On the one hand, it is divided into the 10-story Ocean Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the ocean. On the other hand, the historic Palisades Wing houses guest rooms on 6 floors. For more than 100 years, the iconic hotel has been a retreat of the highest order. Celebrities such as J.F.K., Marylin Monroe and Greta Garbo have appreciated the Miramar’s amenities. The garden bungalows date from the 1930s and the tower from 1950, but everything is modernly renovated and up to date.
The entrance is imposing. Thus, guests enter the 5-acre estate through a noble wrought-iron gate, reminiscent of English aristocratic residences of past centuries. The entrance area is adorned by a branching giant tree, which is colorfully illuminated at night. Inside, you’ll find the more modest lobby, which continues into the elegant Lobby Lounge. Here you should treat yourself to a drink on occasion and watch the hotel hustle and bustle in a relaxed manner.
Amenities & Service
The extremely professional staff is ready to fulfill every wish. And that 24 hours a day. Thus, automatic valet parking is provided for guests. There is a charge for the parking itself. Considering the often tedious traffic and space situation in Los Angeles, this is an offer you should accept if you are traveling by car.
Those looking for the right evening outfit will find what they are looking for in the complex. On the one hand, a barbershop offers its services, and on the other hand, a ladies’ hairdresser. In addition, there is the possibility to stock up on exclusive jewelry and swimwear in the resort, or to have your own clothes cleaned on site.
The highlight is the award-winning exhale©Spa & Gym. This offers everything the relaxation-seeking heart desires: from yoga and fitness classes to massages and high-quality facial treatments, there is something for all guests. A visit to the palm-fringed outdoor pool rounds off the experience perfectly.
Rooms
The 297 beautiful rooms each have a marble-tiled bathroom, a large TV, plenty of high-end designer toiletries, and well-tempered air conditioning. Depending on the room’s location, most also offer balconies with either ocean and beach views or views of the rear garden. Special needs are also catered for, with allergy bedding and blackout curtains included as standard.
Mineral water and coffee are provided free of charge. Well, free doesn’t quite apply, since, as is usual in the U.S., you have to pay an additional “resort fee” for exactly those extras. But it is still practical.
Food & Drinks
Hotels in the United States rarely offer breakfast combos. Neither does the Miramar. Yet you do have the option of eating the first meal of the day here. In fact, there are two ways to do this. Either at Dogtown Coffee or at Fig Restaurant. The former, like a coffee shop, primarily offers coffee and snacks, which you can get quickly. In the latter, however, you can have an excellent brunch. In addition to the aforementioned brunch, the dinner at Fig is a highlight. Californian cuisine at a good level, great service and exciting collaborations such as the Veuve Clicquot© burger are sure to please.
However, if you are more in the mood for sushi, you should visit Soko. This is a sushi bar with a view directly onto the sea. Alternatively, the raw fish is also prepared and served in The Bungalow in a very digestible way. So you don’t have to go hungry at all.
What we love
There are a few things! The hotel even made it to our “Top 5 of 2022” List. First, the location. You’re right on the beach and the pier, yet it’s quieter than, say, bustling Venice Beach. The service. First and foremost our waiter Michael, who made a nice evening even better with his courteous and charming manner. And last but not least: We met Arnie (you know, the one from Terminator) at breakfast! Who can say that about himself? Well, maybe we met him less than we saw him. But still, he was in the same room just a few tables away. For you this means: just keep your eyes open, maybe you’ll soon be sitting next to a celebrity.
What we didn’t love that much
Our room was not ready upon arrival, although we arrived just under an hour after check-in time. We have bridged the longer waiting time on our own initiative with a drink in the pretty garden. It would have been appropriate for the noble setting to assign us a seat with a welcome drink and not let us stand around a bit lost.
Bottom Line
The Miramar offers discerning travelers all the desirable amenities. Business travelers in particular will feel at home here, along with couples. Families with children, on the other hand, benefit from the fact that they stay in their parents’ room free of charge until 17, provided that no additional bedding is required.
Top-Tipp
Around Halloween, there are dedicated happy hours at Miramar and a big celebration with strong drinks and lots of dressing up in the garden pub offsite.
Information & Booking: www.fairmont-miramar.com
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Last Visit: October 2022. You’ve been here and would like to add something? Let us know in the comments below!
