You’ve probably driven past that massive, sprawling Moreton Bay Fig tree on the corner of Wilshire and Ocean Avenue a thousand times. It’s iconic. It’s a landmark. But most people don't realize that tucked behind the high-rise tower of the Fairmont Miramar lies a completely different world. It’s weird, honestly, how you can go from the buzzing energy of the Santa Monica Pier to a literal garden oasis in about three minutes. I’m talking about the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Bungalows.
These aren't just "hotel rooms." They’re something else entirely.
If you’re looking for a standard, cookie-cutter luxury stay, just book a suite in the main building. You’ll get a great view of the Pacific. But if you want to feel like you actually live in 1930s Southern California—back when Hollywood stars retreated to the coast to hide from the paparazzi—the bungalows are the only way to go. There are 31 of them. Each one is unique. It’s a strange, beautiful mix of mid-century glamour and modern coastal living that shouldn't work as well as it does.
The History You’re Actually Staying In
The Miramar has been around since 1889, starting as a private estate for John P. Jones, the founder of Santa Monica. He called it "Miramar," which basically means "view of the sea." Original. But the magic didn't really start until the bungalows were added.
Think about the people who have walked these paths. Greta Garbo lived here for years. Jean Harlow stayed here. Even Marilyn Monroe. When you walk through the garden to get to your front door, you’re literally walking in the footsteps of cinema royalty. It doesn’t feel like a museum, though. It feels like a neighborhood. A very, very expensive neighborhood where someone leaves fresh towels and expensive bottled water in your living room every day.
The bungalows underwent a massive $21 million renovation not too long ago, led by designer Michael Smith. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the guy who redesigned the Oval Office for the Obamas. He didn’t just "refresh" the rooms; he leaned into that "California Cottage" aesthetic. Lots of blues, creams, and organic textures.
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What It’s Actually Like Inside
Let’s be real: most "luxury" hotels feel a bit cold. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Bungalows are the opposite.
You enter through a private gate. There’s no lobby buzz here. Just the sound of the wind in the palm trees and maybe the distant clink of a glass from FIG Restaurant. The bungalows range from studio styles to massive three-bedroom setups. If you’re traveling with a family or a group of friends who want to pretend they’re in a Sofia Coppola movie, the bi-level bungalows are the move.
The bathrooms are massive. We’re talking marble everything and Le Labo Rose 31 scents everywhere. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time in the room rather than just using it as a base camp for the beach.
One thing people often miss? The private patios.
Every bungalow has some sort of outdoor space. Some are tucked behind lush hedges for total privacy, while others overlook the pool. There is something specifically "Santa Monica" about sitting on a private terrace at 7:00 AM with a coffee, watching the fog roll off the ocean, while the rest of the city is still asleep.
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The "Village" Vibe
Staying in the bungalows gives you access to the Miramar’s "secret" ecosystem. You’re not just a guest; you’re a resident of this tiny, gated community.
- The Bungalow (the bar): Yes, it’s named after the rooms. It’s one of the most famous nightlife spots in LA. If you’re a guest, you don’t have to wait in that massive line wrapping around the block. You just walk over. It feels like a house party at a wealthy friend’s beach house, complete with pool tables and fire pits.
- Barbershop at the Miramar: It’s a real, old-school barbershop. It’s tucked away, masculine, and does incredible straight-razor shaves.
- Exhale Spa: Most people go for the massages, but the yoga classes held outside are where it’s at.
- Dog-Friendly Living: This is huge. The Miramar is incredibly pet-friendly. You’ll see people walking their dogs through the bungalow gardens all day. It adds to that "home" feeling.
Why People Get It Wrong
A common misconception is that the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Bungalows are just part of the hotel. Technically, yes. But the experience is a total 180 from the main tower.
In the tower, you’re in a high-end urban hotel. You have elevators. You have hallways. You have noise from the street. In the bungalows, you have a front door that opens to a garden. You have vaulted ceilings. You have peace.
If you’re sensitive to noise, though, be careful which one you book. The bungalows closest to "The Bungalow" bar can get a little lively on Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for one closer to the interior of the property or the north side. The staff is usually pretty good about "matchmaking" guests with the right bungalow based on their vibe.
The Logistics of a Luxury Stay
Let’s talk money. This isn't a budget stay. Not even close. You’re paying for the privacy, the history, and the fact that you can walk to the Third Street Promenade in five minutes but feel like you’re on a private island.
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Rates fluctuate wildly based on the season. During the summer or around the holidays, expect to pay a massive premium. If you can swing a mid-week stay in October or November, you get the best of both worlds: perfect SoCal weather and slightly more reasonable pricing. Plus, the marine layer (that thick morning fog) is less of an issue in the fall.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning to book a stay at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Bungalows, don't just click "reserve" on the first thing you see.
- Call and ask for a specific bungalow number. Bungalow one is legendary—it's the one Marilyn Monroe supposedly favored. Bungalow 24 is great for privacy.
- Utilize the house car. The hotel has a BMW house car service that will drop you off anywhere within a two-mile radius. Don't bother Ubereing to Montana Avenue for shopping; just have the hotel drive you.
- Eat at FIG, but do it early. They have a "FIG at Five" happy hour where almost everything on the menu is half off. It’s one of the best culinary deals in the city, especially for the quality of the farm-to-table food.
- Walk the Fig tree. It sounds cheesy, but spend five minutes under that 140-year-old tree. It’s one of the largest of its kind in California. It’s a weirdly grounding experience before you head out into the chaos of LA.
- Check the event calendar. The Miramar often hosts outdoor movie nights or special pop-up markets in the courtyard. These are usually free for guests and are way better than the standard tourist traps on the pier.
The Fairmont Miramar isn't trying to be the newest, flashiest hotel in Los Angeles. It doesn't need to be. It has a gravity to it that the glass-and-steel towers in Downtown or West Hollywood just can't replicate. It’s about the smell of jasmine in the evening, the sound of the ocean, and the feeling that you’ve found a loophole in the middle of a frantic city.
Stay in the tower if you want a view. Stay in the bungalows if you want a soul.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of a stay at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Bungalows, start by identifying your priority: is it total seclusion or being near the action? Contact the hotel's concierge at least two weeks before arrival to secure reservations at FIG or to request a specific bungalow layout. If you are traveling with pets, ensure you notify them in advance so they can prep the "Pet Amenities" (yes, they have those). Finally, check the local Santa Monica event calendar; if there is a major festival at the Pier, traffic around the hotel will be difficult, so plan your arrival for mid-day to avoid the gridlock.