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Aparthotel Palihouse Santa Monica, Los Angeles

1001 3rd Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90403, USA (show on map)

Expert reviews

CNN review:

“It’s easy to feel like a local at the Palihouse, a elegant boutique hotel tucked away in a leafy, residential corner of Santa Monica. Its roomy, apartment-style residences make for a glamorous home away from home.”

Lonely Planet review:

“LA’s grooviest hotel brand (not named Ace) occupies the 38 rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments of the 1927 Spanish Colonial Embassy Hotel, with antique-meets-hipster-chic style.”

Telegraph review:

“This elegantly quirky hotel, which has the title of a Santa Monica Historic Landmark, combines history with one of the best addresses in town.”

Guest rating

This an aggregated customer review rating of Aparthotel Palihouse Santa Monica, Los Angeles. We have taken customer review ratings from hotel booking sites, search engines, the official hotel website and other travel platforms. This is the average of all those ratings. We only list places that have a customer review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5.0

4.4 out of 5.0

Ranked 11th in Los Angeles

174£154$215¥22790C$167A$167HK$1683S$283SFr202¥1365kr1773kr1298kr1674

What guests liked

All you need to know

Formerly known as The Embassy Hotel Apartments, the Palihouse Santa Monica is a boutique beach lodge ideally situated in Santa Monica. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the hotel is only a few minutes’ walk away from key attractions such as the Third Street Promenade, Farmer’s Market and the Santa Monica Pier.

This hotel has been in continuous operation since 1927 and this rich past is apparent in the Moorish-influenced Mediterranean Revival Architecture. The hotel existed when Santa Monica was the last Los Angeles rail stop! Even though it has a few years on it, the property has been methodically maintained. This careful upkeep has given it a renowned status as its elegant exterior ornamentation, lush courtyards and gracious lobby continue to attract visitors from all over the globe.

The hotel is stylish but low key and offers plenty of space for relaxing with a cup of tea and enjoying a meal. The classically decorated rooms feature a 40-inch flat-screen cable TV, work desk, a seating area, guest bathrobes and ironing facilities. Guests can even book a spacious studio or suite with a fully equipped kitchen. Any guest looking to expand his horizons and stay and at a non-traditional hotel, will love vacationing here.

Hotel Details
— 38 rooms
— Opened in 1927
— Modern Mediterranean style

Hotel Features
— Free WiFi
— Beach nearby
— Restaurant
— Garden
— Room service
— Private and street parking
— Business Facilities
— 24-hour front desk
— Concierge service
— Luggage storage
— Child care services available
— Pets allowed on request
— Bicycle rental

Additional Info
— Check in begins at 3:00 PM
— Check out ends at 11:00 AM

Address
1001 3rd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA.

 

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Location

Recent guest reviews

2.5
Matthias

25 September 2025

Great potential but not worth the money in it’s current state

Great Location and Garden

Property was only superficially refurbished. It’s essentially a very old building with only a few fixes. Paint came off walls in the bathroom, the carpet was very dusty and not clean. Breakfast was a mixed bag. My crossaint tasted quite old and I asked the waitress about it: she responded that they would only get them on Saturdays and warm them up - meaning that I had a 4 day old (!) crossaint

1.0
Claudia

23 September 2025

It seemed to be in a ghost house.

Garden

Everything else. It’s extremely run down and need great maintenance work . Awful sewage smell . Absolutely not a 4 star. Barely 3

2.0
Maria

19 September 2025

Poor

it was dirty, it smelled like pee in the room. the shower was not working. they should have floor tiles if they want to accept dogs/cats in the property

1.0
Mike

2 September 2025

What a dump. This is not boutique this is plain dump

Nice building

Old, smelly, dirty. Unhelpful staff

3.0
Chris

25 July 2025

Lovely old hotel with a lot of character

Old historic hotel with a lot of character and lively decor

A bit Expensive. Not just the room and *ahem* “resort fee”, but ancillary charges were kinda obscene. $7 water, $6 for a small KitKat. If im paying $14 for coffee, I expect cream. You have to request housekeeping and towels, even on a longer stay. Staffing is pretty lean. It’s a premium price and a mid-level product.

5.0
Sofía

24 July 2025

Palihouse Santa Monica is a complete experience

Palihouse Santa Monica is a complete experience. A house that feels like home. The rooms are delicately decorated, and the country-house atmosphere is felt from the moment you enter, with its garden, reception furniture, books, bar, and fireplace. We had a room with a view of the garden that made us feel, for a moment, as if we lived in that dreamlike place. The location is just a few blocks from the Santa Monica Pier. The area is very quiet, with friendly neighbors, and both the neighborhood and the hotel are extremely pet-friendly. They were very thoughtful with our pet, providing a little bed, food bowls, and treats. We will definitely be coming back very soon.

Everything good.

2.0
Sonia

29 June 2025

This hotel feels old, musty, and neglected, lacking the charm and comfort one might hope for.

The only good thing about this hotel was the staff.

Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the charm of this hotel – in my opinion, it smells musty, it’s not very clean, old, stuffy, and unfortunately far from cozy. It really needs to be refreshed and aired out, because while you can definitely feel the passage of time there, it’s not in a charming or nostalgic way.

3.0
Karen

18 June 2025

Pleasant

Lovely lobby with comfortable seating ate and a small inclosed garden.

5.0
Joseph

19 May 2025

Exceptional

Needs USB charging ports

3.0
Carlotta

10 May 2025

Pleasant

Really needs some renovations not just cosmetic touch ups. No hotel facilities to speak of, like a bar cafe or even reception area

3.0
Russell

4 May 2025

It was alright, but not worth the price

The outside and lobby

The room and beds

5.0
Janet

21 February 2025

Visiting our daughter, Palihouse is close to her, the beach and fun things to do!

Breakfast was enjoyed on the back patio, and the staff person was friendly, efficient, and welcoming. Overall great experience at the Palihouse!

All good!

5.0
Mamaflowers

19 February 2025

I want to move right in

The location was fantastic. Quiet, and walkable to many places.

I wish our stay was longer

5.0
Susanne

12 January 2025

Exceptional

The history and charm and quiet neighborhood location. The staff was wonderful. The dog bed and treats were a thoughtful touch.

3.0
Moira

1 January 2025

Lovely old building and great location

Interesting decor and art works: Lovely lounge reception area and front gardens.

Pretty thin walls and floors. Could hear everything in the next room and they were rowdy so spoiled our stay

5.0
Susan

30 December 2024

Very nice vintage hotel, like a Wes Anderson movie set.

We were there Christmas week. They had comlimentary coffee and pastries Christmas eve and day. This hotel allows dogs. Next time we will bring ours! The grounds are very nice. Bocce ball out front was fun! Close to the Getty Villa which is a good place to visit. The hotel itself is a short walk to the beach; we were there visiting family closeby so didn't have time to go.

Initally we were booked in a bottom floor, corner room. The traffic noise kept us awake at night. We are light sleepers. The next morning we asked to me moved to a quieter room. The staff was very receptive to our request. We moved to the third floor and it was much quieter.

5.0
Rami

11 December 2024

Hidden paradise

Very peaceful and beautiful garden

Only two staff.

5.0
Carl

14 November 2024

Exceptional

Amazing style and generously sized rooms

5.0
Lara

11 November 2024

Loved the gardens, old world vibe and the staff was top notch

Loved the vibe and location

Thought the gym would have a bit more equipment

5.0
Andrew

2 November 2024

Character and positive vibes

Property was beautiful with a lot of character. All of the staff were wonderful, genuine people. Huge room. Complimentary upgrade to the penthouse suite. Definitely will be staying there again.

5.0
Clare

26 October 2024

Old-school luxury glam

Beautiful hotel, full of old school glam. The large garden was really welcoming and the cookies in reception were delicious. Really comfortable bed. You could borrow bikes to go for a cycle along the front. Perfect as a treat for the last couple of nights of our holiday.

5.0
Patricia

3 September 2024

Amazing stay

Super nice hotel, amazing and big rooms. Felt like at home. Staff super friendly!

5.0
Nicola

21 August 2024

Thank you Palihouse for being special, warm , inviting and welcoming. I always feel at home here!

Love the vibe! Great place! Feels like home away from home!

Nothing

5.0
Marianna

22 July 2024

Exceptional

The property is very nice, the rooms are spacious and very nicecely decorated. I would definitely stay there again. Staff was very nice and helpful

5.0
Amelia

7 July 2024

Unique, luxurious stay by the beach.

It was absolutely stunning, a very unique building, incredible comfortable and had everything I needed.

Nothing

4.0
Simon

21 November 2023

Nice room close to the beach

The hotel is amazing! The room are very cosy and quite retro but very clean and nice. The hotel was very quiet.

The room are quite old and the window let some air in but that wasn't a problem.

4.5
David

21 October 2023

Would use Palihouse again if returning to the West coast.

Quirky, chilled, pleasant change to ‘corporate’ hotels. Friendly, helpful staff.

Nothing - lack of on-site Bar & Restaurant wasn’t an issue for us. Location is only short stroll from ‘Downtown’ Santa Monica

4.5
Patricia

19 October 2023

Loved it. Would come back.

Beautiful old hotel in heart of Santa Monica.

No breakfast until 9.

4.0
John

16 October 2023

Very good

Loved it ....the furniture could use and upgrade....

4.0
Yoann

3 October 2023

Fairly good stay

The vibe, the location

The smell in the room, the bathroom tub and sink were old and cracked

4.0
Helen

28 August 2023

what we'd hoped it would be.

it's stylish and quirky and exactly what we wanted. Location was great also. It just feels different from large hotels and I loved the history. We loved having lunch in the gardens.

4.0
Donald

23 July 2023

Very good

Location

Nothing

4.5
Elizabeth

18 July 2023

Fabulous

The staff were lovely. I'd slept the night before in my car so I was in need of a little care and a nice bed.

3.5
Jill

11 July 2023

Met expectations, not super. Room decor too random, FNB lacking.Dangerously uneven sidewalk.

Location good, food good.

More dining options (menu.) Lunch service. Wine/champagne or bar. Savory pm snacks.

4.0
Claudia

6 July 2023

Beautiful and comfortable stay

Beautiful building and decoration, on a perfect location to explore Santa Monica. Bed was very comfortable and room very clean. It felt like staying on a nice house from the early 1900’s. Got upgraded to a suit which was a nice touch by the staff

Not great value for money, paid approx USD 1400 for 3 nights on a king bedroom. For that money they could offer complimentary filter water, instead only 13 dollars water bottle was available. Valet Parking at usd 55++

4.0
Maria

7 June 2023

great location, walking distance to all local restaurants and shops as well as the beach.

great location friendly staff, small boutique hotel.

no coffee making facilities. charged for coffee when served downstairs and brought up to room. charge for bottled water in the room, $13 would be nice to have the option of a jug of tap water on the bed room daily.

3.5
Susan

31 May 2023

Pretty on the outside but dark inside

the outside was very pretty and had a lovely garden you could sit in, the manager was excellent very helpful.

The lift was from another century, the bathrooms were incredibly small, it was an old building so very dark inside.

4.0
Maria

24 April 2023

Very relaxing and enjoyable.

I enjoyed the salmon choice for breakfast. The gardens and courtyard were lovely. The open fire that was lit in the lounge /dinning area, was most welcome, so relaxing. The location in a quiet residential area was perfect, with a 10 min walk to mall or beach.

It would be nice if they could get a liquor licence.One could enjoy a glass of wine there. The residential location makes it difficult to get one. Everything else was more than acceptable.

4.0
Sarah

2 April 2023

Great stay in Los Angeles!

The location is perfect, close to the beach but in a quiete area. Also close to the main attractions in town. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The rooms are fairly big and clean. The beds are comfortable. Good breakfast albeit a bit pricy. The hotel in itself is very charming and well decorated!

For some reason they charge an extra 100$ per night for incidents and supposedly you get your money back if you don't use it but I haven't received the full invoice yet 3 days after leaving. Also we only got one bathrobe even though we asked for a 2nd one many times. The elevator is very old and only goes to 3rd floor (we were on 4th). There was a lot of draft given that the window in the bathroom didn't close (we weren't really cold but the doors would close very abruptly) and I think how the hotel is designed too. You can hear a bit the room next to you as the walls/doors are thin.

4.0
Mary

21 January 2023

Very good

Quirky venue but very welcoming and comfortable. Excellent staff.

Perhaps another pot in the kitchen.and maybe microwave?

4.0
Hannah

2 January 2023

Good place to stay in Santa Monica

Beautiful & cosy property, good location, easy parking (valet) and nice snacks/food. We received an upgrade and room was nice and big. Bathrooms are small but clean and convenient. We rented some bikes from the hotel as well. Very fair value for money for LA/Santa Monica.

Service is fairly mediocre (i.e., lot of interactions with clueless people to be honest). Price for snacks/food is a bit too much for what it is.

4.5
Laura

28 November 2022

Fabulous

Good food, great amenities, cute rooms. The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating.

4.0
Kevin

26 November 2022

a well run hotel close to both the shopping and beach area

the eccentric decor and proximity to amenities

4.5
Yuriy

23 November 2022

Cool! definitely recommend, especially for the long stay- should be very comfortable like at home. believe me 👍

very big apartment with the well equipped kitchen, clothes rooms etc. nice breakfast. very interesting vintage design and building itself.

air conditioning has no hitting mode. there were some radiators but they didn’t work. i guess usually nothing of above needed in California, but those were really cold days when we were there and was not really comfortable.

4.5
Mary

20 October 2022

lovely

location and boutique

barista not available regularly

3.5
Fiona

19 October 2022

Great location - quirky hotel - limited facilities

Great location

Very limited food/bar facilities. Not great if you are travelling alone and want to eat at the hotel in the evening

4.5
Georgina

11 October 2022

Cool, historic building with beautiful quirky interiors and garden. Great location and super staff!

Breakfast wasn't included but available to order, which we did twice and really enjoyed, especially sitting in the lovely garden at the back. Loved the historic building, quirky interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Shame there was no alcohol license at the hotel, and no tea/coffee making facilities in the room. In light of this I feel that the bottled water should have been free and perhaps some of the in-room snacks (it wasn't clear that they would be charged for). Should have sheer curtains in the rooms as well as the normal ones as our room faced the front garden and was not private if the curtains were opened. Lovely view of the garden though!

4.5
Lyle

6 October 2022

Great building

The building is fantastic, loads of character. This does mean that there are some quirks such as the plumbing not being perfect and there are creaks from the flooring but if you like character this place is great. Lovely lounge area and gardens both front and back. All the staff were great, exceptionally friendly. Although the bed was small for a hotel, it must have been comfortable as neither I, or my wife woke up until much later than we usually would have.

Our room was missing the coffee machine which was a surprise to the staff when we told them and charging a coffee to the room incurred a $1 charge which would have been fine if that's what I wanted to do but I wanted to pay cash and they don't take cash.

3.5
Robert

1 October 2022

Good old times

The staff is excellent

Do you know a restaurant that was successful a long time ago and still operates like it was in the past: a place with 6 customers (average age 70), the waiter still does the flambeed pancakes at the table, The menu was not changed in 30 years. Well, that is this hotel. The exterior is beautiful, the staff is excellent but the rooms and the lobby are well outdated. The toilet was falling apart, the drain of the shower was blocked, the paint was peeling off the wall, The kitchenette was ready for a museum. Dark brown carpets with big flowers. I could go on. Don't get me wrong. We enjoyed our stay (mainly because of the staff) but that place needs an urgent upgrade

4.0
Maria

29 September 2022

beautiful hotel with classic old style but poor parking situation

very unique with a European feeling. enjoyed the ambiance and the large beautiful rooms, complete with kitchen and walk in closet plus separate vanity. wonderful welcoming space with so much character.

no parking on site! we got a parking ticket for $68! the valet is only there until 10:30 pm otherwise you have to find parking and all permit parking which is why we received a parking ticket.

Hotel facilities

Food & Drink

  • - Restaurant
  • - Breakfast in the room
  • - Special diet menus (on request)
  • - Kid meals (additional charge)
  • - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
  • - Fruits (additional charge)
  • - Coffee house on site

Reception services

  • - 24-hour front desk
  • - Luggage storage
  • - Concierge service
  • - Private check-in/check-out

Activities

  • - Fitness centre
  • - Massage (additional charge)
  • - Back massage
  • - Neck massage
  • - Foot massage
  • - Couples massage
  • - Head massage
  • - Hand massage
  • - Full body massage

Outdoors

  • - Garden
  • - Terrace
  • - Sun terrace
  • - Outdoor furniture

General

  • - Non-smoking rooms
  • - Family rooms
  • - Lift
  • - Safety deposit box
  • - Soundproof rooms
  • - Heating
  • - Allergy-free room
  • - Non-smoking throughout
  • - Air conditioning
  • - Grocery deliveries (additional charge)
  • - Pet bowls

Entertainment and family services

  • - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)

Cleaning services

  • - Laundry (additional charge)
  • - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
  • - Ironing service (additional charge)
  • - Trouser press (additional charge)
  • - Daily housekeeping

Business facilities

  • - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)

Miscellaneous

  • - Key access
  • - Key card access
  • - Security alarm
  • - Smoke alarms
  • - CCTV in common areas
  • - Fire extinguishers
  • - Breakfast takeaway containers
  • - Delivered food is securely covered
  • - Access to health care professionals
  • - Thermometers for guests provided by property
  • - Face masks for guests available
Check availability 174£154$215¥22790C$167A$167HK$1683S$283SFr202¥1365kr1773kr1298kr1674