The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is not just another hotel. This iconic property dates to the roaring ’20’s. Located off the famed Pacific Coast Highway, the hotel offers 302 rooms and 32 bungalows steps from the sun-drenched 3.5-mile-long Santa Monica Beach. The beautifully landscaped property of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows features one of the oldest and largest Moreton Bay Fig Trees, over 100 years old and 99 feet tall along its shaded flowering paths.
The rooms of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows have been recently updated in a decorative style that reflects the grandeur of California luxury. A variety of room sizes and suites are available in the main tower. Along with specialize suites featuring individualized décor, the property includes 32 private entrance bungalows that have undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation.
The bungalows were once a haven for the rising stars of Hollywood. Luminaries such as Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, and Jean Harlow sought solace and refugee in the privacy of the bungalows with garden paths and shaded pathways. Historic figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Charles Lindberg enjoyed the comfort and privacy offered in these bi-level, suite style private accommodations. In more modern times the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows hosted President John F. Kennedy and President Bill Clinton. The recent renovation of the 32 bungalows, restored them back to the grandeur of the 1930’s, including the sea-blue slate roofs.
Lobby
The expansive property of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows provides guests with secluded sitting areas, flowered garden paths, rose gardens as well as a well-maintained pool area surrounded by palm trees. This property has it all, privacy, gardens, fountains, sitting areas, and spectacular views of the surrounding Santa Monica Hills and the Pacific Ocean. When enjoying the sanctuary of the property, guests can enjoy 5 Star dining without leaving the idyllic surroundings of this manicured treasure.
FIG restaurant
We were delighted to get a chance to talk with Chef Yousef Ghalaini who is responsible for the success of FIG, the delicious seasonal Mediterranean bistro featuring wood-fired dishes with local ingredients. The atmosphere for dinner is lively. Chef Yousef Ghalaini explained the restaurant is popular with locals so it is always busy.
We enjoyed a wonderful meal with Chef Yousef helping us to choose from the huge variety of dishes.
Photo courtesy of FIG
One of the most popular dishes is the excellent Bread Balloon which comes with a variety of spreads – hummus, eggplant salad, muhamara ( a middle eastern red pepper dip) , warm curried lentils and labneh ( a yogurt cheese with cucumbers). You can order the bread with one spread or all of them. Definitely all of spreads would be recommended as each is so different from the others.
Photo courtesy of FIG
We started out with a lovely salad of grilled halloumi, local apples, pears, persimmons, and pomegranates. Such a refreshing start to what would be a great meal.
Photo courtesy of FIG
Next up were two incredible main dishes. One was the wood grilled whole fish tahini with ginger mignonette and charred broccoli which was excellent. The other fabulous dish was the slow cooked Colorado Lamb Pasta which was divine- strozzapretti with tender chunks of lamb and black garlic yogurt, fennel, mint and pita bread crumbs.
Photo courtesy of FIG
Also not to be missed is Eric’s Stash which is a great selection of artisan salumi and special cheeses from around the world.
All were memorable dishes and everything was excellent - a real foodie experience.
Photo courtesy of FIG
FIG also has a wonderful selection of Cocktails such as the Fig Old Fashioned with Markers Mark 46 Bourbon, House Made Fig Almond Syrup and Bitters. They have draft beers from local California breweries and a nice selection of wines and Champagnes. We enjoyed a lovely Pinot Noir FIG from Santa Maria Valley.
Be sure to check out “FIG at FIVE” – an everyday special with half off most menu items from 5pm-6pm.
Ideally situated steps from the 3.5-mile Santa Monica beach, visitors of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows can also meander to the historic sites. Santa Monica is home to the Santa Monica Pier, which features a 1920’s carousel, and the fabled Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The Santa Monica Pier provides entertainment for all ages and interests. The famous solar powered Ferris-wheel, lights up the night sky, as part of the family orientated amusement park. Along the pier you will find craft shops, pubs, restaurants, video games and even a trapeze school. Roller coaster fans can enjoy the view of the beach and Pacific Ocean as they travel the ups and downs of a wooden roller coaster.
Guests of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, can try out their fishing skills at the end of the Santa Monica Pier, a favorite spot for anglers since it opened more than 100 years ago. Let’s not forget that the Santa Monica Pier is the end of the line for Route 66, America’s most famous highway. The Santa Monica Pier will bring back a flood of memories even to those who have never visited it before. It was the filming location for over 20 Featured Films, 30 Television episodes, 20 Music Videos.
It you want to explore more while staying in the privacy and comfort of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica is home to a variety of museums, galleries and theatres offering performing arts, plays and concerts. The shopping areas of Santa Monica include the Third Street Promenade only two blocks from the beach which hosts local street performers, variety shops, and good old people watching. Santa Monica Place is for the serious shopper, a large mall featuring luxury stores and boutiques, such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Michael Kors. The Santa Monica Nightlife is expansive, including nightclubs, and specialty restaurants to cater to every taste.
When you finish exploring all that Santa Monica has to offer, you’ll be happy to open the door and settle into your luxury accommodations at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, at the center of it all in Santa Monica. Whether you chose a designer suite, a private bungalow or a well-appointed room, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows provides the comfort and privacy of a luxurious home away from home.
Spend time at the famous Exhale Spa featuring a variety of body massage, acupuncture, scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing, full body workouts, yoga and the services of a private trainer.
Bikes are offered for guests to take a ride along Ocean Avenue and beyond.
Or just enjoy the Santa Monica sunset.
Story by Daniel Dachille and Laine Page