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FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS

The Miramar Journey

our Story

For more than a century, The Miramar has stood at the heart of Santa Monica’s story. What began as Senator John P. Jones’s seaside estate in the late 1800s became, in 1921, a hotel that would welcome Hollywood’s golden age, visiting dignitaries, and generations of travelers drawn west. Beneath the canopy of the historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree, The Miramar continues to honor its origins while remaining one of Santa Monica’s most recognized coastal landmarks.

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1875

John P. Jones, a former Nevada senator and silver mining magnate, arrived in West Los Angeles with plans to build a railroad to transport his fortune to the San Francisco Mint. Instead, alongside his partner Robert Baker, he purchased seaside land and co-founded the city of Santa Monica.

Together with his wife Georgina, Jones built Santa Monica’s first home, naming it The Miramar, meaning “view of the sea.” During their time there, they welcomed notable figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Mark Twain, and other prominent guests of the era.

1920s - 1930s

The prosperity of the 'Roaring Twenties' turned Santa Monica into a popular seaside resort. In 1921, Gilbert Stevenson bought Jones' property and converted it into a hotel, soon adding the 6-story Palisades Wing for long-term stay guests.

 

By 1932, The Great Depression forced a sale, Jones' original home was removed, and seaside bungalows and swimming pool were added.

1950s - 1960s

In 1959, the Miramar’s ten-story Ocean Tower Building was built. For years it remained one of the tallest buildings in town and gave many Santa Monica visitors the chance to enjoy the view that first captivated Senator Jones. A new swimming pool was also built and Cary Grant was soon floating across it with Doris Day in scenes from the movie, “That Touch of Mink”.

1980s

The Miramar’s proximity to Hollywood became even more of an asset in the 1980s. During this decade, the Santa Monica luxury hotel was used as a filming location for iconic television shows such as Dallas, Hart to Hart, Starsky and Hutch, Knot’s Landing, and many more.

2000s and Beyond

By 2000, the hotel was flagged by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. In 2006, tech titan Michael Dell's MSD Capital bought the hotel, starting a 15 year modernization which introduced FIG Restaurant, the Spa, The Bungalow, Dogtown Coffee and Soko.

Hollywood’s Golden Age

In the 20's & 30's, Miramar attracted Hollywood's brightest starlets - Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Claudette Colbert, Jean Simmons - for Swing and Big Band entertainment. Some even moved into the Palisades Wing - Greta Garbo stayed for four years.

Awards

Our world-class hotel is an award-winning seaside sanctuary global travelers simply cherish.

  • U.S. News & World Report Rankings 2025: Best Hotels in Santa Monica (#2)

  • MICHELIN Key Hotel Awards 2025: One MICHELIN Key

  • The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 Travel Awards: The Best Hotels in Southern California (#6)

  • Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards: 15 Favorite Hotels in Los Angeles (#14)

  • Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards: The Best Hotels in the World & Southern California

  • U.S. News & World Report: 2024 Best Hotels in Santa Monica

The Story of Our Fig Tree

More than a century ago, an Australian sailor carried a small fig sapling ashore into a Santa Monica bar. Unable to settle his tab, he offered the plant to the bartender in lieu of payment. With no use for it, the bartender passed the sapling to Mrs. Jones, wife of Senator John P. Jones, who had built the original Miramar as a family estate. It was then planted by the estate’s gardener, W.H. Lee, among a collection of rare and exotic plantings, taking root and growing into the iconic fig tree that still stands today.

our commitment to the future

Sustainable Responsibility

With California leading the nation in environmental stewardship, we're proudly committed to sustainability and have been awarded a Four-Green Key Eco-Rating. Our earth-first programs include food composting, elimination of single-use plastic, water filtration systems, and EV charging stations. Saving water, electricity, methane and carbon emissions, and landfill while beautifying the hotel.

Experiences, Year-Round

Discover the latest happenings at Fairmont Miramar, where each gathering is thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of the coast. From hands-on culinary experiences and sommelier-led tastings to seasonal celebrations and family-friendly moments, our calendar offers something for every guest.

Discover Activities

EXPLORE THE CALIFORNIA COAST WITHOUT COMPROMISE

With stylish rooms and Bungalows, enjoy five restaurants & bars, a gorgeous spa and resort pool, moments from surfing, cycling, volleyball and shopping. Minutes from the havens of Malibu, Marina Del Rey and Beverly Hills, Santa Monica’s most timeless luxury resort perfects the art of creating everlasting memories of coastal California's best destinations.

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