

Since Michael Dell acquired the property in 2006, the Fairmont has transformed into the one of the buzziest hotels in Santa Monica. The 196 guest rooms in the main Ocean Tower and 94 suites in the historic Palisades wing completed a fresh renovation in 2014 by Lynda Murray, and the 32 poolside bungalows were redone by renowned interior designer Michael Berman in early 2016. Brent Bolthouse’s beach side lounge, Bungalow, is perennially packed, and the restaurant Fig is perfect for grabbing a bite after a yoga class at the onsite Exhale. (Rooms, from $450)