
Freehand Los Angeles
Best for nightlife, rooftop views, and a central Downtown LA base near museums and venues.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Freehand Los Angeles is a downtown, design-forward hotel with a rooftop pool and an active food-and-drink scene—good for travelers who want nightlife, events, and city views. Casa Del Mar is a historic oceanfront luxury hotel in Santa Monica—best for travelers who prioritize beachfront access, a full-service spa, and a quieter seaside setting.
Updated · about 15–16 miles apart

Best for nightlife, rooftop views, and a central Downtown LA base near museums and venues.

Best for direct beach access, ocean-facing rooms, and a classic Santa Monica luxury stay.
When Freehand Los Angeles wins: choose Freehand if you want to be in the heart of Downtown LA, prefer a rooftop pool and an acclaimed cocktail bar (Broken Shaker), and value proximity to entertainment, museums, and transit.
When Casa Del Mar wins: choose Casa Del Mar if your priority is a beachfront address, ocean or coastal-view rooms, on-site spa services, and a quieter, resort-style pace in Santa Monica.
Bottom line: Freehand is an energetic downtown option centered on food, drink, and city scenes; Casa Del Mar is a traditional oceanfront luxury hotel focused on beach access, comfort, and full-service amenities.
| Category | Freehand Los Angeles | Casa Del Mar |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Energetic, design-forward Downtown hotel with nightlife and event spaces | Historic, formal oceanfront luxury hotel focused on seaside comfort |
| Location | Downtown Los Angeles, near Crypto.com Arena, museums and transit | Santa Monica beachfront, steps from Santa Monica Beach and near the Pier |
| Size (rooms) | 226 rooms | 129 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages; minimum guest age to check in is 18 (adult responsible) | All-ages (not adults-only) |
| Pools / beach access | Rooftop outdoor pool with 360° city views (pool hours listed) | Outdoor pool plus direct access to Santa Monica Beach (beachfront) |
| Restaurants & bars | Four on-site venues incl. The Exchange restaurant, Exchange Coffee Co., Rudolph’s Bar & Tea, and Broken Shaker rooftop bar | Two restaurants and a bar/lounge; 24-hour room service available |
| Wellness / spa | 24-hour fitness center; no standalone spa listed | Full-service spa offering massages and wellness treatments |
| Known for | Broken Shaker rooftop bar (award-recognized) and rooftop events | Historic oceanfront location and classic luxury hotel service |
| Event & meeting spaces | Multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces including rooftop (large capacities) | Conference space and one meeting room plus banquet facilities |
| Distance between properties | about 15–16 miles west by road from Downtown LA to Santa Monica | |
Freehand sits in the historic Commercial Exchange Building in Downtown Los Angeles, close to cultural institutions and entertainment venues.
Best if you want a central LA base for museums, shows and urban exploration.
Casa Del Mar is located directly on Ocean Way in Santa Monica, a short walk to the beach and Santa Monica Pier.
Best if beachfront access and seaside walking routes matter more than a central city location.
Freehand’s rooms mix private Kings, Studios and Suites in a restored 1924 building with design-driven interiors.
Rooms skew toward urban design and skyline views rather than beachfront outlooks.
Casa Del Mar’s rooms emphasize ocean or coastal views and classic luxury touches.
Rooms are geared toward seaside comfort and ocean views; suites often include living space.
Freehand’s on-site food-and-drink scene supports social nightlife and casual dining throughout the day.
Choose Freehand if you want lively bars and a rooftop cocktail scene as part of your stay.
Casa Del Mar provides a more traditional hotel dining program with multi-course options and room service.
Pick Casa Del Mar for relaxed seaside dining and in-room meal service.
Freehand’s rooftop pool is a city-facing amenity tied to the Broken Shaker bar and events.
Good if you prefer a skyline pool experience and a social rooftop scene.
Casa Del Mar combines an outdoor pool with immediate access to Santa Monica Beach.
Ideal for guests who prioritize beach time and ocean views over urban poolside nightlife.
Freehand emphasizes fitness and nightlife over a traditional spa program.
Good for travelers who want to work out at any hour and enjoy an active nightlife.
Casa Del Mar offers a full-service spa and a calmer evening atmosphere.
Choose Casa Del Mar for spa treatments and a quieter, beach-oriented evening experience.

Freehand — rooftop Broken Shaker, regular DJ sets and multiple lively bars make it the stronger pick for evening activity.

Casa Del Mar — direct walk to Santa Monica Beach and seaside rooms put you steps from the ocean.

Casa Del Mar — offers a full-service spa and a quieter, resort-style environment.

Freehand — large rooftop event space and multiple indoor/outdoor venues suit weddings, receptions and private events.
Casa Del Mar is beachfront and steps from Santa Monica Beach; Freehand Los Angeles is in Downtown LA, roughly 15–16 miles inland.
Casa Del Mar lists a full-service spa offering massages. Freehand LA has a 24-hour fitness center but no standalone spa listed.
Yes. Both properties welcome children; Freehand requires the lead guest to be 18 and notes family-friendly room options.
Freehand Los Angeles — it centers nightlife around Broken Shaker rooftop bar and several on-site venues, whereas Casa Del Mar offers a quieter bar and dining experience.
Explore how Freehand Los Angeles stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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